THE ECONOMIC MOLLUSCA OF ACADIA. 
77 
lime of the shells, their animal matter, and the rich silt, go on 
accumulating, and soon form a mass of the richest fertilizer. 
In Europe this fact has been fully recognized, but there 
the living Mussels are far too valuable to be used to any 
extent for this purpose; so valuable, that it has been proposed 
in England to make it a penal offence to take them for 
manure. The latter step is necessary because of the near- 
sightedness of the farmers, who would totally exterminate 
them if allowed. 
In the United States, it is taken along the coasts of Long 
Island and New Jersey in enormous quantities for this purpose, 
though it does not seem to be much used farther north. Its 
value to the United States is estimated at $37,500 yearly, 
nearly all of which is for its use as a fertilizer. 
In Acadia, all have heard of the “ Mussel-mud ” of Prince 
Edward Island and the North Shore of the two other Pro- 
vinces. A large part of the Mussel-mud, however, probably 
very much the largest part, consists of the remains of the 
Oyster. The subject has been considered at some length 
under that species. We have found no evidence to show that 
the Mussels are taken separately for this purpose. 
Upon the Bay of Fundy coast, the farmers make but little 
use of what would appear to be a mine of agricultural wealth 
at their very doors. Everywhere about Passamaquoddy Bay 
there are great beds, the use of which ought greatly to benefit 
the land. 
( d ) Otheii Minor Uses. 
In England, it has been proposed, and it would be equally 
applicable in this country, to plant Mussels on breakwaters 
of gravel and other shifting substances, and upon beaches 
exposed to the wearing action of the waves, in order to bind 
them together, just as beach-grass is used on the sand-dunes 
of Cape Cod. They would quickly fix themselves, and by 
their tough, interlacing, tangled byssi or beards would soon 
form a tough but elastic coating. 
It is thought also that they can be used to prevent the 
ravages of Teredines or Ship Worms on timber of wharves 
and the like, by coating the latter completely. 
