OF FISHES. 
245 
OYSTER. 
This animal differs but little from the 
muscle, except in the thickness of its shell, 
and its greater imbecility. The Oyster is 
formed with organs of life and respiration, 
with intestines which are very voluminous, 
a liver, lungs, and heart. It is self-impreg- 
nated, and the shell which the animal soon 
acquires, serves for its future habitation. It 
opens its shell to receive tile influx of water, 
and, like the muscle, it is strongly attached 
to its shells, both above and below. Oysters 
usually cast their spawn in May, which at 
first appear like drops of candle grease, and 
stick to any hard substance they fall upon ; 
these are covered with a shell in two or three 
days ; and in three years are large enough 
to be brought to market. 
