28 THE NAUTILUS. 
The first effort in the assault, on the part of the Melongena, is the 
insertion of its beak or rostrum between the open valves of the 
oyster, when the latter is feeding. The valves, of course, are imme- 
diately closed upon the beak of the assailant, which is round and 
tough, resembling in form and color a leather shoe-string. 
At this particular juncture the oyster appears to have the best 
position in the struggle for life; and if it could maintain its exist- 
ence, without relaxing its muscles, the Melongena would, in time, 
starve to death while held in its grasp. 
The position of affairs just described is probably continued for a 
long time, until the oyster, exhausted with the strain in the contrac- 
tion of its muscles, is obliged to open its shells. 
This is the opportunity which the Melongena has been patiently, 
or impatiently, awaiting ; and its beak is immediately thrust further 
between the oyster shells. 
It is only a question of time when the beak of the Melongena 
reaches the muscular portion of the oyster; and then the process 
of devouring it begins. 
Early in the progress of this struggle for life other Melongenas 
assemble at the prospective feast, and insert their beaks between the 
shells of the oyster, and then await their opportunity for engorge- 
ment. 
The writer has picked up an oyster in Little Sarasota Bay, in 
Florida, from which 14 Melongenas were dangling. suspended by 
their long beaks, which were held in the closed shells of their victim, 
A cluster of oysters was found, at the same place, between the shells 
of which were inserted the beaks of 22 Melongenas. 
The Sigaretus is enabled to destroy the oyster by enveloping it 
in its folds, and in that manner smothering it. In the same manner 
the Fulgur perversum kills the oyster by enveloping it in its foot. 
The Melongenas successfully attack and destroy large specimens 
of Fulgur perversum. They crowd on and around the operculum of 
the latter, and when it is opened for the admission of water for res- 
piration, the beaks of the Melongenas are ruthlessly inserted be- 
tween it and the shell; and the same method of attack is pursued as 
in the case of the oyster. 
It is surprising to see how skillfully the Melongenas can arrange 
themselves, in order that the greatest number may occupy the space 
at their disposal at the feast. 
The writer has seen a Melongena corona devouring a shrimp, and 
also a Solen americanus. 
