Armoured Myriads and Monsters 



dented. Then he clings fast, and the shell in its 

 growth is studiously adjusted to the outlines of 

 that selected surface. When the limpet " ex- 

 cursionises" in search of sea- weeds, vegetables 

 being a needful part of his diet, it is remarkable 

 that he returns to the same spot. Evidently he 

 prefers his own home to new quarters. 



These lower Molluscs have to be passed over 

 quickly. A whole volume might be filled in 

 merely indicating the different species and 

 varieties of them. 



At the top of the Mollusc ladder, cousin to 

 limpets, whelks, oysters, clams, and shell-fish 

 innumerable, but in status far above them all, we 

 find the powerful Cuttlefish. A "fish" in popular 

 language ; yet no fish truly, but a very highly 

 developed Mollusc. 



"Cephalopod" or " Head-footed" is the dis- 

 tinguishing name for this sub-class of Molluscs. 



Very unpleasant creatures they are to tackle 

 more particularly those described by the familiar 

 titles of " Octopus," " Squid," and " Devil-fish." 

 More particularly too when an individual of large 

 dimensions has to be reckoned with. 



The species that make their home near British 

 shores seldom reach any great size. They cannot 

 for a moment be compared with the great 



213 



