154 INTRODUCTION TO ZOOLOGY. 



instantaneously loses all her activity, seems paralysed, and 

 coils her tremulous limbs, as if mortally wounded: if the bag 

 be returned, her ferocity and strength are restored the moment 

 she has any perception of its presence, and she rushes to her 

 treasure to defend it to the last." 



We now close our notice of the Articulated animals. We 

 have spoken of Worms, Barnacles, Crabs, Insects, and Spiders ; 

 to common observers a motley and unattractive group. Yet, 

 how varied in their structure 1 how wondrous in their habits ! 

 To the humble-minded and patient observer, they are sug- 

 gestive of ideas and emotions too multiplied and fugitive to 

 be embodied in words, but affording an example of the truth 

 so beautifully expressed by the poet: 



" The air in which we breathe and live, 



Eludes our touch and sight; 

 The fairest flowers their fragrance give, 



To stillness and to night: 

 The softest sounds that music flings, 

 In passing from her heaven-plumed wings, 



Are trackless in their flight! 

 And thus life's sweetest bliss is known 

 To silent, grateful thoughts alone," 13. BAHTON. 



