The fauna of New South Wales / by T.A. Coghlan.

  • Coghlan, Timothy Augustine, 1856-1926.
Date:
1900
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The fauna of New South Wales / by T.A. Coghlan. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    either cooked or raw. Both the whelk and the cockle are used as bait, but neither is at all like its English namesake. Probably their use as food is restricted to the Greek and Italian element of the Sydney population. The mutton fish, or “ abalone ” of Californian markets (Haliotis naevosa), is consumed by the Chinese, who, it is said, also collect it for export; but the ordinary citizen is unacquainted with it. The “ ugarie,” commonly miscalled by Sydney anglers by the Maori name of “ pipi ” (Donax deltoides), is frequently used for bait, rarely for food. As an article of diet, various squid (Sepia cultrata, S. mestus, &c.) are left to the foreign and coloured of the local sea-faring population, but as bait their good qualities are better appreciated. The beaches of ISTew South Wales are not rich in ornamental shells, but the exquisite and rare “ king-cockle” (Trigonia Lamarckii) from Sydney Harbour is a valued gem, and, as a brooch, may often be seen worn. Of pests in this division of natural history, the local species of ship- worm, the “cobra” (Teredo Saulii), has wrought great damage amongst shipping, wharves, and piers. It is a far larger and more destructive species than any occurring in European waters. In gardens, the common European snail, the “limacon” dear to the French epicure (Helix aspersa), has now obtained a firm footing, and ravages flowers and vegetables alike. The crustacean fauna of New South Wales is ex- Crustacea tremely rich in species, but only about twelve kinds are used as an article of diet. Of these, six are fairly common and highly esteemed as food, and are as follow' :— Common Swimming Crab (Neptunus pelagicus, Linn.).—This is the commonest crab offered for sale in Sydney. It often attains a weight of 2 or 3 lb., and is always in great demand, finding a ready sale at prices varying from 3d. to lid. each. The principal supplies are obtained in Sydney Harbour, and from Botany Bay. The shell or carapace of this species is very broad, and ornamented on the front edge with twenty-four spines. Six of these are situated between the eyes, and nine on each side, the last being much larger than the others. Swimming Crab (Goniosoma crucifera, Fabr.).—This species is not common, although it may be seen exposed for sale in large numbers during some months of the year. It attains to a size slightly exceeding the preceding species. The claw's are shorter, stouter, and the spines on the arms large, compressed, and tooth-like. The front edge of the shell is armed with twenty spines—six on each side and eight between the eyes. The colour is “ reddish, with yellowish spots and bands, of which the middle one represents a cross.” Mangrove Crab (Scylla serrata, Forsk.).—This is the largest and most valuable crab obtained on our coast. Unfortunately, it is not common; still, a fairly large number have been exposed for sale during the last few years. The price ranges from Is. to 2s. 6d. each. The main supplies are obtained from Botany Bay. In this species the claws are
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