TEREDO, OR SHIP-WORM. 179 



doubt but each is fitted exactly to its purpose. That 

 of the sturgeon is placed under the head, without 

 teeth, like the opening of a purse, which he has the 

 power of pushing suddenly out or retracting as he 

 pleases. Before this mouth, under the beak or nose, 

 hang four tendrils, some inches long, so strongly re- 

 sembling earth-worms, that his prey is deceived by 

 them, and approaching too near, he seizes and devours 

 it. The teredo, or ship-worm, feeds upon wood, for 

 which its calcareous jaws are admirably adapted. 

 They frequently attack the keels of ships, and force 

 their way so successfully into them as to endanger 

 their safety. They bore their passage in the direc- 

 tion of the fibres of the wood, and cannot return or 

 pass obliquely ; consequently, a knot is fatal to them. 

 Between the years 1731 and 1732, these minute in- 

 vaders caused gi'eat alarm to the inhabitants of the 

 United Provinces, by their numbers, lest they should 

 materially injure the piles that support the banks of 

 Zealand. 



Birds that feed on seeds and vegetables, resemble 

 quadrupeds that eat grass, in the number of their 

 stomachs, the length and size of their intestines, and 

 the gentleness of their dispositions : whilst those crea- 

 tures that prey upon others, whether birds or beasts, 

 are armed with offensive weapons; such as claws, 

 talons, horns, &c. : they are likewise endued with 



