28 THE NAUTILUS. 



The first effort in tlie assault, on the part of the Melougena, is the 

 insertion of its beak or rostrum between the open valves of the 

 oyster, when the latter is feeding. The valves, of course, are imme- 

 diately closed upon the beak of the assailant, which is round and 

 tough, resembling in form and color a leather shoe-string. 



At this particular juncture the oyster appears to have the best 

 position in the struggle for life; and if it could maintain its exist- 

 ence, without relaxing its muscles, the Melongena would, in time, 

 starve to death while held in its grasp. 



The position of affairs just described is probably continued for a 

 long time, until the oyster, exhausted with the strain in the contrac- 

 tion of its muscles, is obliged to open its shells. 



This is the opportunity which the Melongena has been patiently, 

 or impatient! v, awaiting ; and ils beak is immediately thrust further 

 between the oyster shells. 



It is only a question of time when the beak of the Melongena 

 reaches the muscular portion of the oyster ; and then the process 

 of devouring it begins. 



Earlv in the progress of this struggle for life other Melongenaa 

 assemble at the prospective feast, and insert their lieaks between the 

 shells of the oyster, and then await their opportunity for engorge- 

 ment. 



The writer has picked up an oyster in Little Sarasota Bay, in 

 Florida, from which 14 Melongenas were dangling, suspended by 

 their long beaks, which were held in the closed shells of their victim. 

 A duster of oysters was found, at the same place, between the shells 

 of which were inserted the beaks of '_''_> .Melongenas. 



The Bigaretus is enabled to destroy the oyster by enveloping it 

 in its folds, and in that manner smothering it. In the same manner 

 the Fulgur jiervi-rsnin kills the oyster by enveloping it in its foot. 



The Melongenas successfully attack and destroy large specimens 

 of Fulijm- perversum. They crowd on and around the operculnm of 

 the latter, and when it is opened for the admission of water for res- 

 piration, the beaks of the Melongenas are ruthlessly inserted be- 

 tween it and the shell ; and the same method of attack is pursued as 

 in the case of the oyster. 



It is surprising to see how skillfully the Melongenas can arrange 

 themselves, in order that the greatest number may occupy the space 

 at their disposal at the feast. 



The writer has seen a Melongena rin-unn devouring a shrimp, and 

 also a Solen amerieanus. 



