THE PINNA AND PINNOTHERES. 83 



which is always found to inhabit the Pinna, a large 

 species of mussel. This latter animal being blind, 

 but muscularly strong, and its juvenile companion 

 quick-sighted, but weak of limb, the crab, it is said, 

 always keeps a sharp look-out, and when any danger 

 approaches, he gladly creeps into the gaping shell for 

 protection. Some writers assert, that when the 

 bivalve has occasion to eat, he sends forth his faithful 

 henchman to procure food. If any foe approaches, 

 Pinnotheres flies for protection with his utmost speed 

 to the anxious bosom of his friend, who, being thus 

 warned of danger, closes his valves, and escapes the 

 threatened attack. When, on the contrary, the crab 

 loads himself with booty, he makes a gentle noise at 

 the opening of the shell, which is closed during his 

 absence, and on admission, this curious pair frater- 

 nize, and feast on the fruits of the little one's foray. 

 For those of my readers who may prefer verse to 

 prose, I here append a poetical version of this fable 

 equally pretty, but, let me add in a whisper, equally 

 opposed to fact, at least in its principal details : 



' In clouded depths below, the Pinna hides, 

 And through the silent paths obscurely glides ; 

 A stupid wretch, and void of thoughtful care, 

 He forms no bait, nor lays no tempting snare ; 

 But the dull sluggard boasts a crab his friend, 

 Whose busy eyes the coming prey attend. 

 One room contains them, and the partners dwell 

 Beneath the convex of one sloping shell : 

 Deep in the watery vast the comrades rove, 

 And mutual interest binds their constant love ; 

 That wiser friend the lucky juncture tells, 

 "When in the circuit of his gaping shells 



