THE CHAMA GIGAS. 187 



immense size, and is, 1 believe, the largest species known. 

 The flesh of the animal is eatable, but is very hard. Several 

 individuals have been found which weighed more than SOOlbs. 

 The French call these shells Benitiers, because they are used 

 to hold the holy water; and there are two in the church of 

 St. Sulpice in Paris, (where they are applied to that pur- 

 pose,) which were presented to Francis I, by the republic of 

 Venice. These shells are furnished with a byssus or beard, 

 by which they are suspended to the rocks, and which is so 

 thick and tenacious, as only to be separated with a hatchet. 



ESTHER. 



Does it resemble that of the Pinna? 



MRS. F. 



It is not so silky, for the byssus of the Pinna (Pinna no- 

 bilis] is woven into gloves, &c. 



ESTHER. 



How is it prepared for that purpose 1 ? 



MRS. F. 



The byssus (which will not take any dye) being cut, is 

 twice soaked in tepid water, and once in soap and water, and 

 is then spread out to dry, in some cool and shady place. 

 While it is yet moist, it is rubbed softly and separated with 

 the hand, and then spread out again. When thoroughly 

 freed from moisture, it is next drawn through a wide-toothed 

 comb, and afterwards through one with finer and closer teeth. 

 The more common silk is thus prepared; but, that which is 

 destined for finer works, is afterwards drawn through closer 

 toothed combs or cards. It is next spun, two or three of the 

 threads being mixed with one of real silk, and then knitted. 

 When knitted, it is again washed in clear water mixed with 

 lemon juice, is then gently beaten between the hands, and 

 afterwards smoothed with a warm iron. 



HENRIETTA. 



How does the Pinna spin its byssus! 



