MARINE k AT HOMES.' 167 



tainly, if there be such a sight as a truly happy and 

 contented family in the marine animal kingdom, 

 it is to be found exemplified in these bearded 

 molluscs. 



As hinted, they live shoulder to shoulder, back to 

 back, and otherwise mutually support each other. 

 They need not look about for a single meal, but 

 have merely to allow themselves to be fed by the 

 waves, which yield them a constant supply of fresh 

 and wholesome food. Their sole duty in this respect 

 is limited to the selection of objects suitable to their 

 palate. Their ' at homes ' being so frequent, the 

 Mytili can boast of a large circle of acquaintances. 

 The Periwinkle, and his friend Silver Willie, often 

 make a morning call, take pot luck, as it is termed, 

 and then politely retire. Mr. Carcinus Mcenas and 

 his poor and dirty relation, Maia Squinado, per- 

 chance look in of an evening. Solaster Papposa, or 

 occasionally the lanky-legged Uraster Rubens, and 

 other ' stars' of the marine world, crawl in at unsea- 

 sonable hours in their usual lazy style, and are gene- 

 rally rewarded by finding the doors (valves) shut 

 against them. This 'cut direct' does not appear to 

 be at all annoying; or if so, the Star-fishes are too 

 cunning to show it, for they quietly saunter away as 

 if they never had the slightest wish to put their feet 

 within their neighbour's dwelling. 



There is a 'black sheep/ as Sir Pertinax Mac 

 Sycophant would say, who intrudes himself into 



