SHELLS. 37 



order in the mantle, produce the peculiar mark- 

 ings which belong to the different species. 

 When any accident happens to the shell, the 

 animal is enabled to repair it. The size of the 

 shell is in proportion 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 circum- 

 stances very conspicuous in the works of the 

 Creator. The first is, the economy displayed 

 by God ; * you seem surprised. 



Child. Tfes, it is so very extraordinary to 

 talk of God beipg 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 

 commanded that the fragments should be gathered 

 up, that nothing 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 

 compensatory providence of God. 



* Paley's Natural Theology, 



