46 
ANIMAL LIFE ON THE 
mounted, and thereby constructed into a half-round, first 
acting one way, then turning back, completes the circle in 
the opposite direction. The middle bar is intersected by 
regularly-divided transverse lines, on each of which are 
placed a row of downward pointing sharp flinty teeth. 
The side bars, on the other hand, are armed with sets of 
teeth, placed in a triangular fashion, pointing in the same 
direction, and like the centre bar, have them running along 
the edges, while each of the tips are pointed with sharp 
piercers to begin the work. Some affirm that no lubrica- 
tion is needed by the creature in performing his work, but 
I am inclined to think from the limy nature of the shells 
acted upon, if no lubricating substance was applied, the 
heat or friction produced would quickly destroy the fine 
barbs of the instrument. How proud is man in the boast 
of his own works, but the proudest of them sink into 
paltry insignificance when compared to the beauty, the 
wisdom, and the glory of the work expended by God on 
the meanest of His creatures. 
CHAPTER VH. 
THE SHORES OF BUTE. 
FOR the specimen collector, no better hunting-ground 
_ on the Firth of Clyde can be found than the shores 
of Bute, and it matters not from what direction the wind 
may blow on one or other of the numerous bays that indent 
the island. At the expense of a few miles' drive, or a 
smart walk of an hour or two, a profitable time can always 
