PATELLA LIMPET. 121 



firmly fixed to the spot. Thus adhering to a 

 solid basis, and presenting a shell whose conical 

 form is best calculated to break the force of the 

 rough winds and dashing waves, this little ani- 

 mal in its exposed situation exhibits an instance 

 of the wise provisions of the Almighty for the 

 protection of his creatures. This genus is found 

 in 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 vege- 

 tables. The manner in which the Limpet at- 

 taches itself to the rocks and thus seeks shelter, 

 is beautifully described and applied in the follow- 

 ing verses : 



In Nature's all-instructive book, 

 Where can the eye of reason look, 

 And not some gainful lesson find 

 To guide, and fortify the mind ? 

 The simple shell on yonder rock 

 May seem, perchance, this book to mock- 

 Approach it then, and learn its ways, 

 And learn the lesson it conveys. 

 At distance viewed, it seems to lie 

 On its rough bed so carelessly, 

 That 'twould an infant's hand obey 

 Stretch'd forth to seize it in its play ; 

 But let that infant's hand draw near, 

 It shrinks with quick, instinctive fear, 

 And clings as close as though the stone 

 It rests upon, and it, were one ; 

 And should the strongest arm endeavour 

 The Limpet from its rock to sever, 

 Tis seen its loved support to clasp 

 With such tenacity of grasp, 

 We wonder that such strength should dwell 

 In such a small and simple shell ! 

 And is not this a lesson worth 

 The study of the sons of earth ? 

 Who need a rock so much as we ? 

 Ah ! who to such a rock can flee ? 

 A rock to strengthen, comfort, aid, 

 To guard, to shelter, and to shade, 

 11 



