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PLATYODON 



Flatyodon cancellatus Conrad 

 Plate 17, figure 1 



Description — This small species, reaching from two to two and a 

 half inches in length, has received no distinctive common name. The 

 valves are thin and fragile, expanded and enlarged at the anterior 

 end and gaping conspicuously at the opposite extremity for the 

 accommodation of the siphon. The surface is marked with fine regular 

 lines of growth and overlaid with ])rownish gray periostracum. 

 The cartilage pits are as in Mija, the left on a projecting spoon-like 

 tooth ; the siphons are united and of moderate length. 



Habitat and habits — This species is related to the borers and its 

 habits are in some degree intermediate between those of the mud- 



l^'ui. :;(;. Soft-shell clam "fainf :.l i'iiH.l,'. s.in I'l :i mi--. I ; i ;. . I •■ 

 Chinese diggers with baskets and "mud sleds' tor inos ing clam.s. The 

 fence may be seen in the distance. 



dwelling sedentary forms like the gaper {Schizothaerus) and 3Iya and 

 the forms inhabiting rock. Those collected have been from bays, 

 often near the entrance where the current is brisk, in hard stiff mud 

 or clay, never in shifting mud or sand. 



Use — Though reported to have been marketed at times, their use 

 was not observed and no extensive beds were seen that would render 

 them of probable commercial value, though their local use is quite 

 possible. 



Distribution — It is stated l)y Dall to be found fi'om Bolinas Bay to 

 San Diego. Specimens were obtained at Playa del Rey, Long Beach, 

 Anaheim Slough and Newport Bay. Shells were found on nearly all 

 the beaches from Point Conception to Ventura. 



