BUCCINU.M OR WHELK. 105 



BUCCINUM, OR WHELK. 



The word Buccinum is derived from Rv\avr], a 

 trumpet or horn, and was applied by Pliny to a 

 certain class of shells with a round emarginated 

 mouth. The genus to which it is now confined 

 is perhaps less generally like a trumpet than many 

 others. They are in general strong and hollow. 

 The larger kinds were the first trumpets, by the 

 sound of which the soldier was anciently sum- 

 moned to arms. They adhere to rocks and stones, 

 and deposit their ova in deep water. I have seen 

 them taken in abundance in Margate harbour with 

 a spillcr baited with the small black crab crushed, 

 the whelks adhering to the bait with sufficient 

 firmness to be pulled into the boat; also at 

 Southend pier they are taken with baskets 

 which are let down to the bottom with bait in 

 them, and after remaining there some time are 

 pulled quickly up, when many whelks are found in 

 them. They are sold in immense quantities at 

 Billingsgate market, mostly for the purpose of 

 being pickled in vinegar, after which they are 

 retailed at cabstands with cockles to all comers of 



