SOLENID^. 47 



the shell. The mautle is entire for a portion of the lengthy 

 but separates where the large, thick, long foot protrudes. 

 The end of this foot is flattened underneath, and forms a 

 sucker-like disc. The siphons are short, united, and 

 fringed at their openings. The razor-fishes are much sought 

 after in some places and circumstances as an article of 

 food. They are said to be the most delicious of shell-fish, 

 if well cooked ; as such, they are broiled and eaten in many 

 parts of Britain. Adanson, however, in his 'Yoyage du 

 Senegal,^ mentions a species which is found on that coast, 

 and says that the Negroes of Senegal make no use of the 

 animal, because they can get at plenty of other fish which 

 are infinitely superior. Quite a realization of the prover- 

 bial saying about having " other fish to fry*' ! 



Trom Aristotle, and afterwards from Eeaumur, as well 

 as from the knowledge of living naturalists, we find that 

 the razor-fish buries itself perpendicularly in the sand, with 

 its great foot downwards, to a depth of two feet or more. 

 It can rise to the top of its hole, and sink again at pleasure; 

 but rarely leaves its dwelling. The hole is shaped like a 

 key-hole, corresponding with the shape of the siphons. Now 

 and then the creature rises a little way out, perhaps to enjoy 

 the ripple of the receding tide, or to ascertain if any enemies 



