820

Cuass MOLLUSCA.

—p——

Orpen GASTEROPODA.

Heurx.—The Snail.

Helie is the general name of a most extensively diffused
class of mollusks: “it is equally adapted to the hottest
and the coldest climates, the most cultivated or the most
barren situations. The common garden snail of this coun-
try, and the edible snail of France and Italy, are well-known
examples of this family; but in tropical climates, more
striking ones are to be found.” Those who despise and see
no beauty in the snails of this country, should examine the
collection in the British Museum, or the perfect and beau-
tifal specimens brought from the Philippine Islands by
Mr. Cuming, which look like jewels of all hues, so varied
and brilliant are they in colour.

Snails lay eggs, which they carefully bury in the ground ;