214 HALP-HOUK8 IN THE GREEN LANES. 



scientific custom. This species was considered a 

 delicacy by the ancient Romans, who seem to have 

 ransacked river and land and sea for something 

 " fresh " in the eating line. Indeed, the use of 

 snails, not so much as food, although we have seen 

 they are often employed in Catholic countries 

 during Lent for this purpose, but for medicine, is 

 more extensive than is commonly supposed. Large 



Fig. 153. 



Apple Snail (H. pvmatia). 



quantities are exported alive in barrels to America 

 for this purpose, and even our London markets 

 create a demand for them, for the cure of chest 

 complaints ! 



The Spotted snail (Helix aspersd) is sadly des- 

 tructive, and anything but a favourite with farmers 

 and gardeners. It evidently dislikes clayey soils, 

 however; although this is no particular gain, for 

 another common species, Helix hortensis, the Garden 



