m^M 



The recently removed canal mud, in the upper section of the illustration, is heavily 

 charged with large snail shells. The lovi^er section shovi'S the shells in the soil of a recently 



spaded field." ' cc ■ <- *. 



The shells are by no means as numerous generally as here seen, but yet suthcient to 

 maintain the supply of lime. Several species of these snails are collected in quantities and 

 used as food. Piles containing bushels of the empty shells were seen along the canals out- 

 side the villages. The snails are cooked in the shell and often sold by measure to be eaten 

 from the hand, as we buy roasted peanuts or popcorn. When a purchase is made, the vender 

 clips the spiral point from each shell with a pair of small shears. This admits air and per- 

 mits the snail to be readily removed by suction when the lips are applied to the shell. 



951 



