SHELLS. 37 



in the mantle, produce the peculiar markings 

 which belong to the different species. When any 

 accident happens to the shell, the animal is ena- 

 bled to repair it. The size of the shell is in pro- 

 portion to that of its inhabitant ; small at first, 

 but is increased from time to time, till the animal 

 has attained its full size. 



Teacher. Before we enter more fully upon 

 the study of shells, and their classification, I 

 wish to direct your attention to two circumstances 

 very conspicuous in the works of creation. First 

 the economy displayed by God ; * you seem 

 surprised. 



Child. Yes, it is so very extraordinary to talk 

 of God being economical, when every thing is at 

 his disposal, and he can create at his pleasure. 



Teacher. Do you not recollect our Saviour 

 giving an example of economy at the very time 

 that he was manifesting his omnipotence ? 



Child. Yes, after he had fed the multitude 

 with the two loaves and five small fishes, he com- 

 manded that the fragments should be gathered 

 up, that nothing might be lost. 



Teacher. The same principle is displayed in 

 the works of creation. Nothing is superfluous or 

 without its use. The second principle to which 

 I wish you to give your attention is, The com- 

 pensatory providence of God. 



* Paley's Natural Theology. 



