58 OYSTERS, AND ALL ABOUT THEM. 



Barbut, in his ''Genera Vermium," published 1788, 

 states that the oyster is a reputed hermaphrodite, and that 

 the spawn which they cast in May adheres to rocks and 

 other matters at the bottom. 



The " Systema Naturae" of Linnaeus, published 1735, 

 and going through many editions, being merely an arrange- 

 ment or classification of the Animal Kingdom, does not 

 give us any information, (e) 



Quaint old Norden, who made the survey of Essex in 

 1594, writes thus : " Some part of the sea-shore of Essex 

 yealdeth the best oisters in England, which are called 

 Walfletes Oisters : there is a great difference between theis 

 oisters and them which lie vpon other shores, for theis 

 oyster, that in London and ellswher carieth the name of 

 Walflete, is a little full oister with a varie greene fynn, 

 and like unto others in quantite and qualite are none in 

 this land." 



This statement is confirmed in the " Antient Cryes of 

 London," where we find the following : 



" We daily cryes about the streets may hear, 

 According to the season of the year ; 

 Some Wellfleet oysters call, others do cry 

 Fine Shelsea cockles, or white mussels buy." (f) 



Occasionally we catch a glimpse of the indulgences of 

 our forefathers in these little delicacies, as we examine 

 their ancient records. Thus, for example, Henry Machin, 

 citizen and merchant taylor of London, keeps a diary, in 

 which all the good things of which he partook- seem to 

 have secured a special record ; of which the following is a 

 curious instance : 



(e) " History of the Oyster," by Prof. T. C. Eyton. 

 (/) Kirby's " Wonderful Museum," vol. 2, p. 233. 



