The Common Cockle. 527 
nature, are called cultch. From the spawning time till 
about the end of July, Oysters are said to be sick ; but 
by the end of August they become perfectly recovered ; 
from May till August they are out of season and un- 
wholesome. The Oyster-fishery of our principal coasts 
is regulated by a court of admiralty. In the month 
of May the fishermen are allowed to take the Oysters, in 
order to separate the spawn from the cultch, the latter 
of which is thrown in again, for the purpose of preserv- 
ing the bed for the future. After this month it is felony 
to carry away the cultch, and otherwise punishable to 
take any Oyster, between whose shells, when closed, a 
shilling will rattle. The reason of the heavy penalty 
on destroying the cultch is, that when this is taken 
away, muscles and cockles will breed on the bed ; and, 
by gradually occupying all the places on which the 
spawn should be cast, will destroy the Oysters. 
The Oyster has been represented, by many authors, 
as an animal destitute not only of motion, but of every 
species of sensation. It is able, however, to perform 
movements which are perfectly consonant to its wants, 
to the dangers it apprehends, and to the enemies by 
which it is attacked. The gills, through which the 
Oyster breathes, are what is commonly called the beard, 
and are very indigestible. The scallop is nearly allied 
to the Oyster. 
THE COMMON COCKLE. (Cardium edule.) 
Few of our shell-fish are more common, in inlets and 
bays near the mouths of rivers, than these. In such 
situations they are usually found immersed at the depth 
of two or three inches in the sand, the place of each 
being marked by a small, circular, depressed spot. 
When they open their shells, the entrance into them is 
protected by a soft membrane, which entirely closes up 
the front, except in two places, at each of which there is 
a small, yellow, and fringed tube ; by means of which 
they receive and eject the water which conveys to their 
body the nutriment necessary for their support. 
Cockles are in great request as food among the labour- 
