224 "MOLLITSCA. 



in great quantities by the poor inhabitants on the coast. 

 The Nerita littoralis is also frequently gathered along with 

 the periwinkle, as it frequents the same situations. It is, 

 however, much smaller, and its flesh is not reckoned equally 

 good. 



The Limpet (Patella vulgata} is equally abundant as the 

 periwinkle, and frequents the same situations on the rocks. 

 Although used by the ancients as an article of food, it is 

 seldom brought to market in this country. Among the 

 villages along the coast of Scotland this shell-fish is fre- 

 quently used, and its juice, obtained by boiling, mixed with 

 oatmeal, is held in high estimation. It is considered in 

 season about the end of May. The chief excellence of the 

 limpet, however, is as a bait. It is very easily obtained 

 from the rocks, from which the fisherman detach it with a 

 knife, and it is eagerly seized by all the littoral fish which 

 are sought after. To the haddock it is very acceptable. 



Several species of Snails (Helix) are employed for culi- 

 nary purposes. The largest of these, the Helix pomatia, 

 was a favourite dish among the Romans, who fattened them 

 with bran sodden with wine. They are still used in many 

 parts of Europe during Lent, after having been fed with 

 different kinds of herbs. This species was originally im- 

 ported into Britain from Italy, and turned out in Surry, 

 where it has readily multiplied. The Helix hortensis has 

 also been employed as food. But, we believe that these 

 two species are chiefly used medicinally, being administered 

 in consumptive cases. The small species of the genus are 

 the favourite food of the birds of the thrush kind, either in 

 a wild or confined state. 



The other univalves which we shall notice are of inferior 

 importance as articles of subsistence. The Fusus antiqtnts. 



