THE SHELL-FISH OF THE COAST. 49 
good reasons, the function of eyes has been ascribed. 
Possibly, however, they may be only phosphorescent 
or illuminating organs, without in themselves being 
capable of receiving images. 
SCALLOP (Pecten irradians). 
The scallop of the New Jersey coast is the 
Pecten irradians, a shell measuring some three 
inches each way, and crossed by about twenty 
elevated ribs. On account of its varied and beau- 
tiful coloring, ranging from white through shades 
of orange, brown, red, and purple, it is eagerly 
sought after for mantel-ornamentation, the making of 
card-holders, pincushions, ete. A much larger and 
more northerly species (Pecten Magellanicus), which 
is almost entirely wanting on the sands, has been 
dredged in abundance in Raritan Bay and else- 
d 5 
