27 

 SOLEN ENSIS. 



Tab. V, fig. 1. 



SPECIFIC CHARACTER. 



Shell linear, slightly curved ; hinge with a double 

 tooth in each valve. 



SYNONYM A. 



SoLEN ENSIS. Lin. Lam. An. sans Vert. vol. 5, 



p. 452. 

 SoLEN cuRvus. Lister, Conch, t. 411, fig. 257. 

 SoLEN. Lnc. Method, t. 223, fig. I, 2, 3. 



Cabinet of the Acad. Nat. Sciences, No. 816. 



OBSERVATIONS. 



Avery common shell, inhabiting almost every part 

 of our coast, and it is equally abundant on the Euro- 

 pean shores. There is a variety distinguished by its 

 smaller size, and in being narrower in proportion to 

 its length than the common specimens: this variety 

 inhabits the southern coast. 



At Great Egg Harbour and Cape May, this species 

 may readily be taken alive on the sand bars, in com- 

 pany with *S'. viridis and Solecurtus cariboeus. It 

 will occasionally spring out of the sand when alarmed. 



This shell is a fossil of the Upper Marine forma- 

 tion in England ; and I have detected it in the equiva- 

 lent beds in Maryland. 



