83 

 SANGUINOLARIA. 



GENERIC CHARACTER. 



Shell oval or oblong oval, somewhat compressed, 

 and gaping a little at each end; beaks rather promi- 

 nent; superior margin arcuated, not parallel to the 

 inferior; two approximate hinge teeth in each valve; 

 muscular impressions two, simple; palleal impression 

 profoundly sinuous; ligament external, short and 

 convex. 



OBSERVATIONS. 



A genus very closely related to Solecvrfns, but 

 having in form more resemblance to Tellina. Care is 

 requisite in studying the shells of this family, as the 

 teeth are generally broken, and the number of these 

 distinguish the present genus from Psammobia and 

 Psammotea of Lamarck. I have recently examined 

 very perfect specimens of the two species referred to 

 Psammobia by Say, which, as they have two teeth 

 ill each valve, cannot with propriety be included in 

 that genus. 



These shells have a very slight, deciduous epider- 

 mis, destitute of the lively colour and polish, which 

 are so ornamental in Soleyi and Solecurtiis^ and from 

 which they may be distinguished by a slight eleva- 

 tion of the beaks in addition to their general form. 



The species are not very numerous, and, like the 

 shells of kindred genera, burrow to a considerable 

 depth in the sand. 



