— 42 — 



found at the lowest level reached, indicating that only where they were 

 protected conld they grow to fnll size. Furthermore, the size of the 

 availalile clams grew steadily all through the season, according to almost 

 universal testimony, and it is a well-known fact that this indicates the 

 dependence of the fishery on the younger classes. If any large stock 

 of clams persisted from year to year, the increase in growth on the 

 average w'ould not be so marked as to attract the attention of the 

 diggers. The small size of the clam, then, would seem to be the result 

 of intensive digging, rather than to be natural to the bay. 



It is entirely improbable that a large industry could ever depend 

 solely on the rock cockle, yet its beds will support a considerable trade 

 in fresh clams ; and will yield to the casual diggers on the outer coast, 

 tourist or otherwise, a modicum of a very desirable food. It should 

 add much to the attractiveness of the coast and to the sustenance of 

 the scattered inhabitants. 



TELLEN 



TcUiiia bodegcnsis Hinds 

 Plate 11, figure 1 



Description — This is a small species commonly but little exceed- 

 ing two and a half inches in length. It may readily be recognized by 

 its elongated flattened fonn and pure white shell, marked with very 

 fine and regular growth lines. The siphonate end is bent to the right. 



Habitat and habits — It is found on outer sandy beaches and is a 

 strong, active clam. 



Distribution — This species ranges throughout California but is 

 nowhere al)undant enough at present to be of commercial importance, 

 though formerly it was found in the San Francisco markets. Shells 

 were found on all the beaches of any extent between Morro Bay and 

 mi(hlle Ventura County (C. IT.), as well as along the outer beaches of 

 the northern (^alifoi'nia coast (W. F. T.). 



METIS 



Metis aha Conrad 



Plate 11, figure 2 



Description — The shell of Metis is in general similar to some of 

 its near relatives the IMacomas, being thin, flat and unsymmetrical at 

 the siphonate end. It may most easily be told from Macoma seota, 

 the white sand clam, by the fact that the ligament, though external, 

 is nearly concealed by the shell while in Macoma the ligament is very 

 pi'ominent in the ])rofile view of the shell (see plate 12, figures 3 and 4). 



Distribution and use — This species ranges from Santa Barbara 

 southward. Shells were found at Playa del Rey, Long Beach and 

 False Bay, but at no place, as far as observed, was it abundant enough 

 to be used as food. 



