Edible Molliisca of the Orei:,()ii Coast 191 



about the same time for transportation. If shipped at night the 

 clams are in good condition for markets the next day. but tiie\ 

 do not endure so long out of water as does Mya arenaria. If 

 iced the razor clam will remain in an edible condition for about 

 36 hours. It is not practical, therefore, to ship this species any 

 great distance from the coast and expect it to reach its destination 

 in a marketable condition. 



3. Schizothaerus nuttalli Conrad. 



On account of its poor shi|)ping qualities this clam is not a 

 good one for other than local markets. The shell is thin and 

 fragile being easily broken in transportation, and the clam is short 

 lived after its removal from the water. The species will live three 

 or four (lavs if ke])t at low temperature but should be prepared 

 for food as soon after digging as possible. It may be shipped 

 from Coos Ray to Willamette Valley markets in from 8 to 12 hrs. 

 bv express and can be recommended as food the next day but 

 seldom after that time. Shipments from .\etarts Bay to Eugene. 

 Oregon, not less than 15 hrs. by express, made during the winter 

 months, sometimes came through in fair condition and at other 

 times all of the clams perished on the way. In none of these 

 shipments were they iced. 



4. Paphia stauiinea (Conrad ). 



The "little neck clam" is one of the best of shippers due to the 

 hardness of its shell, and is also a fairly long lived clam when 

 removed from the water. Quantities of this species are to be 

 found in the F'ortland markets being expressed from (Jlvmpia. 

 Washington. It is often shipped as far south as Eugene, Oregon, 

 from the southern shores of Puget Sound, reaching its destina- 

 tion in gtjocl condition and remaining in an edible condition for 

 several days, sometimes lasting a week if placed on ice. The 

 species is not found in sufficient numbers in any locality along 

 the Oregon coast to make it w^orth while to attempt to supply the 

 demands of a regular market. It is used quite freely, however, 

 for local consumption wherever it can be obtained. 



