Mollusks. 9153 
it over. You will allow for my scrambling writing after what I have 
said, | well know. When you write Dr. Buckland, have the goodness 
to mention my most affectionate and respectful remembrances to him. 
—Believe me, my dear sir, yours most sincerely, RoBERT ANSTICE. 
On the 16th of May last I went to Cannington Park, near Bridg- 
water, with the object of examining the rocks and large stones at the 
top of the hill, the late William Baker having observed, more than 
twenty years ago, that many of them were perforated with holes which 
he believed to be the work of the common large snail, Helix aspersa. 
I found that many of the rocks which protrude above the surface 
of the ground are perforated with holes or scooped with little hollows, 
both on the flat or more or less inclined upper surfaces and in the 
sides, but I did not find any in the under surface of such of the large 
stones as I was able to overturn, though many of them were somewhat 
hollowed and indented underneath, and had the appearance of being 
eroded by some means. Under some of these stones there were living 
snails and many old snail-shells, and there were a few of each in the 
holes in the protruded rocks. For the greater part they were Helix 
aspersa, but there were a few of H. hortensis. 
William Baker must have found holes different from those which I 
have been able to find, for he speaks in his correspondence with 
Professor Buckland of “ marks of very recent operations of the snails,” 
and I well remember, from our conversations at the time, that he was 
strongly of opinion that the perforations are the work of the snails. 
He also speaks of “ weather-worn indentations and holes distinct from 
those made by snails,” and he adds, “ The effects of the weather are 
seen on the upper surface and sides of the stones ; and the operations 
of the snails are from the sides and under parts, commencing near the 
surface of the ground.” William Baker was a naturalist who did not 
hastily adopt a theory ; he carefully examined the facts before he 
formed an opinion: but were it not for his observations and opinions, 
my impression, from what I observed this morning, I believe would be 
that all these perforations are the work of a marine mollusk at the time 
- when the rocks formed the bed or the border of the sea, and that the 
snails have merely taken possession of them for their homes. 
Tomas CLark. 
Halesleigh, May 13, 1864. 
VOL. XXII. 2p 
