LESSON I. 



Child. They must be a defence and protection 

 to the animals which they cover. 



Teacher. Yes : shells are the hard coverings 

 of certain animals called mollusca, or mollusks ; 

 a name derived from mol Us, soft ; and esca, flesh. 

 If you call to mind the animals enclosed in these 

 cases, you will not fail to observe how applicable 

 this term is to them. Give me some example to 

 prove that this name is appropriate. 



Child. The snail has a very soft fleshy body. 



Teacher. Yes, and the mollusks in this res- 

 pect are all alike. I have brought you some to 

 examine ; look at them well, and try and dis- 

 cover what distinguishes them from other ani- 

 mals. Here are a snail, an oyster, a muscle, 

 and a slug. 



Child. We shall not be able to say much 

 about such animals as these, they are so shape- 

 less and uninteresting in their appearance. 



Teacher. Do not form so hasty a judgment. 

 I hope soon to convince you that it is your igno- 

 rance alone which causes you to view them with 

 indifference. There is not any part of the 

 creation which you can study, that will not 

 repay you for your labour ; and when you be- 

 come better acquainted with the different king- 

 doms of nature, you will experience an increased 

 pleasure in your walks ; and objects that you have 

 hitherto passed heedlessly by, will rivet your 

 attention by the wonders they unfold to you ; 

 above all, I desire to lead you to trace in all that 



