34 



SCALLOP. 



fically named — with which these creatures are 

 furnished. 



These shells are exceedingly common, and 

 large masses of them may be found clinging to 

 any rocks or stairs where they can anchor them- 

 selves. This mussel is called Edulis, or eatable, 

 because it is largely used as an article of food. 

 But it is by no means a safe edible, as at certain 

 times, or to certain constitutions, it acts as a 

 poison, producing most alarming and sometimes 

 fatal effects. 



The byssus is an assemblage of delicate, silky, 

 and excessively strong fibres, the origin of which 

 seems to be at present rather obscure. Many 

 shells are furnished with this substance, which is 

 shown in perfection in the great Mediterranean 

 Pinna, some specimens of which measure nearly 

 two feet in length. The byssus of these creatures 

 is often spun and woven like silk, and in many 

 places may be seen gloves, purses, and other 

 objects, which have been made from this sub- 

 stance. It is, however, too rare to be put to any 

 practical use. 



The Common Scallop {Pecten Jacohcea), gene- 

 rally known in connexion with oysters, may be 

 found abundantly on our shores. Even the 

 empty shells are pretty enough to attract obser- 



