OCEAN GARDENS ; 



from the Aqnarinm. The Cuttles, also, are to be 

 ayoided from the same cause; they are fierce tyrants 

 of the deep, that would make sad havoc among the 

 delicate creatures with which we delight to furnish 

 our tanks of glass. The curious substance termed 

 Sea-Grapes, which are the eggs of this creature, 

 might, however, be placed in the tank, and the pro- 

 gress of development watched, without fear of injury 

 to the other inmates. 



The full-grown Cuttle is, nevertheless, so curious 

 a creature that, in a tank prepared with that special 

 view, his habits might furnish food for much curi- 

 ous observation — indeed, carefully fed up, he might 

 form very excellent food himself ; his German 

 name, Kuttel^ signifying tripe, the flavour of which 

 his flesh is said to resemble. The common Squid, 

 which is eaten by the poor of our coasts, is a 

 kindred species, and is also said to have a similar 

 flavour. Molluscs of this class, as well as the dis- 

 gusting-looking Poulp, or many-feet, are seen in 

 profusion in the markets of the south of Europe, 

 and are as highly prized as the Oyster with us. 

 The ancients carried their taste for them so far as 

 to feed them up artificially ; and at the nuptial feast 

 of Iphicrates, one hundred Polypi and Sepice^ as we 



are informed, were disguised with different sauces^ 



n 



