112 Beautiful SJicUs, 



resemLles loatlicr, being very tougli and wrinkled ; 

 tlie edges of tliis mantle extend beyond tlie borders 

 of tlio plates, -wliicli overlap eacli other, so as to 

 constitute a kind of armour, very different from 

 tlie conical shell of tlie Limpet_, or the turbinated, 

 tliat is twisted, case of some of tlie Borers. Tlio 

 coverings of tlie Chitons are variously marked, so 

 that each distinct species is known by its peculiar 

 pattern, as a knight of old by the quarterijigs of 

 his shield. All the mantles, however, have scaly, 

 hairy, or spiny margins. In this coat of mail the 

 animal can roll itself up like an armadillo, and so 

 be tolerably secure from its enemies ; it has an oval 

 foot, the sides of which are covered with small 

 leaflets, and by means of this it can attach itself 

 to rocks, like the Limpet, or travel about in search 

 of adventures. It has no distinct head, therefore 

 it is acc2')ltalous ; nor any perceptible eyes. The 

 mouth is furnished with a long tongue, curled up 

 spirally, like a watch-spring, and armed with horny 

 teeth. 



The members of the Chiton llimily are numerous, 

 being found on most rocky shores; they attain 

 the largest size in the hottest climates, having 

 never been found very far north. The British 

 Species are small, and not more than two or three 



