OSTRJCA. 107 



ence by attaclnng itself to submarine objects, and grow- 

 ing to them. The shell becomes irregular, throwing 

 out in its growth any leaflets which may be required 

 to secure it in its place. Thus we pass to 



III. OSTR.^CA. 



Most of us are familiar with the flavour and appear- 

 ance of the eatable Oyster, as well as with its shell ; for the 

 flat valve is brought to table, and the deep valve is pre- 

 sented imploringly to us oftener than we like in August by 

 the grotto boys and girls. Although at first sight the ani- 

 mal presents an unimposing appearance, excepting to the 

 eye of an epicure when plump, the construction is very 

 pretty when more closely examined. The delicate breath- 

 ing apparatus, seen by cutting open the upper part of the 

 pulpy body, and the double-fringed mantle, with its rows 

 of tentacles, are by no means without a beauty of their own. 

 The shell, too, is sometimes very beautifully foliated, and 

 even in some instances, when young, brightly rayed; the 

 animal has one hinder opening and no foot ; the valves are 

 drawn together by a strong, large, round muscle, which 

 forms the delicious gristle, thought by some to be the most 

 delicate morsel of the whole, and makes a strong mark on 

 both shells. 



