JOURNEY THROUGH JERSEY 15 



rougher than the European. It happens not seldom 

 that one oyster makes several mouthfuls. At times 

 incomplete pearls are found in the shells. In certain 

 regions the shell now and then has a diseased appear- 

 ance, whitish, half-transparent, and glassy, but such 

 oysters are eaten in quantities and without injury. In- 

 deed, people of a sickly, weak habit of body find that 

 fresh oysters are good for them, and here as well as in 

 Europe Tulpius's + oyster-cure is often prescribed. In 

 York they burn for lime the shells of oysters, clams, 

 and other muscles, because there is no limestone in that 

 region. Lime prepared in this way makes an especially 

 good white-wash, but for building it has not the best 

 lasting qualities. 



Oysters, Clams (Venus mercenaries L.), and Pissers 

 (Myae species)* are the most usual shell-fish brought 

 to market in this region. In the country the range of 

 choice is wider, and a sort of cockle [Jakobsmuschel] 

 is there eaten. Of the Buccina a rather large and a 

 very small variety are relished by a few fastidious 

 palates. Even the King-crab (monoculus Polyphemus 

 L.)f is not despised by some of the inhabitants. 



* Probably Mya arenaria L. They live on the beach and 

 are betrayed by a round opening in the sand. If slightly 

 pressed they spurt with considerable energy a clear stream of 

 water. Their flesh is coarse and tough, but makes a strong, 

 nutritious broth. 



f These, from their shape, are commonly called Horseshoe- 

 crabs, and are found on this coast only in the summer months. 

 Often left on the beach by the tide, they are sought after 

 greedily by hogs, which thrive on them. As a matter of fact 

 they belong among the larger insects. Some of them, includ- 

 ing the tail, are three feet and more in length. They live 

 several days out of the water. 



