SNAILS. 889 



perceive the means by which certain races are 

 reduced in number, more than their multiplication 

 effected, yet we are frequently sensible that it is 

 accomplished. 



I do not recollect any creature less obnoxious to 

 harm than the common snail (helix aspersa) of our 

 gardens. A sad persevering depredator and man- 

 gier it is; and when we catch it at its banquet on 

 our walls, it can expect no reprieve from our hands. 

 But our captures are partial and temporary ; 

 and, secured in its strong shell, it seems safe from 

 external dangers ; yet its time comes, and one weak 

 bird destroys it in great numbers, In the winter 

 season, the common song-thrush feeds sparingly 

 upon the berries of the whitethorn, and the hedge 

 fruits, but passes a great portion of its time at the 

 bottoms of ditches, seeking for the smaller species of 

 snails (helix hortensis and helix nemoralis), which it 

 draws out from the old stumps of the fence with 

 unwearied perseverance, dashing their shells to 

 pieces on a stone ; and we frequently see it escaping 

 from the hedge bank with its prize, which no little 

 intimidation induces it to relinquish. The larger 

 kind at this season are beyond its power readily to 

 obtain ; for, as the cold weather advances, they 



biting each other's body, and trying to get their mandibles under 

 the head of their opponents, to snip it off. I one day confined, 

 under a glass, two of these creatures which had been fighting. One 

 had evidently the mastery ; but both had been so injured in the 

 contest, that they soon died ; and it is most probable that they fall 

 victims to each other's voracity, in the cold, damp season that usually 

 terminates the autumn of our year, 



Z 2 



