THE ECONOMIC MOLLUSCA OF ACADIA. 



95^ 



large, Verkruzeji. Mahone Bay, St. Margaret's Bay, Sable 

 Island, Willis. Sandy beaches, whole coast, Jones. Prince 

 Edward Island, i)awsow. Probably occurs in sandy situations- 

 where there is clear water around the whole coast of the three 

 provinces. 



Habits. When fully grown this is the largest shell upon our coast. 

 From the common Clam it is distinguished by its greater size and' 

 proportionally greater weight, as well as by its shape. Unlike the latter, 

 its sides slope directly away from the hinge so as to give it a rounded- 

 triangular shape. When young it is covered with a dull-brown or straw- 



FlG. I'^i.—Mndra solidhxima. Two-thirds of Natural Size, 

 colored epidermis, which becomes mostly worn off in old specimens, 

 and is entirely absent in those cast up by the waves. Large specimens 

 are six inches in length, but J. Matthew Jones mentions a specimen 

 from Sable Island seven and one-fourth inches long and six and one- 

 half in breadth, and Willis gives them even a larger size. 



It lives only in sand, and in situations where the water is clear. It 

 burrows like the common Clam, but not deeply and does not form 

 permanent burrows as does the latter. It is only uncovered at the- 

 lowest tides. 



Economics. It is used for food and is also put up for 

 bait. Gould says it "is much esteemed by some as an article- 



