u 
CALIFORNIA SEA-SHELLS. 
liable prizes and should not be overlooked. Liv- 
ing raollusks are most to be sought for, but dead 
shells are often worth picking up. Do not mis- 
take the brisk litle Hermit Crabs which live in 
empty shells for the original inhabitants; such 
a mistake has sometimes been made by those 
who have spent many years on the sea-shore. 
Some bivalves, like the chamas, are found 
firmly attached to rocks, and so closely do they 
resemble the surface to which they cling that it 
is difficult to detect them. Others spin a byssus, 
or cable of threads, and anchor themselves firmly 
to some rock or post. Many species live in mud 
or sand and send up siphons to the overlying 
water. After the tide retreats, watch for their 
holes, or observe the jets of water which they 
sometimes throw up when disturbed. When 
you have found the lurking place, dig out the 
inollusk with a spade. 
Gasteropoda are usually found clinging to 
stones or seaweed. Some kinds can be found 
plenty enough, but for other species you must 
turn over masses of sea-moss and peer into curi- 
ous cracks and crannies. The discovery of the 
real live animal, in his own proper home, brings 
a joy which is never felt by those who merely 
search the sandy beach, or catch their shells 
with the silver hook. 
Limpets can easily be detached by a thin, flat 
knife ; the more unexpected the attack, the 
better. Abalones must be sought in the cletts 
of rocks, and be dettached by a sudden pry with 
a long wedge. Many minute shells may be 
gathered by putting sea-weed into a pail of fresh 
