[CHAPTER VIII.]
Acorn Barnacles.—Ship Barnacles.
'Barnacles turn Solan Geese
In the islands of the Orcades.'
[VIII.]
If the reader has been struck at what has been said in regard to the exuviation of crabs, &c., he will probably be more surprised when I state that precisely the same phenomena take place in the simple Acorn Barnacle, that studs in countless numbers almost every rock and shell situated between tide marks. No one can visit the sea-shore, at certain localities, without noticing the white spots which constitute the shells of the cirripeds in question, although he may not be acquainted with the marvellous beauty of the animal contained within each.
Its loveliness, it is true, is in no wise apparent when parched and dry; but let the welcome waves advance and playfully dash their spray against the dwelling of the little crustacean, and quickly its valves will open, displaying a delicate feathery plume, thrust forth and hastily withdrawn again.