42 BIVALVES—— VENUS. 
with longitudinal or transverse striz, sometimes with 
both, which not unusually terminate in foliations near 
the margins. 
The coloring of the exterior, as well as the interior, 
is of almost every possible shade; and sometimes of the 
most beautiful and lively tints. 
Specimens of this genus are found in most parts of 
the world. 
Diviston 1.—With the anterior depression spinous. 
Sczentific Name. Locality. Common Name. 
Dione -+->--.... S. America, West Indies, 
Brazil, Trinidad ---- - - Spined Venus - > 
Marica --++++--» American Seas, W. Indies American-: do - 
Division Il.—Subcordate. 
Many species of this division, as the V. erycina, V. 
maculata, V. chione, &c. are remarkable for the smooth- 
ness and brilliant lustre, as well as the high and rich 
coloring of their surfaces; and others, as the V. paphia, 
V. reticulata, &e. though inferior in color and _ polish, 
are nevertheless much admired on account of the beau- 
tiful reticulations with which they are ornamented. The 
V. mercenaria, which in fine specimens is of a rich 
purple, forms the wampum or money of the North Ame- 
rican Indians. 
Scientific Name. Locality. Common Name. 
Paphia -.------.+ W.Indies, Mediterranean Paphian Venus - - 
Fasciata «-+<-+-» Great Britain, W. Indies Thick ribbed do - 
