The conchologist's companion; comprising the instincts and construction of testaceous animals; with a general sketch of those extraordinary productions which connect the vegetable and animal kingdoms / By the author of 'Select female biography', "Wonders of the vegetable kingdom", etc. [i.e. M. Roberts].

  • Mary Roberts
Date:
1824
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The conchologist's companion; comprising the instincts and construction of testaceous animals; with a general sketch of those extraordinary productions which connect the vegetable and animal kingdoms / By the author of 'Select female biography', "Wonders of the vegetable kingdom", etc. [i.e. M. Roberts]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    92/278 (page 74)
    LETTER Vn. M ULTI VALVES. Xo ******_ July \ Uh, 1825. You have frequentl}' observed on the shores of Abergelli, in Denbighshire, a number of loose stones, left uncovered by the reflux of the tide ; but you did not, perhaps, imagine that they con¬ tained inhabitants of curious forms and instincts'; capable of illustrating the important truth, that there are no obstacles commensurate with the abilities of mankind, and their means of obviating tliom, which may not be overcome by industry and perseverance. Yet such is actually the case. The Pholades which they contain are some of the most extraordinary inhabitants of tbe deep. For these indefatigable creatures open an entrance into stones and wood, by the help of a soft and ])liant proboscis, having previously softened the former, as the famous Carthaginian General Hannibal is fabled to have done, not indeed with vinegar, but by means of a peculiar secretion with which maternal nature has bountifully provided them.