64 LESSON XL 



the weight, and gives room for its body, whilst 

 the thickness of the exterior preserves its strength. 



Teacher. What is there remarkable in the 

 appearance of these shells ? 



Child. They are remarkable for the regular- 

 ity of their form, the brightness of their colours, 

 and the variety and beauty of their markings. 



Teacher. What is their appearance when first 

 taken out of the ocean ? 



Child. They are generally covered with an 

 epidermis, which preserves their beautiful polish. 



Teacher. To what seas do they belong ? 



Child. To the seas of warm climates. 



Teacher. And what is their situation in the 

 ocean ? 



Child. About ten or twelve fathoms under 

 water. How much is a fathom ? 



Teacher. A fathom is six feet; how many 

 feet then are they under water ? 



Child. Between sixty and seventy feet. 



Teacher. From what is the name Conus 

 derived ? 



Child. The name conus is derived from the 

 Greek KMQ<; (conus) a cone. 



The Teacher should again read to the children the facts 

 connected with the natural history of the genus, and require 

 them to give an account in writing of all they have heard. 

 For fear of discouraging them in the outset, some assistance 

 may at first be given ; but it should be gradually withheld, 

 and the attention brought into vigorous activity, that the mind 

 may become able to grasp the subject brought before it. The 

 first object to be attended to in their composition, is fluency, 

 and this will be best promoted by allowing them to use their 



