Page:The common shells of the sea-shore (IA commonshellsofse00wood 0).pdf/44

34 delicacy of the shell, I propose to call it the.

A glance at the figure will show one important peculiarity, namely, the length of the siphons and their divergence from each other ; whereas, in the true Razor-shells, these organs are short, and united to the tips. The shell is very delicate, fragile, and semitranslucent, something like the well known "eggshell" china. The hinge is remarkable for the curious teeth, which look as if a pair of white horse-shoes had been set edge to edge, and then fastened into the shell so that the openings should project inwards. Into these hollows the teeth of the other valve are fitted, so that the shells are locked firmly together when the muscles are contracted. Although not a common species in many parts of England, it can be obtained abundantly at Bideford and other parts of the Devonshire coast.

At fig. 2 of the same plate is seen another species, which may be called the (Solecurtus candidus). At a hasty glance it would scarcely be recognised as allied to the Razors, inasmuch as it looks more like a much-worn Piddock.

Though scattered over many parts of the British coast, this species is not very often found, because it inhabits tolerably deep water, and can only be obtained when the dredge happens to tear up a large lump of mud. The tubes of the siphons are rather long, and project boldly from the shell, but they do not diverge from each other like those of the preceding species. In the hinge there are two teeth in each valve.

Several species of this genus are known to inhabit the British seas; and one of them, the (Solecurtus coarctatus), is shown at fig. 3 of the same Plate.

We now come to another family, termed the Tellinidæe, or Tellens. These are also burrowers, and are