360 



THE OCEAN WORLD. 



air, and remains constantly under water, except at the period of 

 spring tides. These are gathered in sacks made of old matting, or 

 suspended in interstices of the basket-work. " These immense 

 palisades," says M. Coste, " become covered with black clusters of 

 mussels developed between the meshes of their tissues." At this 

 time the second rows are cleared away to make room for younger 

 generations ; the mussels, which no longer dread the air, are trans- 

 ported to the more advanced bouchots, which remain above water in 

 all tides, where they stay till they are fit for market, which usually 



Fig. 160. Piles, with Basket-work, covered with Mussels in a fit state to be gathered ii. 



happens after ten or twelve months of culture on the more advanced 

 bouchots. 



But, in order to prepare for this consummation, they are subjected 

 to a second and even a third remove. There is no longer any 

 danger in subjecting them to the air for many hours. From this 

 they pass to a fourth stage, termed Amont (Fig. 160). From this 

 stage the full-grown mussel is removed. Under this system of culture 

 the reproduction, nursing, collecting, and preparing for market, are 

 made simultaneously. From July to January the mussel trade is in 

 full operation, and the flesh in perfection. From February to April 

 is the close season ; their flesh is then poor and leathery. It is also 



