174 
ANIMAL CURIOSITIES 
elastic to either end of the traces, thereby 
keeping them taut during the interval when the 
snails are extending themselves in preparation 
for their forward journey. 
It is generally stated that a snail cannot live 
out of its shell, but, possibly, it would be 
more correct to say that it is almost, if not 
quite, impossible to remove one from its 
domicile without causing it fatal injury. Re 
that as it may, however, there can be no doubt 
that snails do not make a general practice of 
coming forth into the world in a naked and 
unprotected state, although the writer knew 
of one individual that did indulge in such a 
strange pastime. Notwithstanding that this, 
snail was of the common or garden variety, it 
was quite uncommon in appearance, as a 
glance at our photograph of the creature will 
show, its shell, instead of being compactly 
coiled over its body, being extended into 
elongated and open spirals. Its habits, more¬ 
over, were in keeping with its curious appear¬ 
ance, for one day it was discovered crawling 
about its vivarium without the protection of 
its shell. It was promptly replaced within its 
proper quarters, where it remained for some 
time, but at length it came out once more 
and took another walk abroad. Whether it 
caught cold owing to its having gone out. 
