Mollusks

a division of the animal kingdom, including oysters, clams, cockles, snails, mussels, and a multitude of other animals, all with soft, jointless bodies protected by shells. Mollusks are known in the market as shellfish; but the term shellfish is used to include lobsters, crabs, and prawns--animals with joints, belonging to another division entirely. The soft body of a mollusk is inclosed in a muscular skin called a mantle. The mantle has the power of covering itself with a limy shell. Mollusks with two shells connected by a hinge are called bivalves. The oyster, for instance, is sometimes spoken of as a "luscious bivalve." Mollusks multiply by means of eggs which they dispose variously. They are particularly interesting on account of their shells. Few homes are without shells kept as curiosities. Many shells held to the ear produce a roaring sound like an echo from the sea. See Oyster; Clam; Mussel; Conch; Snail; Sloe