MYTILID2E. 
367 
Mussels, which they gather in baskets, and carry them to their 
Wchots. Theso bouchots, that is to say, the piles covered with fascines 
au d branches, are of four different heights, forming, so to speak, four 
s tages, according to the age aud growth of the mussel. Each stage 
deceives the mollusc suitable to it. In the first stage of its existence 
the mussel cannot endure exposure to the air, aud remains constantly 
gilder water, except at the period of spring tides. These are gathered 
l n sacks made of old matting, or suspended in interstices of the basket- 
' v °rk. “ These immense palisades,'’ says M. Coste, “cover themselves 
H’lth black clusters of mussels developed between the meshes of their 
tissues.” At that time the second rows are cleared away to make 
Fig. 151 . Piles, with basket- work, covered with mussels in a fit state to be gathered in. 
l °°'u for younger generations ; the mussels, which no longer dread the 
,l J r > are transported to the more advanced bouchots. which remain 
J °ve water in all tides, where they stay till they are fit for market, 
'ti-ich usually happens after ten or twelve months of culture on the 
° re advanced bouchots. 
j ti>ut, i u or( ] er to prepare for this consummation, they are subjected 
. a second and even a third remove. There is no longer any danger 
^ subjecting them to the air for many hours. From this they pass 
a fourth stage, termed Amont (Fig. 151). From this stage the 
I'grown mussel is removed. Under this system of culture the 
Induction, nursing, collecting, and preparing for market, are made 
