]6 EDIBLE BRITISH MOLLUSCA. 



denly thrust into the hollows of the sands indicative of 

 the presence of these animals, and, passing between 

 the valves, the barbed portion fixes itself, on retraction, 

 in the animal, and forces it to the surface." 



Poli gives an account of Solen-fishing at Naples. 

 He tells us that the lurking-place of the Solen is 

 betrayed by a hole in the sand, agreeing in shape with 

 the apertures of its tubes or siphons. Where the 

 water is shallow the fisherman sprinkles some oil on 

 the surface, in order to see these marks more clearly. 

 He then steadies himself by leaning on a staff with his 

 left hand, and feels for the Solen with his naked right 

 foot. This he catches, and holds between his great 

 toe and the next ; but although his toes are protected 

 by linen bands, the struggles of the Solen to escape 

 are so violent, and the edges of the shell so sharp, that 

 often a severe wound is inflicted by it. Where the sea 

 is five or six feet deep, the fisherman dives or swims 

 under water with his eyes open, and after finding the 

 holes, digs with his hands for the razor-fish.* At 

 Tenby baskets-full are often brought to the door, and 

 they are considered very good to eat. In Japan they 

 are said to be so highly prized that, by the express 

 order of the prince of that country " it is forbid to fish 

 them until a sufficient quantity hath been provided 

 for the Emperor's table/'f 



In the Bay of Concepcion are several species of 

 shell-fish highly esteemed, and Ulloa especially men- 

 tions some Venuses and a number of razor- shells. 

 The Chinese eat the razor-fishes, and they may be seen 



* ' British Conchology/ vol. iii. p. 13. 



f ' Glimpses of Ocean Life/ by Johp Harper, F.R.S. 



