— 46 — 



/'. californica reaches a length of about three inches, it is oval, with 

 the umbos nearly central: P. cdetitula is larger, measuring as much as 

 tive int-hes and is more elongated, being about twice as long as wide. 

 This elongation comes chietly on the siphonate end so that the umbos 

 lie nnich nearer the opposite or anterior extremity. 



Use — None Avere observed in any markets though it is not improb- 

 able that they are used to some extent locally. 



Distribution— P. calif or uica is found tlirousihout the state, P. 

 (ihiitiihi from San Pedro southward. 



PLRPLE CLAM 



Siin,>![uiriol<irui iiuttaUi Conrail 



Plate 14, figures 2 and 3 



Description — This species is of fair size, some specimens reaching 

 three ami a half inches. The general appearance is similar to Macoma 

 sccia, the white sand clam, the valves being thin, especially at the 

 edges, and the outline oval. As in M. sccta the two valves are unlike, 

 but in this case it is the right and not the left valve which is flattened. 

 The siphonate end is not ridged as in .1/. sect a but evenly rounded 

 and bent slightly to the left. It ditfers most strikingly from all the 

 :\[acomas in color, ha^^ng a distinct purplish tinge within and without, 

 though on the outer surface it is overlaid by a heavy varnish-like 

 brown periostracum. The pallial sinus is very large and united with 

 the pallial line; the siphons are separate and very long. 



Habitat and habits— This form inhabits sheltered bays but unlike 

 most of those already mentioned it is not found in mud or muddy 

 sand but in sand or mixed gravel and sand. Here it burrows to the 

 depth of a foot, where it lies on the right side with the flattened valve 

 down and the convex valve up. Two long slender white siphons serve 

 to furnish the clam its supply of water, and the pair of holes from 

 one to three inches apart corresponding to these may readily be recog- 

 nized on the surface. They are fairly active and an adult will bury 

 itself if placed on watery sand. The sand from which they are dug 

 is usually very soft from the presence of much water and they are 

 most readily obtained by stirring the sand and gravel with short quick 

 strokes of the shovel when they will float to the surface. 



Use — The purple clam is ill adapted for shipping because of the 

 ihin shell, which is easily broken, particularly at the margin, allowing 

 the water to escape. The valves are not held firmly closed as are 

 those of the cockles. It was not seen in the markets but is used 

 locall\- by tourists and campers, who esteem its fine flavor. 



Distribution — A distinctly Southern species, said by Dall to range 

 from San Pedro to San Diego. A single shell was found at Playa 

 del Key: living specimens were taken at Anaheim Slough. Newport 

 Pay and False Bay. The greater numbers were found at Anaheim 

 Slough. 



