OF NATURAL HISTORY. :^4,7 



iind, by a fudden movement, fimilar to that of a fpring let 

 loofc, it ftrikes the earth with its leg, and actually leaps to a 

 coniiderable diftance *. 



The fpout-fifli f has a bivalved fhell, which refembles the 

 handle of a razor. This animal is incapable of progi*effive 

 motion on the furface •, but it digs a hole or cell in the fand, 

 fometimes two feet in depth, in which it can afcend and de- 

 fcend at pleafure. The inftrument or leg by which it per- 

 forms all its movements is iituated at the centre. This leg 

 is flefliy, cylindrical, and pretty long. When neceflary, the 

 animal can make the termination of the leg afTume the form 

 of a ball. The fpout-fifh, when lying on the furface of the 

 fand, and about to fink into it, extends its leg from the infe- 

 rior end of the fhell, and makes the extremity of it take on the 

 form of a (hovel, fharp on each fide, and tetminating in a 

 point. Wich this inflrument the animal cuts a hole in the 

 fand. After the hole is made, it advances the leg ftill far- 

 ther into the fand, makes it afTume the form of a hook, and 

 with this hook, as a felcrum, it obliges the fhell to defcend 

 into i he hole. In this manner the animal operates till the 

 fhell totally difappears. When it choofes to regain the fur-* 

 face, it puts the terminaticn of the leg into the fhape of a ball, 

 and makes an effort to extend the whole leg ; but the ball 

 prevents any farther defcent, and the mufcular effort neceffa* 

 rily puflies the fliell upward till it reaches the furface, or top 

 of the hole. It is amazing with v/hat dexterity and quick- 

 nefs thefe feemingly awkward motions are performed. 



It is remarkable that the fpout-fifh, though it lives in fait 

 water, abhors fait. When a little fait is thrown into the 

 hole, the animal inftantly quits his habitation. But it is fiill 

 more remarkable, thatj if you feize the animal with your 

 hand, and afterwards allow it to retire into its cells you may 

 ftrew as much flilt upon it as you pleafe, but the fifh will never 



* Oeuvres de Bonner, torn. 5, pag, 341. 410 edit. 



t The name of the animal in Scotland. In England it is called razor-fift. 



