VENUS. J^ 



or smooth. They are very different in external 

 appearance from the species arranged under the 

 other sections, and indeed approach nearer to 

 the form of a Donax. The area is generally large, 

 lanceolate, distinct, very often coloured differently 

 from the disk. The areola is smaller, cordate, de- 

 pressed, and gives a peculiar character to the mar- 

 ginal outline of the valves. 



In the orhicular division a heart-shaped lunule 

 is distinctly marked on the areola, and is often pro- 

 minent ; the area is usually compressed. 



The spines of V. Bione can scarcely be alleged 

 as an exception to the remark made on Cardium 

 echmaltim, that in all other shells the suture of the 

 spines is placed on the side furthest from the apex; 

 for in this muricated Venus the spines are evi- 

 dently formed by an extension of the transverse 

 plaits at an angle having its base towards the 

 beaks, and therefore necessarily open on the in- 

 ner side. 



To the sea-born Goddess, of the ancient mytho- 

 logy, Linnaeus has dedicated the present genus, se- 

 lected from the produce of her native shores. 



