MOLLUSC A. 



-1S7 







COCKLES. 



IMPERIAL VOLUl'E. 



CUOWN VOLUTE. 



PHOLAS. 



HELMET SHELL. 



Division II. MOLLUSCA. 



AVe now take leave of the Vertebrate Division of the Animal Kingdom, and enter upon an- 

 otlier, formed upon altogether a different type. We have just quitted the fishes, properly so 

 called, but we have not yet done with the sea, their home. Notwithstanding the infinite num- 

 ber of swimming fishes, there is still abundant room in the ocean and its accessories — bays, 

 sounds, gults, rivers, and lakes — for another race of beings, infinitely diversified in form, and 

 countless as the leaves of the forest. 



The Moll/isca, our present theme, bear the general name of Shcll-Jlsh, though they do not em- 

 brace all that is included in that title. Lobsters, crabs, prawns, and many other creatures that 

 live in the sea, belong to another division : we now treat of oysters, clams, cockles, snails, mussels, 

 and a variety of others, which produce the beautiful and diversified shells which ornament the 

 cabinet of the conchologist. Though the study of these might seem little likely to afford amuse- 

 ment, we may remark that it is precisely here in this almost hidden and lost division of the 

 animal kingdom, that we shall meet with some of the most interesting and instructive sni-prises. 

 Every living creature has a history of its own ; each has characteristics by which it may be kncwvn 

 from its relatives ; each has its own territory, its appropriate food, and its duties to perform in 



