66 



dermis seems absolutely essential to preserve it, and 

 afford the requisite security to the animal. It is 

 closely related to Solecurtus and Solen ; but Lamarck 

 thinks its characters still more resemble those of 

 Jinatina. Three recent species only are known, and 

 none fossil. 



SOLEMYA VELUM. 



Tab. XVL 

 specific character. 



Shell oblong, convex, with both extremities ob- 

 tusely rounded ; ribs about eighteen, with interme- 

 diate lines ; apophysis arcuated beneath. 



SYNONYME. 



SoLEMYA VELUM, Say, Journ. Acad. J^at. Science^ 

 vol. 2, p. 317. 



OBSERVATIONS. 



This large species inhabits the coasts of Massachu- 

 setts and Rhode Island, and that of South Carolina ; 

 it is hardly ever seen when full grown, though young 

 specimens are often taken in abundance. The shell 



