42 Beautiful Shells. 



secures for them a damp atmosphere at all times. 

 And here we must conclude our chapter of Land 

 Snails, leaving unnoticed very many beautiful and 

 interesting species, both British and Foreign. 



Many poets have alluded to the Snail, but we 

 can only find room for a few verses by Cowper : — 



To grass, or leaf, or fruit, or wall, 

 The snail sticks close, nor fears to fall, 

 As if he grew there, house and all 



Together. 



Within that house secure he hides, 

 When danger imminent betides 

 Of storm, or other harm besides, 



Of weather. 



Give but his horns the slightest touch, 

 His self-collecting power is such, 

 He shrinks into his house with much 



Displeasure. 



Where'er he dwells, he dwells alone, 

 Except himself has chattels none, 

 Well satisfied to be his own 



Whole treasure. 



Thus hermit -like, his life he leads, 

 Nor partner of his banquet needs, 

 And if he meets one only feeds 



The faster* 



