94 CONCHOLOGIST’S COMPANION. 
is therefore naturally induced to consider the forma- 
tion of the Pholas with a reference to tlfe state of 
being for which it is designed. But why this feeble 
creature is instructed to form an excavation in sand 
or lime-stone, whilst others are permitted to range at 
liberty, we cannot understand; or how this excavation 
is effected by means of a soft and pliant proboscis, 
though aided by a peculiar secretion, has hitherto 
eluded our researches. We comprehend the final 
cause, but nothing more. In the prouder forms of 
animated being, in the towering cedar, or the turret- 
bearing elephant, nature appears to act in a manner 
analogous to the grandeur of her designs; whereas 
these feeble creatures are often passed by, as unde- 
serving the attention of the naturalist ; and yet what 
tokens of beneficence and power, what exquisite 
perfection is discoverable! 
There is still another quality in this branch of the 
family of Multivalve, which demands a particular 
description. It is that of emitting a phosphorescent 
liquor, which illuminates whatever it touches. Ancient 
naturalists noticed this remarkable fact. Pliny, in 
particular, observes, that the Pholas renders the hands 
and clothes luminous, when brought in contact with 
them. 
This peculiarity has furnished a subject for various 
observations and experiments to different learned 
w 
