Page:Natural History, Mollusca.djvu/299

 long, the anterior much lengthened. The pallial impression is sinuated.

Several species are common upon our sandy shores, and as their flesh is highly esteemed, they are taken in considerable quantities. When properly cooked, as by broiling, which is said to be the most effective method, they are among the most delicious of shell-fish.

The largest native species is Solen siliqua, which is occasionally found eight inches in breadth, and one in length. It may seem preposterous thus to use the terms breadth and length, but the structure of the shell as compared with other genera compels such an application. The valves are nearly straight, smooth, whitish, with purplish concentric bands, covered with a yellowish epidermis. The animal is large, and of a yellowish white hue.

" This shell is common on most of our sandy shores, found buried to the depth of a foot or more, near low-water mark; it frequently elevates one end a little above the surface, and protrudes its body in search of food: upon being disturbed, it suddenly recedes. This place is known by a small depression on the surface. In many places it is sought after for food by the common people."

" The mode in which a dish full of these esculents is rapidly collected by children, might successfully be imitated by conchologists, for other than culinary purposes; a long narrow wire, bent and sharpened at one end, is suddenly thrust into the hollows of the sands, indicative of the presence of these animals, and passing between the valves, the barbed portion fixes itself on retraction in the animal, and forces it to the surface."