336 SNAILS. 



means by which certain races are reduced in num- 

 ber, more than their multiplication effected, yet we 

 are frequently sensible that it is accomplished. 



I do not recollect any creature less obnoxious 

 to harm than the common snail (helix aspersa) of 

 our gardens. A sad persevering depredator and 

 mangier it is ; and when we catch it at its banquet 

 on our walls, it can expect no reprieve from our 

 hands. But our captures are partial and tem- 

 porary ; and, secured in its strong shell, it seems 

 safe from external dangers; yet its time comes, 

 and one weak bird destroys it in great numbers. 

 In the winter season, the common song-thrush 

 feeds sparingly upon the berries of the white- 

 thorn, and the hedge fruits, but passes a great 

 portion of its time at the bottoms of ditches, seek- 

 ing for the smaller species of snails (helix hortensis 

 and hel. nemoralis) , which it draws out from the old 

 stumps of the fence with unwearied perseverance, 

 dashing their shells to pieces on a stone ; and we 

 frequently see it escaping from the hedge bank 

 with its prize, which no little intimidation induces 

 it to relinquish. The larger kind at this season 

 are beyond its power readily to obtain ; for as the 

 cold weather advances, they congregate in clusters 



fined under a glass two of these creatures, which had been fighting. 

 One had evidently the mastery ; but both had been so injured in 

 the contest, that they soon died ; and it is most probable that they 

 fall victims to each other's voracity, in the cold, damp season that 

 usually terminates the autumn of our year. 



