94 CATALOGUE OF THE MOLLtJSCA 



form among the Conchefera. All the bivalves hitherto known 

 have the siphons, when there are any, at the posterior end of the 

 shell : the peculiarity of this genus is — that it has a large si- 

 phonal tube in front, as well as a short one behind. The Siva- 

 m.ci\ of Kellia suborbicular is is white and semi-transparent; the 

 mantle has three openings ; — the first is in front, and is produced 

 into the siphonal tube above mentioned, which is very broad, and 

 can be extended to a length equalling the diameter of the shell. 

 This tube is not divided inside, and the margin of its aperture is 

 plain. The second opening, which is at the base of the shell, is 

 the largest of the three, and gives egress to a longish strap- 

 shaped foot. The third opening is posterior, and forms a very 

 short siphon, seldom protruded beyond the shell. The margins 

 of these apertures are smooth, but there is a very delicate fringe 

 of small and distant filaments, close within the margin of the 

 shell, which can only be seen when the animal is fully extended. 

 With a good magnifier, a current of water may be observed to 

 pass in at the anterior siphon, and to be expelled at intervals by the 

 posterior one. The animal moves about freely by means of its 

 strap-shaped foot, which is frequently protruded in all direc- 

 tions. Its progress is usually forwards, but, sometimes, it crawls 

 backwards or sidewise, especially when it is ascending a perpen- 

 dicular surface, which it frequently does for the purpose of sus- 

 pending itself by its byssus. The byssal aperture is about half- 

 way up the foot on the posterior surface, from 

 which the animal produces a very delicate 

 <^hread, and suspends itself freely by a single, 

 almost inconspicuous, fibre, strengthened by a 

 double attachment at the top. The accompa- 

 nying figures represent the animal (a little 

 magnified) in a state of activity, and also sus- 

 pended by its byssus in a state of rest. 

 2. K. RUBKA, Mont. 



Cardium rubrum, Mont. Test. Brit. 83, t. 27, f 4. 

 Among small sea-weeds near low-water mark, Whitley. — J- 

 H. F. At the roots o{ Lichina 2'>!/(pncea, on the rocks below 

 Bamborough Castle. — Mr. W. Thompson, of Belfast. 



