No. I (1917) 



EDIBLE MOLLUSCS 



49 



THE Weaving Mussels (Modiola spp.). 



Several medium-sized species of the we^iving mussels exist in 

 our seas and in Palk Bay; one is so abundant that I have seen 

 several square miles of sea-bottom covered continuously with a 

 carpet of their shells, felted together in a tangle of byssal threads. 

 The average size is not too small and were there any demand, tons 

 of them could easily be dredged in Palk Bay. The larger ones are 

 excellent eating, while the smaller would make, if dried and 

 pulverized, an excellent manure. 



Fig. 3 



f A. rotainiJes flu-dialiUs 

 I. — Horn shells < B. Potaniides palustris. 



C. Polamides Jusciim. 



Horn Shells (Potamides spp.). 



Except for lime-making the great Horn shells, Potamides (Telcs- 

 copiitin) fusciDn and P. (Pyrazus) palustris, often to be found in 

 abundance in the mangrove swamps of the Kistna and Godavari 

 deltas, are not utilized for any purpose. Among the Malays both 

 are esteemed as food; they throw them on wood fires, and when 

 they are sufficiently cooked, break off the top of the spire and suck 

 the animal out through the opening. 



