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THE BERNACLES*. 



THESE shells are fixed at the base, and consist of 

 more than two unequal and erect valves. The ani- 

 mal that inhabits them is similar to one inhabiting 

 submarine rocks, that Linnarus has placed in the 

 last order, under the name of Triton. 



The two shells of this tribe that are best known 

 are the Common Bemads f, which is found adhering 

 in vast numbers to rocks, and to oysters and other 

 shell-fish ; and the Goose-Bernade J, so well known 

 from the fables of its producing the Bernacle Goose. 



The animals contained in these shells as well as 

 in those of all the other species, have twenty-four 

 claws or tentacula, all joined in pairs near the bot- 

 tom, and inserted in one common base. The twelve 

 longest stand somewhat erect and arched, arising 

 from the back part of the animal ; they appear like 

 so many yellow curled feathers, clear, horny and ar- 

 ticulated : every joint is furnished with two rows of 

 hairs on the concave side. They are of use in catch- 

 ing prey, and the animals are continually extending 

 and contracting these arched hairy claws, which 

 serve as a net. 



The twelve smallest are placed, six on each side, 

 in the front of these. They are more pliable and 



• The Lhinean order of TtbTACKO'JS or Shell-fish commence* 

 here. 



f Lepus Balanus of Linn.eus. \ J.epas ana'iCera of Linnteus. 



