M0LLUSK8 



401 



Lobster. 



The grasp of the lobster's claw is so tight that to break off 

 the claws is often the only method of disengaging its hold. 



Shrimps are taken in nets swept along the sandy bottom 

 of the sea. The chief distinction in the appearance of these two 

 creatures is the serrated or toothed ridge which runs along the 

 back of the head, or rather carapace. When in their natural 

 state, they are of a brown color, and only assume the pinkish hiie 

 when boiled. Spirits of wine has the same effect. 



MOLLUSKS. 



This is a large and extensive class, embracing a great 

 variety of animals, whose structure, residence, and habits, are but 

 obscurely and imperfectly known. Among them are the cuttle, 

 fish, squid, oyster, clam, muscle, snail, and, in short, nearly all the 

 testaceous animals, or shell-fish, as they are usually called, although 

 they have no resemblance to fishes, and do not all inhabit the 

 water. As it respects their internal structure and organization, 

 they are undoubtedly superior to the two classes last described ; 

 but in regard to intelligence and instinct, they are, upon the 

 whole, inferior, -and are not subjects of so much interest. 



The MoUusca are destitute of bones and of artieullfted 

 limbs. Their bodies are generally of a soft texture, and fre- 

 quently, at first sight, appear to be little else than a simple mucous 



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