BAENACLES. 119 



etc. Not infrequently vessels put into port 

 and have these incrustations which grow bur- 

 densome, removed. Others, more nomadic per- 

 haps in their dispositions, attach themselves to 

 the bodies of whales, of sharks, etc., and while 

 stationary are still among the greatest of trav- 

 elers. 



"When myths and science were much in- 

 termingled, the barnacle was believed to be the 

 embryo of a goose, hence called the barnacle 

 goose. We find one of the learned men of the 

 sixteenth century describing : ' A thing in f oi-m 

 like a lace of silke finely woven, the first that 

 appeareth when the shell gapeth open. A little 

 later the legs of the bird hang out. In short 

 space of time it cometh to maturity and falleth 

 into the water, where it becometh a fowl.' 

 While science has dissolved this fable, it is 

 known notwithstanding that the barnacle does 

 pass through transitions quite as wonderful." 



The children fell to examining barnacles, 

 the doctor to musing, presumably upon science. 

 Miss Bremely sat watching the waves that 

 came riding up the sand like restless, foaming 

 steeds. Presently she began singing softly Sid- 

 ney Lanier's exquisite lines entitled 



