32 TESTACEA. 



PATELLA VULGATA. 



The Common Limpet, is diffused very abundantly on the shores of 

 Scotland, as in many other countries. There it may be seen on the recess 

 of the tide, adhering so firmly to the surface of rocks and large stones, 

 that it can be rarely detached without injury. Many of the humbler ani- 

 mals know, without any monitor, how to affix themselves to substances 

 adapted for resisting the fierceness of the surge, thence selecting an abode 

 whereon they may dwell in greater security. Likewise they find, in the 

 stunted products of such barren places, sufficient food to nourish them, 

 though we can scarcely discover its nature. 



The Limpet has a small head, with two tentacula of considerable 

 length for its dimensions, with a black eye at the external root of each. 

 The sole is round, applying its smooth surface strongly to subjacent 

 substances. 



This creature's shell is nearly circular in the orifice, perfectly coni- 

 cal, and of dingy white. The colour of the animal is dingy also, when 

 of ordinary dimensions, or occupying a shell of about an inch in diameter. 

 But, in a very large and fine specimen, two inches and a quarter in dia- 

 meter, which, I believe, occurred in deep water, the body was of a beau- 

 tiful yellow. The vertex of the shell was not proportionally elevated. 



The anatomical structure of the common Patella has engaged the 

 attention of various learned authors, among whom the late Baron Cuvier 

 stands pre-eminent. 



From the habits and position of the Limpet, the surface of its shell 

 frequently becomes a nidus for the reception of the algae and theserpuho, 

 particularly the latter. 



In various parts of Scotland, this animal is taken for subsistence by 



the more indigent classes, though little relished on account of the reputed 



hardness and toughness of the flesh. It is likewise employed ns bait, on 



' a deficiency of that which is said to be more successful in the capture 



of fishes. 



Several species of the genus Patella are found in Scotland, some of 

 them meriting a brief notice on account of their beauty, and other pecu- 

 liarities. But I shall restrict myself to a very few words on the subject, 



