74 BULLETIN OF THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. 
alive (our fishermen take their Clams and Squid salted), and 
they will remain so for some hours (one writer says for two 
days), when placed on the hook and suspended in the water. 
It is thought that this fact is the chief element in its success 
as a bait. It is used for all kinds of fish which bite at a hook, 
■cod, haddock, etc., and although in deep water and far from 
land, Whelks ( Buccinum undatum) are sometimes preferred, 
the Mussel is much the best all-around bait. The Swedish 
fishermen use it in preference to all others, as probably do 
•other European fisher-peoples. 
In the United States we cannot find that it is ever used 
for bait, nor in any part of Canada, except very rarely and 
locally. In Acadia, we do not know that it is ever used for 
this purpose;* can any one tell us the reason? It is more 
.abundant and more easily obtained than the Clam, has a 
lighter shell, is easier to open, is probably more tenacious of 
life, and has other apparent advantages. 
( b ) Its Use as Human Food. 
Of all European countries, France probably uses the most 
Mussels for food. In 1873, the fishery was estimated to be 
worth $160,000, in part from natural and partly from culti- 
vated beds. Belgium also produces many, and it was estimated 
in 1873 that there was exported from Antwerp to Paris alone 
£280,000 worth, all taken from natural beds. From many 
parts of the English coast they are sent inland, where they 
.are eaten in all towns, but the greater supply for the London 
market is imported from Holland. In London, £4,000 
worth are sold annually for food, at a price of about one 
penny per quart, ranking in value as the third shell-fish, the 
Oyster being first, and the Periwinkle second. Statistics for 
the whole of England are wanting, but the quantity must be 
enormous. It is used largely as a substitute for Oysters — in 
making fish-sauces, and is also cooked in other ways. In 
* As this paper is in press, Mr. H. Piers writes the author that on the Atlantic 
coast of Nova Scotia, “ they are not sold for bait, but are occasionally used by the 
fishermen when nothing better can be had.” 
