285 



tieral is considered as a very great delicacy at the fa- 

 bles of the luxurious. 



One of the most extraordinary kinds of shell.fish is 

 the Animal-flower, in Barbadoes. In the parish of 

 St. Lucy, on the north-side of the island, there is a 

 high rocky cliff fronting the sea, near the bottom of 

 which is a large cave. This opens into another cave, 

 the bottom of which is a bason of water. In the 

 midst of this bason is a rock, always covered with 

 water : on the sides of which, a few inches below 

 the water, are seen at all times of the year, issuing out 

 of little holes, what have the appearance of finely ra- 

 diated flowers, in size, colour and shape greatly re- 

 sembling a common marygold. 



If you attempt to pluck one of these, as soon as 

 your fingers come within two or three inches of it, 

 it contracts, closes up its border, and shrinks back in- 

 to the hole of the rock. But if left undisturbed for a 

 few minutes, it issues again and soon appears in full 

 bloom. This might induce one to believe, that it was 

 no other than an aquatic sensitive plant. 



But on a nearer inspection we may discern four 

 dark-coloured filaments, rising from the centre, 

 moving with a quick and spontaneous motion, and 

 frequently closing, to seize its prey, much like the 

 claws of a lobster. So that the seeming flower is 

 really an animal ; and its body, which appeared to 

 be the stalk of the flower is black, about as big as a 

 raven's quill. 



It seems the vivid yellow colour of its feelers, is ab- 

 solutely necessary to procure its food. The water in 

 the cave having no motion, cannot bring any food 

 to them. Therefore the Creator has endued this crea- 

 turewitha qualitywhich may allure its prey. For bright 

 colours invite many aquatic animals, as the flame 

 of a candle does' flies. 



END OF VOL. I, 



