WILD LIFE OF ORCHARD AND FIELD 



page in the history of credulity. They have, also, 

 from very early times, been used in the prepara- 

 tion of cosmetics; and no longer than two or three 

 centuries ago the water procured from them by dis- 

 tillation was much celebrated, and employed by 

 ladies to impart whiteness and freshness to the 

 complexion. Finall3^ I hear there is celebrated in 

 Rome, even now, a midsummer festival, upon which 

 occasion all family feuds may be made up, or any 

 differences between friends easily adjusted, since 

 that is the spirit of the day ; and a sign or token 

 of this renewed friendship and good-will is the pres- 

 ent of a snail from one party to the other, or an 

 exchange of mollusks between them. The symbol- 

 ism and virtue reside in the alleged amicable in- 

 fluence of the head and ** horns,'' to account for 

 which some very quaint history and ingenious 

 theories have been brought forward by the com- 

 parative mythologists. 



In this country no such fanciful notions have 

 ever gained credence. Our snails are too habitual- 

 ly hidden to attract the attention of any but a few ; 

 and, even when their existence is known, they are 

 unfortunately regarded with such a disgust as 

 would preclude any acceptance of them for either 

 food or medicine. 



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