20 CONCHOLOGIST’S COMPANION. 
little cell; and he who delights to contemplate the 
wonders of creation, will readily acknowledge while 
observing them, that as in the devices of human 
ingenuity, the minuteness of the work evinces the 
skill of the artificer, so in things which surpass, or 
else elude his utmost comprehension, the apparent 
meanness of the object enhances the wisdom of Him 
who has constructed it. Where shall we look for a 
clearer demonstration of this interesting truth, than 
in the extraordinary fact that the indefatigable Pholas 
opens an entrance into stones and wood, by the help 
of a soft and pliant proboscis; having previously 
softened the former, as the famous Carthaginian 
general, Hannibal, is fabled to have done, not indeed 
with vinegar, but by means of a peculiar secretion 
with which maternal nature has bountifully provided 
him. 
But here you will, perhaps, inquire how it is 
possible to ascertain these curious facts? By placing 
a Pholas on soft clay, and observing his method of 
proceeding. No sooner does the little miner find 
himself at liberty, than he commences his operations 
by perforating the clay with the boring instrument 
already mentioned; and thus excavates an opening 
in the course of a few hours, which would probably 
require the labour of as many months to form in 
a harder substance; for the motions of the Pholas are 
