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.
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.