254 IXTRODUCTIOX TO CONCHOLOGY. 



and then passes out for the express purpose of attaching 

 itself^ through a narrow longitudinal fissure ; it is moreover 

 confined within the aperture, — not free, as in Anomia. 



Anomice live also attached to rocks and marine sub- 

 stances by the aid of a muscular tendon passing through a 

 distinct orifice in the shell. This adhesive tendon secretes 

 a series of thin subcalcareous plates on the surface to which 

 it is affixed; and when these become amalgamated and 

 hardened, they form what has been called the stopper. 



Shells of this adhering species assume the shape of 

 whatever substance they come in contact with. If found on 

 a flat surface, they are well and regularly formed ; if, on the 

 contrary, upon the radiated valves of a Pecten, they are 

 ribbed accordingly ; and if confined between the spines of 

 an EcJiinus, they become compressed. This may probably 

 arise from the fact of the AnomicB being without an organ of 

 locomotion : they never move from their places of abode, but 

 live and die, Hke people of the olden time, wherever their lot 

 is cast. 



And yet, though tenaciously adhering to their stationary 

 or floating homes, these contented creatures see not a little 

 of the watery world : they are widely diffused throughout 

 the European, American, and African oceans, as well as in 



