its value. One of our most
learned conchologists is now engaged, in describing, classing, and
publishing a drawing of it. We hope that, in memory of its first
possessor, he will give it the name of _l'helice innominata_, the
"nameless spiral."

THE STORY OF GIOVANNI BELZONI.

One day in the beginning of the year 1803, Mr. Salt, whose name has
since become so celebrated among the discoverers of Egyptian
antiquities, observed before one of the public rooms of Edinburgh, a
great crowd assembled. For almost every one there exists a mysterious
attraction in the sight of a number of people, and Mr. Salt, no wiser
than his neighbors, pushed his way, when the doors were opened, into the
room. There, on a sort of stage, he saw a tall and powerfully-built
young man, performing various gymnastic exercises, and feats of
strength. While this Hercules in tinsel was lifting enormous weights,
and jumping from a table over the heads of twelve men, a pretty,
delicate-looking young woman, was arranging some hydraulic machines and
musical glasses, with which the entertainment was to terminate. As the
price of admission was nominal, she occasionally also handed round a
small wooden bowl, in order to collect gratuities from the spectators.

Very few of those who were enjoying the exhibition gave any thing; and
when the young woman approached her husband, and showed him the few
coins she had received, he hastened to terminate his performance. Mr.
Salt pitied the poor fellow, and as the young woman was passing, said to
her:

"You forgot to present your bowl for my contribution. Here it is."

He slipped a silver coin into her hand. Both she and her husband thanked
him warmly; the latter in broken English, and with an Italian accent.

Mr. Salt, who had but just returned from Rome, replied in Italian; and,
perceiving in the stranger's manner of expressing himself a degree of
refinement not to be expected from a mountebank, asked him whence he
came, and what was his history?

"Six months ago, sir," replied the man, "if any man had told me that I
should be reduced to earn my bread by exhibiting my strength in public,
I should have felt greatly inclined to knock him down. I came to England
for the purpose of making known some hydraulic machines of my invention;
but the spirit of routine, and the love of ignorance, closed every
avenue against me. Previously, before losing all my hopes of success, I
married this young girl. Had I been