CAP-LTMPETS. 213 



facilitate its adhesion to a rock or stone, and therefore not 

 necessary to its existence. But the Hipjionyces do not 

 alwaj^s exercise this property; they are frequently found 

 without the appendage, and when they adhere to other 

 shells, the same object is gained by a pecuhar power of 

 absorption. 



The shell of the Kipponyx is obliquely conoidal, cup- 

 shaped, and generally supported upon a solid testaceous 

 cup; both the shell and cup exhibit two muscular im- 

 pressions, rounded and connated in the form of a horse- 

 shoe. 



Members of the genus Fileopsis evidently become fixed 

 without the power of displacing themselves ; they resemble 

 the Hipponyces in being able to form suitable places of at- 

 tachment upon other shells, but they cannot deposit a 

 protecting cup or plate. 



A pleasant community of quiet creatures is thus en- 

 abled to colonize upon the rocks, safely mooring themselves 

 by means thus wonderfully assigned for their well-being, 

 and enjoying, it may be, with grateful hearts, the abundance 

 that is continually impelled within their reach. The tide 

 approaches, with its might of waters and dread sounds, but 

 they fear no ill ; the artillery of waves and winds is borne 



