MOLLUSKS. 



33 i 



animals, which have various modes of getting at it, in 

 spite of its shelly defense. From some of these it can 

 secure itself by closing its valves as soon as it is alarmed ; 

 and against others it has a more active means of defense 

 in the violent expulsion of the water included between 

 thera, which (as it is itself fixed) will frequently drive off 

 its opponent. Various animals Vittack it, also, by perfo- 

 rating its shell ; and to these, also, it can offer a passive 

 resistance, by depositing new shelly matter within. So 

 that even this lowly-organized being, commonly regard- 

 ed as one of the most vegetative of animals, is provided 

 by its Creator with such means as are necessary for its 

 preservation, and doubtless, also, for its enjoyment." 



569. Pearl Oysters, from which pearls are obtained, 

 are found both in the Old and New World. Ceylon is 

 famous for its pearl fisheries. Pearls are globules of 

 " nacre," which chances to be deposited in this form, in- 

 stead of being spread out over fhe inner surface of the 

 shell ; it being in the latter case called mother-of-pearl. 

 The Pearl Oyster is not the only animal from which 

 pearls can be obtained. They are often found in other 

 shells. 



5 TO. The Pectens, or Scallops, of which a species is 

 given in Figure 262, are distin- 

 guished by the regular ribs of 

 the shell, and by the two angu 

 lar projections that widen the 

 sides of the hinge. They have 

 a small foot, and some species 

 have a byssus. In some the 

 shell is beautifully colored. 



571. Among those Conchif- 

 erous Acephala that have si- 

 phons are the Clam-shells, the 

 Fig. 2C2.-soaiiop. Cockles, etc. Among the Clam- 



shells is one which is the largest known MoUusk. It is 

 the Tridacna, or Giant Clam-shell, found only in the lo- 



