GASTEROPODA. 399 



termination, where it opens externally in the immediate vicinity of 

 the orifice leading into the respiratory chamber. 



(435.) Before we enter upon a description of the somewhat 

 complex generative system of a Snail, it will be proper to advert 

 to one or two remarkable circumstances connected with the procrea- 

 tion of these singular animals. We must first premise that every 

 individual is hermaphrodite, and, moreover, presents a kind of her- 

 maphrodism of the most perfect and complete description, possess- 

 ing elaborately constructed male and female organs, which are dis- 

 tinct and separate from each other ; but, nevertheless, the coopera- 

 tion of two individuals is essential to the mutual impregnation of 

 both. The manner in which they copulate is not a little curious ; 

 their union being accompanied by preparatory blandishments of a 

 very extraordinary kind, that to a spectator would seem rather like 

 a combat between mortal foes, than the tender advances of two 

 lovers. After sundry caresses between the parties, during which 

 they exhibit an animation quite foreign to them at other times, 

 one of the snails unfolds from the right side of its neck, where the 

 generative orifice is situated, a wide sacculus, which, by becoming 

 everted, displays a sharp dagger-like spiculum or dart attached to 

 its walls. Having bared this singular weapon, it endeavours, if 

 possible, to strike it into some exposed part of the body of its 

 paramour ; who, on the other hand, uses every precaution to avoid 

 the blow, by speedily retreating into its shell. But, at length 

 having received the love-inspiring wound, the smitten snail pre- 

 pares to retaliate, and in turn uses every effort to puncture its 

 assailant in a similar manner. The darts are generally broken off 

 in this encounter ; and either fall to the ground, or else remain fixed 

 in the wounds they have inflicted. After these preparatory stimu- 

 lations, the snails proceed to more effective advances. The sac of 

 the dart is withdrawn into the body, and another sacculus is by 

 a like process protruded from the common generative aperture. 

 Upon the last-named organ two orifices are seen, one of which leads 

 to the female generative system ; while from the other a long and 

 whip-like penis is slowly unfolded, being gradually everted like 

 the finger of a glove, until it attains the length of an inch or more ; 

 and then each of the two snails, by inserting its penis into the 

 female aperture of the other, impregnates its partner, and is itself 

 impregnated at the same time. Such is the peculiar manner in 

 which the amours of snails are conducted : let us now examine the 

 internal viscera connected with the process. 



