COMMON SNAIL. 179 



proof of which it is recorded^ on undoubted authority, that 

 instances have occurred of snails, after having been shut 

 up in a torpid state for years, putting forth their heads in 

 full animation, when placed upon a fresh green leaf. 



The common snail pertains to a very numerous brother- 

 hood of moUnsks, which are more or less distributed 

 throughout the globe. They are destitute of feet, but the 

 want is obviated by such an arrangement of muscles and 

 fibres as renders them capable of a progressive and undu- 

 lating movement in any direction to which the will of the 

 animal determines. 



But why such an extraordinary combination to provide 

 for the security, and promote the comfort, of an obscure 

 mollusk ? Let the great truth be solemnly impressed on 

 our minds — God has made nothing in vain. It is a clue 

 that will safely conduct us through many of the intricate 

 mazes of the great labyrinth of nature, as far, at least, as it 

 is permitted for finite beings to explore them. In many 

 instances we are unable to comprehend the intentions of 

 the Deity with regard to the construction of his creatures ; 

 in others, their uses are so obvious that they cannot be 

 mistaken. The common chickweed, and the different 

 species which constitute the genus Helix, are apparently of 



N 2 



