THE ECONOMIC MOLLUSCA OF ACADIA. 77 



lime of the shells, their animal matter, and the rich silt, go on 

 accumulating, and soon form a mass of the richest fertilizer. 



In Europe this fact has been fully recognized, but there 

 the living Mussels are far too valuable to be used to any 

 extent for this purpose; so valuable, that it has been proposed 

 in England to make it a penal offence to take them for 

 manure. The latter step is necessary because of the near- 

 sightedness of the farmers, who would totally exterminate 

 them if allowed. 



In the United States, it is taken along the coasts of Long 

 Island and New Jersey in enormous quantities for this purpose, 

 though it does not seem to be much used farther north. Its 

 value to the United States is estimated at $37,500 yearly, 

 nearly all of which is for its use as a fertilizer. 



In Acadia, all have heard of the " Mussel-mud " of Prince 

 Edward Island and the North Shore of the two other Pro- 

 vinces, A large part of the Mussel-mad, however, probably 

 very much the largest part, consists of the remains of the 

 Oyster. The subject has been considered at some length 

 under that sjjecies. We have found no evidence to show that 

 the Mussels are taken separately for this purpose. 



Upon the Bay of Fuudy coast, the farmers make but little 



use of what would appear to be a mine of agricultural wealth 



at their very doors. Everywhere about Passamaquoddy Bay 



there are great beds, the use of which ought greatly to benefit 



the land. 



(d) Othek Minor Uses. 



In England, it has been proposed, and it would be equally 

 apjDlicable in this country, to plant Mussels on breakwaters 

 of gravel and other shifting substances, and upon beaches 

 exposed to the wearing action of the waves, in order to bind 

 them together, just as beach-grass is used on the sand-dunes 

 of Cape Cod. They would quickly fix themselves, and by 

 their tough, interlacing, tangled byssi or beards would soon 

 form a tough but elastic coating. 



It is thought also that they can be used to prevent the 

 ravages of Teredines or Ship Worms on timber of wharves 

 and the like, by coating the latter completely. 



