A Bridge Kept In Repair By Mussels

The byssus, or silky beard, by which, the mussel moors itself to the stone, is a familiar object of our sea rocks. It is in its nature like the silk of the silkworm and exudes in a glutinous thread froni an oi-gau at the base of the foot. The f ollowing is an instance in which the mooring of the rnussel was usef ui to effect a purpose which human skill coxild not accomplish A large bridge, with 20 arches, in the town of Biddeford, in Devonshire, crosses the Torridge river near the spot of its junction with the Taw. The tide flows so very rapidly here that it was found impossible tokeep the bridge in repair by means of mortar. The Corporation therefore keeps boats employed in bringing mussels to it, and the inter.stioes of the bi'idgearefilled by hand with these mussels. It is snpported from being driven away by the tide entirely by the strong threads which these mussels fix to the stonework, and by an act or grant it is a crime liable to transportation for any person to remove the mussels nnless in the presence and by the consent of the corporativo trustees.