52 MUSSEL CULTURE 



ago in a progressive series of mussels prepared by 

 Mr. Thomas Scott, one of the naturaHsts to the 

 Scottish Fishery Board. 



It is probable, however, that the majority of 

 small mussels which actively reproduce their 

 species, have been retarded in their growth by 

 the presence of unfavourable conditions of life» 

 They are not necessarily young mussels. 



The rate of growtJi is a subject concerning 

 which much diversity of statement is possible, 

 since it depends to a very great extent upon a 

 variety of conditions. In studying this point, 

 however, we gain a considerable amount of 

 information which is extremely useful, since the 

 conditions of favourable and of unfavourable 

 growth are brought out. 



If a quantity of spat in its early free-swimming 

 condition is carried by currents along a rocky 

 coast, where masses have become detached from 

 the cliffs and stand washed by the ocean tides, the 

 young mussels, on reaching the stage at which 

 they sink and attach themselves, must necessarily 

 make use of the rocks and boulders amongst 

 which they are thrown. 



Here, if they are examined after they have 

 grown for two or three years, it will be found 



