The Mussels are a well-known and very useful genus of the shell-bearing
animals: they are generally found attached to rocks between high and
low water marks.
[Illustration: _Mytilus edulis._]
They are sought after in most parts of the world as an article of food;
and, although not equal to the oyster, make a very palatable dish.
The Mussel, although usually wholesome, is at times the cause of
severe, though temporary illness. Different reasons have been assigned
for this poisonous property, and many signs have been noted, by
which it is said the unwholesome state of this shell-fish can be
detected,—a yellowness of colour, an extremely meagre appearance,
partial corruption, a diseased state of the animal, a small crab or
insect found between the valves of its shell. Other observers have
ridiculously attributed the effects to the change in the phases of
the moon; but, if we are to believe a French physician, who made many
experiments, all these guesses are wrong; according to this author,
the ill effects are caused only after the Mussels have been feeding
on the spawn of the star-fish; this spawn appears to the eye merely
a shapeless lump of jelly, but after a few days it is a living mass
of infant star-fish. The time of the year during which this spawn is
cast, is from the end of April, or beginning of May, to the end of
July, or beginning of August; from this, he says, arises the common
observation, that Mussels are only poisonous during those months in
which the letter _r_ is not found. This spawn, according to our author,
is so venomous and caustic, that it causes great pain, swelling, and
inflammation, even to the hand, if handled at this season; rubbing the
part with vinegar is recommended as a cure. Small star-fish were rolled
up in other food, and given to dogs and cats, when the animals suffered
severely, and in the end generally died. In spite, however, of all
these experiments, it is still doubtful whether the true cause has been
discovered. Thus much appears to be certain, that whenever indigestion
occurs after eating Mussels, some ill effects are experienced, but
this has seldom, or very rarely, taken place when they have been eaten
with vinegar, and they are much more wholesome cooked than otherwise.
When an individual is _musselled_, the effects are very alarming;
the body, head, and face swell to a frightful extent; and, in a few
hours, the skin is covered with a bright scarlet eruption; the cure is
attempted by means of an emetic, and afterwards some aromatic drink,
and vinegar and water; this brings on a profuse perspiration, which
soon relieves the patient.
The Mussel is taken by our fishermen for bait, for which purpose it is
well adapted.
In some parts of the Mediterranean great attention is paid to the
multiplication of this animal. At the port of Tarento, in the kingdom
of Naples, they drive into the sand a number of long poles, to which
the spawn of the Muscle becomes attached. In the following August,
when they have attained the size of almonds, they are taken to the
mouth of the brooks and small streams which fall into the gulf; here
they are left until October, when they are taken back to the sea, and
in the following Spring they are considered fit to eat. This change
from the salt to the fresh water and back again, is said to improve
their flavour and colour. Near Rochelle they are preserved in tanks,
preserves in which the salt water remains at rest.