8 



Considerable wealth of algal and animal life is present, in 

 great part associated closely with the oysters by settlement 

 upon the valves. Most conspicuous are barnacles and algas, the 

 latter frequently veiling the shells from sight. The association 

 of barnacles is characteristic. The smaller Crustacea, amphipods 

 and small decapods, are numerous, while large terebellids and 

 other tube-worms and several small lamellibranehs and gastro- 

 pods, a small Calijptraea among the latter, shelter in the crevices 

 of the bunches. Most interesting of all was the presence of two 

 small pearl-oysters, Margaritifera vulgaris, two to three months 

 old. A felt-like sponge, vivid green on the surface, yellow 

 beneath, with Clione and a small Sgcon, were the only sponges 

 seen. Finally we have to note the lack of that diatomaceous 

 muddy coating associated so characteristically with the Vannan- 

 turai and Sinna Paraval oysters. Here the shells are com- 

 paratively clean and bright where barnacles and tufted algoe 

 do not adhere. 



Of enemies or animals likely to prove harmful on an oyster 

 bank, I noted two of some importance, one being the sponge 

 Clione whose burrowing within the substance of the shell 

 renders it rotten or "worm-eaten," the other a hirsute 

 gastropod (Murex sp.), which may probably be the cause of 

 some damage if its habits be the same as its congeners in 

 Europe. Clione burrows were more marked here than on any 

 other bed ; the proximity of this bed to the sea favours the 

 growth and increase of this enemy. No starfishes were present. 



A considerable number of dead oyster shells were seen but 

 dissection of a number of those found alive showed them to be 

 remarkably healthy and far fatter and plumper in body and with 

 genital glands better filled than those of oysters from any other 

 bed in the lake. The majority of those examined were females, 

 the gonads fairly full. 



For table purposes these oysters are the finest of any now 

 living in the lake. 



Inshore of this scattered oyster bed, the cockle-like Area 

 rhombca is more abundant than anywhere else in this locality. 

 This mollusc is remarkable for the dark red colour of its blood ; 

 it is here esteemed more highly than any other " cockle " 

 (matti), being considered very nutritious. 



Pulical and Lighthouse beds. 



These beds are said to have originated artificially ; a few 

 years ago oysters were occasionally in demand and to obviate 

 the trouble of going frequently to the natural beds at some 

 distance it became a custom to keep reserves of oysters in these 

 two places — a primitive system of laying. 



