42 
ANIMAL LIFE ON THE 
globules and greedily devour them." Thus, as we shall 
afterwards see, beginning in the embryo state, the very 
nature which controls their after life. 
After the tide has receded, these creatures are generally 
to be found at the base of the rocks, gathered in great 
clusters, seemingly in a state of profound repose. Some, 
however, are active, and ambling about in their own 
ungainly fashion. 
From the edge of this little pool we trace a zig-zag 
track for several feet along the sands, at the end of which 
we find a white adult specimen of this family furrowing 
DOG WHELK. 
his way along. Taking him up in our hand, we see the 
white of the shell is showing a tinge of grey,, a sign of 
approaching age, and a deep notch is sunk through the 
outer edge of the fore lip, which is characteristic of all 
the families of the tribe ; and wherever seen, is an indication 
that the creature is carnivorous, and belongs to one of the 
many tribes of cannibals that inhabit our shores. 
Throughout all the branches of this family the mode of 
attacking their prey is the same. Travelling along the 
shore numerous mussel and other shells can be picked up, 
with a small hole pierced through them in almost as 
