70 



Numerous indeed are the Helicidae. No fewer than 

 nineteen species of the true snails are met with. 

 The Helix aspersa called Ghakruxa ta V art (earth- 

 snail) or Bebbuxa ragel (male snail) is eaten by 

 the poorer classes. The Moghza or black snail, the 

 ravages of which are justly dreaded by the farmer 

 is a Sicilian dish. The prolific Nagbgia or female 

 snail and the egg snail are also wholesome. Helix 

 gaulitana is found at Marsa-el-Forn and on the 

 General's Rock in Gozo. Amongst the Clausitia, 

 we must mention C. DeUcatae and C. Mamotica, 

 the first of which is only found at St. Paul's Bay, 

 and the second in Gozo. Physa meUtensis disports 

 itself in fountains and aqueducts, and Oyclosfoma 

 Melitense is very common under stones in uncul- 

 tivated grounds. 



Bulla liydatis commonly styled Baida tal Bahar 

 or Sea Egg abounds in the bays of Marsascala 

 and Cercheua. 



Several species of oysters are obtainable, and 

 in 1866 oyster beds were formed in various places, 

 but without much success. The Rev. H. Seddall 

 says "Five species of Pinna are found in Malta, 

 some of them common in the harbours within 

 reach of a pole or boat hook. They project from 

 the mud amongst the Zostera roots to which they 

 are attached by their silken cable. Of this silk 

 which is of fine texture, but heavy, I have seen 

 gloves made/' 



