122 UNIVALVES. 



to effect a considerable leap. Its locomotive 

 powers, however, are but little exercised : it 

 appears to live habitually in the same spot, and 

 rarely to perform any other movement than that 

 of slightly elevating the shell, that the water it 

 breathes may reach the respiratory organs. 

 These shells are generally found attached to 

 rocks, sea- weed, and other marine substances ; 

 and in such numerous clusters that the stones 

 appear quite studded with them; they, adhere 

 with considerable tenacity, and are not easily 

 displaced. They fix themselves thus securely, 

 by first applying their fleshy foot and the edge 

 of their mantle to the substance on which they 

 take up their abode ; and then they form an 

 internal vacuum by the contraction of their 

 muscles, and the pressure of the external air 

 keeps them firmly fixed to the spot. Thus ad- 

 hering to a solid basis, and presenting a shell 

 whose conical form is well calculated to break 

 the force of the rough winds and dashing waves, 

 this little animal in its exposed situation, exhibits 

 a striking instance of the wise provision of the 

 Almighty for the protection of his creatures. 

 This genus is found is all parts of the world, but 

 abounds particularly in the Island of Cyprus. 

 Its name signifies a little dish, an appellation 

 suggested by its form. The animal feeds on 

 sea-weed and marine vegetables. The manner 

 in which the Limpet attaches itself to the rocks 

 and thus seeks shelter, is beautifully described 

 and applied in the following verses ; 



