ORDER UNIMUSCULOSA. 



79 



This curious kind of cloth was long since known to the 

 ancients ; but at present its manufacture is very limited, 

 from the great scarcity of the Pinna, and the number 

 of beards necessary to make even so small an article as 

 a pair of gloves. But it is supposed, that if the shells 

 were placed in more favourable circumstances, in pre- 

 serves, &c., they w^ould increase much more rapidly. 



These shells are found in the seas of all hot climates, 

 but the British shores possess but one species, the 

 Pinna Imvis of Donovan ; this is of a horny colour, 

 clouded with brov.'n, and attains a considerable size. 



The Common Mussel, {Mytilus edulis.) 



The Mussels are a well-known and very useful genus of 

 the shell-bearing animals ; they are generally found 

 attached to rocks between hvA\ and low water marks. 



MlitihiS cduUg. 



They are sought after in most parts of the world as an 

 article of food ; and, although not equal to the oyster, 

 make a very palatable 'dish. 



