388 OYSTERS, AND ALL ABOUT THEM. 



AMERICAN : EAST RIVERS. Born and bred in Ame- 

 rica ; fattened in Poole Harbour ; 4 inches long, 2^ wide. 

 Externally shape, oblong ; rather rough ; curved from 

 right to left on the flat ; convex shell, corrugated and ser- 

 rated. Internally, plump and full fish ; drab mantle with 

 darkened fringe ; sepia adductor muscle mark, milky-white 

 shell ; delicious, sharp and pleasant flavour ; hard to open. 



ARCACHON. From Arcachon, and fattened in Poole 

 beds ; 3 inches long, 2f- broad ; externally, a rather thin, 

 smooth shell, inclined to be circular ; convex shell, slightly 

 corrugated. Internally, mother-of-pearl appearance ; full, 

 plump, and juicy ; delicious eating ; sharp to the palate ; 

 drab colour ; white adductor muscle mark. 



PORTUGUESE. Fattened in Poole beds ; length 4 

 inches ; breadth 2% inches ; externally shape 'oblong ; 

 coarsely rugged-looking ; deep depressions and elevations ; 

 convex shell, much serrated. Internally very plump, full 

 fish ; drab, with brownish-edged beard ; blue-brown ad- 

 ductor muscle mark ; taste, sweet, fresh, slightly metallic, 

 juicy and rich flavour. 



CAEN BAY. From Caen Bay ; planted in Poole beds ; 

 size, 4 inches long, 4^ broad. Externally shape circular ; 

 seem composed of very loose, friable layers ; convex shell, 

 serrated and corrugated. Internally full, plump fish ; 

 white adductor muscle mark; light coloured mantle ; very 

 delicious, plump, sweet, sharp, appetising ; quite equal in 

 taste to a native ; very hard to open ; powerful hinge. 



WEST BAY. Born and bred in West Bay ; fattened 

 in Poole ; size, 5^ inches long, 4^ broad. Externally 

 rough, uncouth, friable. Internally not inviting ; small 

 fish compared with the size of the shell, more fit for 

 sauce than to be eaten ; coarse flavour. Internally 



