OE, GLIMPSES BENEATH THE WATERS. 



as forming round capsules, conspicuously visible 

 near the roots of the tentacles. 



Some of the ConcJiifera^ also, are furnished with 

 numerous eyes, which, like those of the Scallops and 

 Clams of our own shores, are also placed among 

 their tentacula. 



It appears probable, says Dr. Johnston, that 

 many have also the sense of taste, as they are 

 observed to select particular articles of food in pre- 

 ference to others, and there is no other sense that 

 appears fitted to regulate the choice. The mouth, 

 as it is termed, of many of the molluscous tribe is 

 furnished, as among the Gasteropoda^ with a fringe 

 formed of filaments, which may be organs of touch, 

 and they have also a complicated breathing appa- 

 ratus. 



The strength of these boneless creatures is some- 

 thing very extraordinary, and almost incomprehen- 

 sible. The Strombus gig as ^ a soft, snail-like creature, 

 carries a shell which often weighs more than five 

 pounds ; the Cassis tuberosa supports one nearly as 

 heavy, and the naked Molluscs, that have no shell 

 to carry, have other modes of exhibiting strength 

 of a very extraordinary character. 



The shells of the clothed Molluscs are senseless, 

 being permeated by no vessels, and are formed by 



67 



