172 Rev. L. Guilding on the Zoology of 



examining the giant Strombidce, which inhabit the Caribsean Sea, he 

 would find the eyes more perfect than those of many vertebrated animals. 

 In these he would see with astonishment a distinct pupil, and a double 

 iris, equalling in beauty and correctness of outline, those of birds and 

 reptiles. On dissection he would discover a vitreous and an aqueous hu- 

 mor, and the black pigment, which will be sought for in vain in the 

 Helicida. 



The Stromhidcs also possess the sense of hearing : or what seems allied 

 to it, the sense which the perplexed entomologist has termed with Leh- 

 mann Aeroscepsy. I lately suspended a number of large Strombi by the 

 spire, that the animal when dead might fall from the shell. They had 

 remained in this situation several days, till the body, weak and emaciated, 

 hung down nearly a foot from the aperture, and the eyes had become 

 dim. I found that even before my shadow could pass over them they 

 were aware of my presence, and endeavoured to withdraw into the shell. 

 I then cut off the eyes, vdth the thick cartilaginous tentacula in which 

 they were lodged, but the animals still continued to be sensible of my 

 near approach, while hanging in this mutilated and painful condition. 



The locality of Me/a)njo«5 of Montfort and Bowdich, has been justly 

 doubted : the very curious inhabitant, which shall soon be figured, is im- 

 properly said to be found in the rivers of the West Indies. It occurs in 

 great numbers in the shallow parts of the shores of the Antilles. 



There is nothing which the zoologist residing in a tropical country so 

 much feels the want of as the boxes which are necessary for the preser- 

 vation of the Annulosa, and other perishable animals. The number he 

 supposed sufficient to contain the' fruits of his labours are soon filled. 

 Rare and new subjects are daily presented to his notice, and he is too 

 often under the necessity of altogether neglecting objects of the greatest 

 interest. Cork, which in Europe is used to cover the boxes of the en- 

 tomologist, it is impossible to obtain ; and melted wax becomes almost 

 useless, however skilfully prepared. 



Fortunately an admirable substitute for cork is always at hand^ which 



