Helix Nemoralis — Vitality of Sponges. 285 



eat : but, after drinking, would return to its winter quarters upon 

 the edge of the pot or leaves of the plant. Each time it closed 

 its aperture it was observed to form a weaker membrane. Fearing 

 it would starve, a fresh supply of vegetables was presented to it, 

 and whilst it was drinking it was closely watched, in the hope of 

 seeing it eat also, when it was observed to lick up the minute 

 portions of wool that had been deposited with the dust in a much 

 frequented room ; this led to the idea of its being a carnivorous 

 animal, and a wounded worm was offered to it, the dead portion 

 of which it immediately nibbled, but did not eat much; a portion 

 of roasted mutton appeared to be more palateable, for after eating 

 a small part, it retired and closed its shell as usual. In about a 

 week, this now partly domesticated Snail was again roused from 

 its torpor by water, and it fed heartily upon a portion of the 

 mutton that had been allowed to dry, and was sodden with the 

 water. This operation has been repeated at intervals of about a 

 week, and the animal has evidently gained strength; if roused at 

 shorter intervals it refused to eat. 



Should the carnivorous appetite of this species of Helix be 

 verified by observations in the summer and open air, it will lead 

 to important considerations respecting the food of the inhabitants 

 not only of Recent but also of Fossil Shells, for we know of no 

 difference between the structure of this animal and that of H. 

 aspersa, or pomatia, which undoubtedly feed upon leaves. It will 

 also show the necessity of our becoming well acquainted with the 

 habits of what are commonly considered noxious animals before 

 we destroy them. 



J. D C. S. 



VITALITY OF SrONGES. 



Subsequently to the printing of the " Remarks on the Animal 

 Nature of Sponges,' 1 at p. 202 of the present number, the follow- 

 ing observations of the celebrated Ellis on their power of con- 

 traction and dilatation, have been communicated to the Conduc- 

 tors, by E. W. Brayley. Jun. A.L.S. They are contained in a 



