10 CONCHOLOGIST’S COMPANION. 
which they emerge from the deep recesses of the 
ocean, or visit ‘‘ the bottom of the monstrous world,” 
as instinct or inclination lead them. The Cypre are 
said to throw aside their vestments when continual 
accumulations render them cumbrous to the wearers; 
while their brethren of the Voluta,* Strombus,+ 
Buccinum,{ and Nerita|| tribes, carry about their 
houses with them, and are moreover furnished with 
materials for repairing any accidental dilapidations in 
the moving walls. 
Paley has justly observed, ‘‘ that the works of the 
Deity are known by expedients. Where we should 
look for absolute destitution, where we can reckon 
up nothing but wants, some admirable contrivance 
always comes in, to supply the privation.”’ 
The truth of this remark is no less confirmed by 
the singular adaptation of the shells which envelope 
molluscous animals, to the sites of ocean or of land, 
which they are designed to occupy, than in the 
colours with which their Maker has invested them. 
The testaceous coverings of such species as move 
readily from one situation to another, and are conse- 
quently able to choose their places of retreat, are 
generally varied with brilliant tints. This is particu- 
larly obvious in different individuals of the numerous 
* Volute, or Wreath. ¢ Whelk. 
+ Winged or Claw Shell. || Nerite, or Hoof-Shell. 
