Miscellaneous. 421 



winter, have frequented this coast in great numbers ; the herons also 

 may have had a hand, or rather beak in it. 



The miUtary canal which runs between Sandgate and Hythe, at 

 the distance of about a quarter of a mile from the sea, abounds with 

 these large mussels, and during the winter, the water having been 

 drawn off for some days, the bed was completely exposed, so that 

 the uufortmiate wretches, who possessed not the power of locomotion, 

 fell an easy prey to the thievish crows and long-billed herons. 



I have frequently noticed these crows hunting for snails along the 

 sides of the cliff. 



It would be a puzzle for future geologists, should by any chance 

 the present beach be suddenly covered up, as they would find in a 

 bed of sea-worn pebbles a stratum of freshwater shells, and not an 

 inconsiderable one either. Some of these shells are nearly 7 inches 

 wide or long. 



Ever sincerely yours, 

 S. 0. Gray, Esq. Francis Brent. 



Sandgate, March 28, 1853. 



In respect to '' Anodonta cygnea" I am glad that Dr. Gray thinks 

 the fact of the shells being found upon the beach worthy of record : 

 he can make what use he likes of the information. I went this 

 evening to have another examination of the spot, but can send you 

 nothing more worthy to be mentioned. 



I found that the shells were in the greatest quantity immediately 

 over the bank of beach on the side nearest the canal, where the sea 

 never comes except during storms, so that the shells were not placed 

 there by the waves. I walked for nearly two miles without seeing 

 any diminution of the number, and I have no doubt I could have 

 found them nearly close to Hythe; in some places they were so 

 thick, that I could scarcely put my foot down without treading on a 

 shell or fragment. I think I told you that the shells were scattered 

 on the land from the high-water mark nearly to the canal. 



It has been suggested to me by a friend here, that these shells 

 might have been washed out into the sea when the water was let 

 out of the canal at the sluice gates. I can scarcely think this pro- 

 bable, as in that case they would not have been fovmd inland from 

 high-water mark — they would not have had the peculiar hole in them 

 — they would have been found in a more perfect condition ; and again, 

 as the habit of the mollusk is to bury itself in the mud, the force of 

 the stream must have been very great indeed to have dislodged it; 

 whereas I noticed this evening, that although the gates were open the 

 stream was flowing very slowly. I still, therefore, hold to my opinion, 

 that they have been carried to the spot on which they are found by 

 herons or Royston crows. 



I have sent a small box containing some specimens addressed to 

 Dr. Gray at the Museum. 



Believe me, ever yours sincerely, 

 fii O.Gray, Esq. Francis Brent.' . 



9rti -Lii' .,lJ07d 



