NASSAU. 
In our descriptions of shells, as v/ell as some 
of the other mostbeautiful obje61:s of nature, we 
have commonly to regret the paucity of infor- 
mation. Yet, as their extreme beauty alone 
renders them sufficiently interesting, it would 
be inexcusable to omit them, in a work which 
professes to give as well the beauties as the 
curiosities of Nature. With regard to shells, 
it must be obvious, that tnany of them are but 
seldom seen at all; and, when they are met 
■with, it is only by being left on the shore after 
the animal has perished, or been dragged cut 
from its natural fastness by some of the many 
devourers of the. deep who make prey of these 
delicious morsels. If we could always examine 
the inhabitants of these splendid abodes ; and 
might we be permitted to trace their respective 
manners and modes of life, which will proba- 
bly, from the very nature of things, for .ever 
elude the strictest human research ; it is not 
unlikely, , that we should find equal cause for 
admiration in the structure, formation, and iii> 
genious application of natural faculties, which 
mark 
