14 CALIFORNIA SEA-SHELLS. 



uable prizes and should not be overlooked. Liv- 

 ing mollusks are most to be sought for, but dead 

 shells are often worth picking up. Do not mis- 

 take the brisk litle Hermit Crabs which live in 

 empty shells for the original inhabitants ; such 

 a mi-take has sometimes been made by those 

 who have spent many years on the sea-shore. 



Some bivalves, like the chamas, are found 

 firmly attached to rocks, and so closely do they 

 resemble the surface to which they cling that it 

 is difficult to detect them. Otheisspin a byssns, 

 or cable of threads, and anchor themselves firmly 

 to some rock or post. Many species live in mud 

 or sand and send up siphons to the overlying 

 water. After the tide retreats, watch for their 

 holes, or observe the jets of water which they 

 sometimes throw up when disturbed. When 

 you have found the lurking place, dig out the 

 mollusk with a spade. 



Gasteropods are usually found clinging to 

 stones or seaweed. Some kinds can be found 

 plenty enough, but for other species you must 

 turn over masses of sea-moss and peer into curi- 

 ous cracks and crannies. The discovery of the 

 real live animal, in his own proper home, brings 

 a joy which is never felt by those who merely 

 search the sandy beach, or catch their shells 

 with the silver hook. 



Limpets can easily be detached by a thin, flat 

 knife ; the more unexpected the attack, the 

 better. Abalones must be sought in the cletts 

 of rocks, and be dettached by a sudden pry with 

 a long wedge. Many minute shells may be 

 gathered by putting sea-weed into a pail of fresh 



