VIII. 



IF the reader has been struck at what has been said 

 in regard to the exuviation of crabs, &c., he will pro- 

 bably be more surprised when I state that precisely 

 the same phenomena take place in the simple Acorn 

 Barnacle, that studs in countless numbers almost 

 every rock and shell situated between tide marks. 

 No one can visit the sea-shore, at certain localities, 

 without noticing the white spots which constitute 

 the shells of the cirripeds in question, although he 

 may not be acquainted with the marvellous beauty 

 of the animal contained within each. 



Its loveliness, it it? true, is in nowise apparent 

 when parched and dry; but let the welcome waves 

 advance and playfully dash their spray against the 

 dwelling of the little crustacean, and quickly its 

 valves will open, displaying a delicate feathery 

 plume, thrust forth and hastily withdrawn again. 



As it is not convenient to watch the movements 

 of this animal in a rock-pool, let me request the 



reader kindly to take a peep into my aquarium. 



10 



