128 BOOK OP NATURE LAID OPE&. 



become troublesome, and can replace them with 

 others ; and lastly, an animal whose eyes are placed 

 in moveable horns. So singular a creature will long 

 remain a mystery in the human mind. It affords 

 new subject, however, to acknowledge and adore 

 the power and wisdom of the Creator. 



The distinguishing appendage of this class, and 

 that from which they derive their name, is the hard 

 crustaceous covering in which their bodies are en- 

 veloped ; and how admirably fitted are they by this 

 natural bulwark for that particular station in which 

 Providence has placed them : for how could such 

 soft and tender bodies have been otherwise defended 

 and protected from injury among the many rugged 

 and uneven masses where their habitations are as- 

 signed, and how could they escape from their nu- 

 merous enemies, had they not the power of with- 

 drawing and shutting themselves up on the approach 

 of danger, within their shelly covering? But be- 

 sides this, there are several things remarkable in 

 each individual species of this order, which demon- 

 strates the whole to be fitted in the best possible 

 manner for their various situations, habits and pro- 

 pensities, and to be the workmanship of the same 

 Being whose wisdom and goodness are so conspi- 

 cuously displayed in his other works. 



The Limpet, stationed as a sentinel on the top of 

 the rock, and oft exposed to the mid-day's heat when 

 the tide is, out, as well as to the continual tossings 

 and agitations of its waves when it is covered, is 

 safely lodged in a little cone, impervious to the most 



