MYA-GAPER. J53 



tial care that fitted them for the dangerous spots 

 they occupy. When we look at the ponderous 

 Mya borne along by the powerful torrent, and 

 compare it with the light and delicate lanthina, 

 floating gently on the surface of the waves, shall 

 we coldly attribute such a wonderful adaptation 

 to circumstances to the blind dealing of chance, 

 and not rather delight to recognize the beneficent 

 wisdom of our heavenly Father, regulating all his 

 works, and suiting each animal to the place he 

 assigns it ? 



The Mya Margaratifera is found in several of 

 our rivers, particularly those of Wales : also in 

 Ireland, where the peasantry use the valves as 

 spoons. This species has long been celebrated 

 for producing pearls of a good colour and some- 

 times of a considerable size. These ornaments 

 appear to be exclusively the production of the 

 bivalve testacea, and are found only in the shells 

 which have a coating of mother-of-pearl in the in- 

 side of their valves. Pearls are said to be pro- 

 duced by a disease of the animal, which occasions 

 a partial secretion of the substance, that forms 

 the inner coating of the shell. The British 

 islands, especially Ireland, have been noted for 

 their pearl fisheries. The Conway was formerly 

 celebrated for this production : a large one which 

 was taken in that river, and presented by Sir 

 Richard Wynne the chamberlain, to Catherine the 

 consort of Charles II. is said still to adorn the 

 British crown. 



