Snails
What has been already said in regard to Slugs (which see) is equally applicable to Snails, except that the latter animals possess large and conspicuous spiral shells, into which they withdraw at the approach of cold or dry weather, and in which they protect themselves by means of opercula of firm texture with which they close the opening of the shell. Thus guarded against injury from without, they may remain motionless for long periods, even for several years. As regards the nature of the tongue and of the foot, their general habits, and also the methods of remedy, and of prevention of attacks, it is needless to repeat what is said under Slugs. Snails do not, however, commit such ravages as the latter creatures. It is necessary to break the shells to permit the remedies employed to reach their bodies. Handpicking is probably the most certain cure. The injurious Snails chiefly belong to the genus Helix; but many of the smaller species, even in this genus, do not appreciable harm. The larger and more conspicuous kinds are: Helix pomatia, the "Apple Snail," whose shell reaches 2in. in breadth, and is dull yellowish-white, with spiral lines of brown. This Snail is found only in the South of England, and is said to have been introduced by the Romans, by whom it was eaten, after having been fed up for some time, to bring it into good condition for the table. H. aspera, the Common Snail, is usually common in gardens. The shell may reach 1 1/2in. in diameter; it is yellowish-brown, with five dark brown lines or narrow bands running round it; the epidermis is rough, and wrinkled. H. hortensis also occurs in gardens, but is commoner throughout Britain (along with H. nemoralis, of which it is often regarded as a variety) beside hedgerows or on banks, among tangled vegetation. Both forms vary much in colour of the shells, from white or yellow to brown, with from one to five dark brown lines or narrow bands around them; or the shells may show no markings. The chief difference between the two forms is that H. hortensis has the out-turned lip pale, while H. nemoralis has it dark; each is about 1in. broad. The other species need not be separately mentioned, as they do little harm in gardens, or do not live there. Snails are preyed on by the larvae of Glowworms and by other kinds of beetles, e.g., Drilus, Staphylinus, &c. Thrushes, blackbirds, and various other birds, feed greedily on them; and one of the best methods, when practicable, for reducing their numbers is to turn a flock of ducks into the place to be cleared. For other remedies, see Slugs.