THE ECONOMIC MOLLUSCA OF ACADIA. 41 



interesting though not commercially valuable use for this 

 species. It would be far too expensive a process to attempt 

 to dye with it, but for the purpose suggested (i. e., its use as- 

 indelible ink), it may have a limited local value. Jeffreys- 

 says the egg-capsules will also give the color, and with less 

 trouble than the parent animals. Dr. Bell states that this 

 species was used somewhat as bait for Cod along the lower 

 St. Lawrence, but we do not know that it has ever been so used 

 in Acadia. 



A more important economic interest in this animal for us 

 arises from its relation to Oyster-beds and Oyster-culture. 

 While it gives much trouble and causes much loss to United 

 States oystermen, it seems to be quite rare and harmless on 

 the Oyster-beds of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, doubtless owing 

 to the fact that it lives on rocks, of which there are compara- 

 tively few in that region. Indeed Mr. Whiteaves did not 

 find it at all at Shediac. This fact is another to show how 

 favored by nature are Acadian Oyster-waters, and is an 

 additional indication of the possibility of profitable Oyster- 

 culture upon our shores. 



8. Lunatia lieros (Say) Adams. 

 Natica Jieros (Say). 

 Round Whelk. 



[Lunatia, half-moon shaped; heros, a hero.] 



DiSTRiBUTioK. (a) General;— Low-wsLtev mark to forty 

 fathoms. Georgia to southern coast of Labrador. 



(b) In Acadia; — (in N. B.) Abundant everywhere on sand 

 and mud bottoms on the southern coast, from Grand Manan to 

 Quaco. Near Dalhousie, Bell. Shediac, Whiteaves. (In N, 

 S.) Annapolis Basin and St. Mary's Bay, VerJcruzen. All 

 sand beaches, Jones. Sable Island, very large, Willis, 

 Prince Edward Island, Dawson. Probably to be found on 

 sandy and other soft beaches around the entire coast. 



Habits. Though this species possesses little economic value, it i» 

 a most coDspicuous shore shell. It is as large as Eucchmm uvdatnm, or 



