146 CONCHOLOGIST’S COMPANION. 
is conspicuous in each, the same high finishing on 
the exterior, the same attention in the interior to 
the comfort of the inhabitant. This, as the generic 
character of the Nautilus implies, is either a Sepia 
or a Clio, though most probably the former; and its 
appearance, and manner of life are so singular and 
interesting, that they did not escape the notice of 
some among the earliest writers on natural history. 
How sterile is the imagination of man, when com- 
pared with the infinite variety that surrounds him! 
What has he produced, that may not be found in far 
greater perfection among the wonders of creation. 
The N. siphunculus, or Ringed Nautilus, which is 
often brought from the coral reefs of the Silician 
shores; and the WN. scrobiculatus, already mentioned 
as the rarest species of the genus, are conjectured to 
have originally taught mankind the use of sails, from 
the skill which they evince in directing their fragile 
barks. 
‘* For thus to man the voice of nature spake— 
Go, from the creatures thy instructions take ; 
Learn of the little Nautilus to sail, 
Spread the thin oar, and catch the driving gale.” 
Hence the generic appellation of this extraordinary 
species, which signifies both a ship and sail. 
Delightful it is to contemplate the infinite variety 
of means, by which one and the same purpose is 
