PINNA SEA WING. 189 



ring, to which a cord is fastened. When a Pinna 

 is discovered, the iron is let down slowly over 

 the shell, which is then twisted round and drawn 

 out. When a sufficient number have been 

 caught, the silk is cut off, and after being twice 

 soaked in tepid water, and once in soap and 

 water, is spread out to dry in some cool and 

 shady place. Whilst it is yet moist, it is again 

 softly rubbed and separated with the hand, and 

 then spread out again. When thoroughly freed 

 from moisture, it is drawn through a comb with 

 the teeth wide apart, and afterwards through a 

 similar instrument, with finer and closer teeth. 

 The more common silk is thus prepared, but 

 that which is destined for finer works, is after- 

 wards drawn through closer iron combs or cards. 

 It is spun, two or three of the threads being 

 mixed with one of real silk, and then knitted into 

 gloves, stockings, and even whole garments. 

 When the piece is knitted, it is washed in clean 

 water mixed with lemon juice, gently beaten be- 

 tween the hands, and smoothed with a warm 

 iron. The shells of the Pinna are often orna- 

 mented with elevated longitudinal ribs, crossed 

 by striae, sometimes terminated by imbricated 

 arched scales, or prominent tubular spines. Some 

 of the young shells of this genus are less than an 

 inch in length, whilst the adults often exceed 

 three feet. The Pinna as well as the Muscle, 

 was much celebrated by the ancients ; they sup- 

 posed it to harbour within its shell a small crus- 

 taceous animal, a kind of shrimp, which was said 

 to be of the greatest use to its companion, by 



