sparkling, and orbicular. These, on the approach of danger, are rapidly drawn down, together with the horns, into the head, which immediately disappears beneath the shell. In the course of a few seconds, the horns reappear, the eyes run up the narrow transparent channel, down which they had descended, and the helix journies on his way.

Now the reason for this peculiar construction is obvious. The snail is thus enabled to command a more extensive sphere of vision, than if the eyes were differently situated. Moreover, the pliability of the antennæ enables them to turn in different directions, while the ease, with which they are extended or retracted like a pocket telescope, admits the ready withdrawing of the head into the shellan arrangement that beautifully harmonizes with the extreme weakness of the creature.

The movements of the common snail are remarkably slow. But how shall we account for this extraordinary fact, since the creature is light and small, and apparently by no means incapable of comparatively rapid motion? Doubtless by the viscid nature of the juices, which are tardy in their circulation, and consequently produce a considerable degree of sluggishness.

A casual observer might pity the poor creature. But, let it not be forgotten that this apparent defect is amply compensated. The peculiar nature

of the juices seems to have a reference to his mode of life; for no degree of natural or artificial cold has ever been sufficiently powerful to congeal them. Thus, while the common worm, which incautiously leaves its shelter in the garden-mould, is frequently discovered in a frozen state, and even birds and small animals fall victims to the severity of the weather, the snail is rendered insensible to cold, and either burrows in the earth, or seeks the shelter of some hollow tree, till able to leave his subterraneous dormitory.

This species belongs to a very numerous and comprehensive tribe of terrestrial creatures, which are destitute of feet. But, the want of these is obviated by such a disposition of the muscles and fibres of the trunk, as to produce a progressive and undulatory movement of the body, in any direction to which the will determines it. This undulatory motion occasions the exudation already noticed, which not only materially assists the common helix in adhering to extraneous substances, and climbing walls and trees in quest of food, but is also essential to his safety, as he has frequently occasion to travel along ceilings with the shell reversed.

But why such an extraordinary combination to provide for the security and promote the comfort of an obscure shell-fish! Reader! let this great

truth be solemnly impressed on your mind, God has made nothing in vain: it is a clue, that will safely conduct you through many intricate mazes in the great system of nature, as far, at least, as it is permitted to finite beings to explore them. In many instances, we are unable to comprehend the intention of the Deity with regard to the construction of his creatures; in others, their uses are so obvious, that they cannot be mistaken. For my own part, I confess, that when I see the common snail, slowly ascending the cavernous trunk of some aged tree, or climbing up a gardenwall, without the aid of wings or feet, ropes or pullies, solely by means of the viscid humour discharged from his skin, and consider the secret spark of life, which he possesses, I fear for his safety. But in this, as well as in innumerable instances, where we look for absolute destitution, "and can reckon upon nothing but wants," when some admirable contrivance amply compensates for every apparent deprivation, my mind is carried up to the praise and adoration of that great Being, whose wisdom, beneficence, and power, are thus conspicuous in the humblest of his works.

There is, still, another lesson to be learned in this sharp month; other objects that may well invite us to look within, and see, if we, like them, are meekly bearing the privations of this changing

scene.

When the frost lies thick upon the ground, and all the streams are frozen up, troops of confiding little birds pay their annual visit to trusted man. The grey wren seeks a snug corner in the thatch, or hay-rick, sparrows and chaffinches fly in crowds around the barn or kitchen-door, and larks take shelter in the warm stubble; while blackbirds and thrushes are seen peeping from their hiding-places in the loaded hedges; and field-fares, that migrate from the arctic regions, settle in the neighbourhood of towns. If the sun shines out, and the bleak east wind is still, you may hear the thrush and blackbird bid welcome to the sunny gleam, and body forth such enchanting notes, as no instrument, nor sweet sound of warbling voice, can imitate; the wren and hedge-sparrow will also do their best to tell you how thankful they are; and honest

robin, too, chants it as cheerfully on the leafless branches in December, as in May. We are sent to the ant to learn industry; to the dove, for an emblem of innocency-why not to this fond confiding little bird, to learn patience and equanimity, and to keep our minds in a quiet even tenor, as well at the approach of calamities' winter, as at the spring of happiness.

Hearken also to the cricket (acheta campestris) on the hearth, that merry creature, which passes the hottest summer months in sunny places. Her usual haunts are now white with snow; the green trembling blades, and scented flowers, that grew around, are all nipt and withered, and if a sunny gleam wander thither, as if by chance, it cannot suffice to cherish her with a kindly warmth. But she does not lie down by the way-side to perish in despair; no, her light springing limbs soon bear her to some crevice in the nearest hall or cottage, and there her cheerful voice is heard as merrily beside the warm hearth at Christmas, as in the dog-days. Observe how wonderfully, how curiously she is made, and what a shrill noise is occasioned by the brisk attrition of her wings. If the crackling faggot was to fail, and there was no bright blaze upon the hearth, she would retire with her congener to the nearest hiding-place, there to sink into a temporary torpor; but as soon