BIVALVES. 54 
and terminated by a circular gland resembling the 
stigma of several plants. But what is the use of this 
singular appendage? As the tongue compensates 
the want of feet, so the byssus answers the purpose 
of innumerable hands. It enables the Pearl-Muscle 
to attach himself to rocks and corals, and to adhere, 
when young, to the parental shell. It even answers 
the purpose of a line, or hook, and is capable of 
being extended or contracted, in order to entrap sea 
insects or small fish. There is still another admirable 
contrivance, which compensates for certain deficiencies 
in the animal economy. The Mytilus frequently 
buries himself in the sand, in order to escape his 
marine enemies. How, then, is he supplied with 
air and water, for these are essential to his welfare ? 
Long breathing tubes are projected through the sand, 
and thus a constant communication is maintained 
with both. 
“Go to the ant, thou sluggard,” said Solomon ; 
‘* consider her ways, and be wise.” Let the unbeliever 
in the superintending providence of his Creator, 
examine the structure of this insignificant creature, 
and he will be constrained to acknowledge—unless 
blinded by prejudice, the moral cataract of the human 
mind, that the hand of Deity is conspicuous even 
here. 
The female of the common Muscle deposits her 
