1 
THE NAUTILUS. ao 
for a little the duties of home. Perhaps in all the country, asimilar 
elass with a similar object could not be found. 
And that object was the study of mollusks, particularly those 
species which were to be found in the immediate vicinity. Not so 
much a critical examination and discussion of the fine points of dif- 
ference between similar species, but first of all a study of the struct- 
ure and nature of the soft parts of the animal, then the mode of 
growth of the shell, the names of its parts, and its general mor- 
phology. After this, as far as time permitted, a study of the local 
species, and of others which have their home on adjacent parts of 
the coast. The apparatus was of the simplest kind. One morning 
a quantity of limpets were brought in for examination. Some were 
put into jars of sea-water and their motions observed. Others were 
deprived of life by a fresh-water bath, and distributed around the 
tables. After an examination of the foot, mantle, head, etc., pen- 
knives were used to slit the head, and common pins were employed 
to dissect out the buccal mass. A microscope was at hand to show 
the sharp teeth, and many were the expressions of surprise and in- 
terest in connection with the whole lesson. Valuable suggestions 
were made by members of the class, and many cabinets of shells were 
begun or received additions. 
After a start had been made, the writer’s book, “ West Coast 
Shells,” was freely used. Descriptions were read, engravings ex- 
amined, and pronunciations recommended On the tables were 
spread numerous examples of dry shells, many of them imperfect, 
just as they had been gathered from the beach. From these mixed 
piles the members of the class drew out specimens of the shell under 
consideration at any particular time, and were given such hints and 
directions as would tend to fix its main features in the mind, and 
guard them on the one hand from confounding it with similar 
species, and on the other from separating it from its brethren on ac- 
count of mere varietal differences. 
The two weeks of study passed all too quickly, but even in that 
brief time good results were obtained. Not results of a critical 
nature, not important contributions to the science ; very few have 
the ability or the opportunity to accomplish these. But our science 
ought not to be simply for the scholar and the specialist. The 
people in the common walks of life have a keen sense of the beauti- 
ful, and the interesting features of common objects have but to be 
pointed out to be appreciated. Life is made more rich and full as 
