LORQUINIA 
35 
gave him birth, and to read the epitaphs that his predecessors have 
written in enduring stone. This he does and stands astounded at the 
result. Old legendary history becomes mere fairy tales. The cosmo- 
gonies of the world's wise men of a few centuries ago are tumbled in 
a heap of ruins, and in their place is erected a structure that it is be- 
lieved must stand the test of time. 
As Man sees how other races have arisen, flourished and had 
their day of supremacy, and how Nature, not yet satisfied with her 
efforts, has taken another great step and outdone herself in all past 
endeavors, he can but wonder, "What next? Has Man reached his 
limitations? Is this the ultimate?" This is not yet his to know, and 
these questions must go unanswered till time alone reveals what it 
has in store for the living world. 
E. E. HADLEY, 
Alhambra, California. 
NOTES ON CREPIDULA 
Naturalists are always interested in the study of variation, and 
the Conch.ologist is no exception to the rule. In the study of Molusca 
\Nt find some species that are remarkably constant in form and others 
that are very variable. In Crepidula onyx Sby. we have a species in 
which the form of the shell is variable because it grows to conform 
to the surface on which it clings ; while the shape of the deck, which 
is produced along the side of the shell on one side and notched back 
on the other, and the position of the apex on the margin of the open 
under-side, are constant. 
When very small the animal settles on some firm object, clings 
there and grows for the rest of its days. The foot of the animal is 
protected by the base to which it clings and the shell is develope d so 
that it covers the back and sides, the edge coming into close contact 
with the base. 
Now we see the cause of the various shapes of the shells. If the 
base be a smooth plank the shell will grow regular in outline, smooth 
and rather flat ; but if the base be a narrow curved surface like the 
shell of Conns Calif ornicus, the crepidula will be narrow and deep. 
If the base is a rough rock the uneven surface is reflected in the 
shell, it being irregular in outline and having a rough surface. They 
are frequently found growing on the common scallop (Pecten circu- 
