THE NAUTILUS. 



27 



Mytilus edulis var. 

 pellucidus. 



would be deemed by the said New York magnates a " very unfor- 

 tunate man " indeed. Less delicate in flavor than the latter species 

 are the common sea clams, Mactra solidissima, when not more than 

 half grown. Sea mussels, Mytilus edulis, are 

 also considered palatable though they are not 

 very highly relished in this vicinity. In New 

 York and New England, however, they are 

 much esteemed by epicures. 



Among the fishermen of Long Island Sound 

 the large Couch, Fulgur carica, is often 

 utilized for soup. But the writer knows by 

 experience that this is not the kind of food a 

 delicate palate will long for. 



Another edible species, and one far more 

 toothsome, is the little periwinkle, Litorina lit- 

 orea, a species probably introduced from 

 Europe. Until recently they were quite rare 

 south of Raritan Bay, but at present a fine 

 colony may be seen on the flats a little west of the Inlet House at 

 Atlantic City. The pretty species, Litorina irrorata, a more south- 

 ern form, also edible, appeared in large numbers on the bay side, 

 near Longport, N. J., about three years ago, but 

 the conditions surrounding them changed shortly 

 afterward and the colony disappeared quite as 

 quickly and mysteriously as it came. A few spec- 

 imens may still be secured on the adjacent flats 

 but they are much less perfect than were those 

 of the colony referred to. 



Many of the shells produced by the several 

 species mentioned are well worthy of a niche in Litorina litorea. 

 the collector's cabinet, especially so if taken alive and in situ. 

 Otherwise the more recent additions to the li2>edges are apt to be 

 injured by the action of the surf. 



But there are hosts of other native shells besides 

 those referred to, that may be profitably utilized by 

 lovers of Nature's handiwork. Among the most 

 prominent of these are the large pear-shaped Conch, 

 Fulgur canaliculata ; the several species of Pholades, 

 including the largest known form, Pholas costata, 

 Litorina irrorata. which ofteu secrctcs itself in the hardest limestone ; 



