12 MULTIVALVES — PHOLAS. 
the shell is usually of a pure or dusky-white: how- 
ever, the absence of color is amply compensated by 
the beautiful fret-work with which the shells of this 
genus are adorned. ; 
In some species the reticulations are so delicate in 
their structure,as to resemble the finest lace; in others 
the texture is coarser, and approaches nearer to small 
basket-work; and in the P. costata the shell is 
covered with regular, elevated, jagged, or scalloped 
ribs, elegantly disposed. 
The Pholades are found occupying separate 
and distinct habitations, which they form in lime- 
stone, indurated clay, wood, coral, &c.; even the 
thick oak planks of ships are pierced by them: and 
as they advance in growth, they enlarge their habi- 
tation within, leaving the small aperture, by which 
they originally entered, of its primitive size. 
The animal possesses the property of emitting a 
phosphorescent liquor, which shines with brilliancy, 
and illuminates whatever it touches. 
The American, Indian, and European seas supply 
all the species that are known. 
tis common in limestone, sandstone, &c. on the 
coast of England. 
The Pholas derives its name from gwAéw, alluding 
to its custom of forming cells in rocks, Kc. 
Screntific Name. Locality. Common Name. 
Dactylus ------- Europe «+++ ++ se+seeees Prickly Piercer- - 
Costata + +-++++- Virginia, West Indies, Ribbed-- do --- 
South Europe, South 
Warolinaiecleloler-iclcicherere 
Striata -++++-++s South Europe, E.1.Ocean Striated-- de - 
Candida ++-+++-- Europe, America, Britain, White--- do.--- 
Bay of Campeachy ---- 
