THE ECONOMIC MOLLUSCA OF ACADIA. 
41 
interesting though not commercially valuable use for this 
species. It would be far too expensive a process to attempt 
to dye with it, but for the purpose suggested (i. e., its use as 
indelible ink), it may have a limited local value. Jeffreys 
says the egg-capsules will also give the color, and with less 
trouble than the parent animals. Dr. Bell states that this 
species was used somewhat as bait for Cod along the lower 
St. Lawrence, but we do not know that it has ever been so used 
in Acadia. 
A more important economic interest in this animal for us 
arises from its relation to Oyster-beds and Oyster-culture. 
While it gives much trouble and causes much loss to United 
States oystermen, it seems to be quite rare and harmless on 
the Oyster-beds of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, doubtless owing 
to the fact that it lives on rocks, of which there are compara- 
tively few in that region. Indeed Mr. Whiteaves did not 
find it at all at Shediac. This fact is another to show how 
favored by nature are Acadian Oyster-waters, and is an 
additional indication of the possibility of profitable Oyster- 
culture upon our shores. 
8. Luiiatia lieros (Say) Adams. 
Natica lieros (Say). 
Round Whelk. 
[Lunatia, half-moon shaped; lieros , a hero.] 
Distribution, (a) General;— Low-water mark to forty 
fathoms. Georgia to southern coast of Labrador. 
(b) In Acadia; — (in N. B.) Abundant everywhere on sand 
and mud bottoms on the southern coast, from Grand Manan to 
Quaco. Near Dalhousie, Bell. Shediac, Whiteaves. (In N. 
S.) Annapolis Basin and St. Mary’s Bay, Verhruzen. All 
sand beaches, Jones. Sable Island, very large, Willis. 
Prince Edward Island, Dawson. Probably to be found on 
sandy and other soft beaches around the entire coast. 
Habits. Though this species possesses little economic value, it is 
a most conspicuous shore shell. It is as large as Euccinum undatum, or 
