THE NAUTILUS. 00 



for a little the duties of home. Perhaps in all the country, a similar 

 class with a similar object could not be found. 



And that object was the study of mollusks, particularly those 

 species which were to be found in the immediate vicinity. Not so 

 much a critical examination and discussion of the fine points of dif- 

 ference between similar species, but first of all a study of the struct- 

 ure and nature of the soft parts of the animal, then the mode of 

 growth of the shell, the names of its i>arts, and its general mor- 

 phology. After this, as far as time permitted, a study of the local 

 species, and of others which have their home on adjacent parts of 

 the coast. The apparatus was of the simplest kind. One morning 

 a quantity of limpets were brought in for examination. Some were 

 put into jars of sea-water and their motions observed. Others were 

 deprived of life by a fresh-water bath, and distributed around the 

 tables. After an examination of the foot, mantle, head, etc., pen- 

 knives were used to slit the head, and common pins were employed 

 to dissect out the buccal mass, A microscope was at hand to show 

 the sharp teeth, and many were the expressions of surprise and in- 

 terest in connection with the whole lesson. Valuable suggestions 

 were made by members of the class, and many cabinets of shells were 

 begun or received additions. 



After a start had been made, the writer's book, " West Coast 

 Shells," was freely used. Descriptions were read, engravings ex- 

 amined, and pronunciations recommended On the tables were 

 spread numerous examples of dry shells, many of them imperfect, 

 just as they had been gathered from the beach. From these mixed 

 piles the members of the class drew out specimens of the shell under 

 consideration at any particular time, and were given such hints and 

 directions as would tend to fix its main features in the mind, and 

 guard them on the one hand from confounding it with similar 

 species, and on the other from separating it from its brethren on ac- 

 count of mere varietal differences. 



The tAvo weeks of study passed all too quickly, but even in that 

 brief time good results were obtained. Not results of a critical 

 nature, not important contri])utions to the science ; very few have 

 the ability or the opportunity to accomplish these. But our science 

 ought not to be simply for the scholar and the specialist. The 

 people in the common walks of life have a keen sense of the beauti- 

 ful, and the interesting features of common objects have but to be 

 pointed out to be appreciated. Life is made more rich and full as 



