TAPES. 29 
on the Ascog shore, Bute, in about 12 fathoms sand and 
nullipore. 
British distribution.—EKvery where on sandy and nullipore 
ground ; common. 
Foreign localities.—From Norway (Sas, and others) to 
Spain and Portugal Andrew), and throughout the Medi- 
terranean (Philippi, and others). 
Tapes pullastra, Montagu. 
Venus pullastra, Montagu; Venus perforans, Montagu ; 
Venerupis pullastra, Fleming ; Pullastra vulgaris, Brown. 
Habitat.— Littoral, between half tide and low water, in 
muddy gravel and sand, often sheltering beneath stones. It 
is common on the north and east coasts of Bute, and at 
Campbeltown, where also good examples of the variety 
perforans are to be got. On the Argyleshire coasts this 
shellfish, known as the Merry fish (Mary fish? or Maorach, 
i.e., shell-fish), is much esteemed, being made into soup or 
roasted on the ribs in its own shell. I can testify to the 
excellence of its flavour and the tenderness of its flesh. 
British distribution.—Everywhere throughout our seas ; 
common. 
Foreign localities—From Norway (Lovén) to northern 
Spain (‘A ndrew),and (as T.geographicus) to southern Spain, 
Portugal, and throughout the Mediterranean (M‘Andrew, 
and others). Dunker records the variety perforans from 
Western Africa. 
Tapes decussatus, Linné. 
Venus decussata, Linné; Cuneus reticulatus, Da Costa. 
Habitat—Somewhat scarce between tide marks, in similar 
situations and in company with the foregoing species. I 
have taken it in Campbeltown Loch and Rothesay Bay. For 
culinary purposes no distinction is made between this species 
and T. pullastra—perhaps conchologists might do well to 
accept this lea coqui. 
British distribution —Local, but not uncommon on the 
southern, western, and northern coasts. It seems to be more 
scarce on the eastern side of our island, although occurring 
at many places, such as Scarborough (Bean), Northumber- 
land (Alder), Berwick (Johnston); but it is not in Dr. 
M‘Intosh’s list from St. Andrews. 
Foreign localities—Northern and western France, Spain, 
Portugal, and throughout the Mediterranean and Aigean Seas. 
