MULTIVALVES. 29 
of a fine texture, tinged with bright red or orange ; 
whilst others are of a coarser texture, darkly coloured, 
and covered with little warts. 
The peculiar structure of these elegant varieties 
has justly caused them to be compared to the crocus, 
when peeping from the mossy rocks to which they 
are frequently attached. 
It now remains to instance the appropriation of the 
moveable lid or cover. The inhabitant of the Lepas 
is a Triton. He often travels far, without, however, 
moving from his shell, and is, consequently, exposed, 
in many situations, to the rough beating of a bois- 
terous sea. To remedy this inconvenience the Creator 
has affixed to the entrance of the shell, the operculum, 
or little door already mentioned, formed of four 
triangular valves, which the inhabitant opens and 
shuts at pleasure. The door is safely closed in 
stormy weather, but thrown aside when the sea is 
calm. <A feathery tube, of a brown colour, and 
elegantly curled, is then projected through the open- 
ing, by means of which the Triton readily procures its 
food. 
** God,” says an ancient proverb, “‘ tempers the 
wind to the shorn lamb.’”’ When I behold His 
gracious hand thus ministering to the wants, and 
providing for the exigencies of such a feeble creature, 
