94 THE SEA-SIDE AND AQUARIUM. 



but the magnificent foot, and the curious manner in 

 which it was used. 



" The two lips of the mantle suddenly separate, and 

 gaping widely all along the front, recede nearly to 

 the valves ; while, at the same moment, a huge organ 

 is thrust out, somewhat like a tongue, nearly cylin- 

 drical, but a little flattened, and tapering to a point. 

 Its surface is smooth and brilliantly glossy, and its 

 colour a fine scarlet approaching to orange, but a 

 better idea of it than can be conveyed by any descrip- 

 tion, will be obtained, by supposing it to be made of 

 polished carnelian. 



" This beautiful and versatile foot is suddenly thrust 

 out sideways, to the distance of four inches from the 

 shell. Then its point being curved backwards, the 

 animal pushes it strongly against any opposing object, 

 by the resistance of which, the whole animal, shell 

 and all, makes a considerable step forward. If the 

 Cockle were on its native sands, the leaps thus made 

 would, doubtless, be more precise in their direction, 

 and much more effective ; but, cooped up with its 

 fellows in a deep dish, all their herculean efforts 

 availed only to knock the massive shells against the 

 sides, or roll them irregularly over each other." * 



* " Aquarium/' p. 224. 



