140 Mussel Beds; their Procluctivity and Maintenance 



Average Cubic Content of Mytilus as measured hy 

 Water Displacement. 



* This represents an increase of, roughly, 161 %. 



Weight E_xperinients. 



A considerable number of mussels was utilised in the determination 

 of the figures given below. The average weight probably varies con- 

 siderably at different seasons of the year, and, during the summer 

 months especially, I have found that mussels are often poorly fleshed 

 and of light weight. They increase in weight in autumn and winter. 

 The figures here represent the weights of fairly heavy, unspawned indi- 

 viduals. 



Average Weight of Mussels in Shell {Live Weight). 



* This represents an average increase in weight of about 1 14 % . 



Average Weight of Soft Parts {Flesh Content). 



In the case of a soft bodied creature like the sea mussel, which secretes 

 an abundance of mucus, it will be understood that it is difficult or even 

 impossible to determine accurately what is organic matter and what 

 not, in the fresh condition. A rough method of estimating the flesh 

 content is, therefore, of no use whatever. Special methods have to be 

 employed, and these have to be followed with great care if the result? 

 are to prove of any value. 



