OCEAN GARDENS ; 



variety, though, they do not succeed so well in con- 

 j3.nement as the other species. 



The Whelk, Buccinum undatum^ another of the 

 snail-like Molluscs of our coasts, which is considered 

 good eating by the lower orders, and often seen on 

 fish- stalls at particular seasons, is well worthy a 

 place in our miniature sea; especially under cer- 

 tain circumstances, when the shell of this creature 

 assumes a most singular aspect, well calculated to 

 excite the wonder of the young naturalist. It is 

 sometimes found surmounted hy a mass of liying 

 substance, which might be taken for the body of the 

 creature, residing in preference on the roof of its 

 dwelling during the summer months, as it may be 

 observed spreading a set of tentacles, from a mouth- 

 like orifice, for the collection of food. Within, how- 

 ever, a pair of protruding eyes are seen glaringly 

 on the watch for prey, and another set of food- 

 clutching machines may be noticed beneath them, 

 ready for their work, and only awaiting the oppor- 

 tunity. They look much like the claws of a lobster, 

 and if any suitable object comes within their reach, 

 it is seized by one or both of these two-fingered 

 hands, and carried to the yawning mouth beneath ; 

 but before it reaches that evidently impatient re- 

 ceptacle, a brightly-shining crimson finger, orna- 



74 



