36 
MESODESMA NOVA:-ZELANDIZ (Plate VIII.).—Fig. 25 
(late Paphia nove-zelandiz) is the common oval Pipi, or Kokota, 
of the Maoris. This whitish shell, covered with a thin, horny 
epidermis, is sometimes 23 inches long. It is found in both the 
North and South Islands on sandy banks in harbours and in tidal 
rivers. 
ATACTODEA SUBTRIANGULATA (Plate VIII.).—Fig. 
24 (late Paphia spissa) is a white shell, found in considerable 
quantities on sandy ocean beaches at half-tide mark. When the 
tide is flowing it is a very common sight to see great numbers of 
these bivalves washed up by the surf from their beds, and it is 
very interesting to watch the speed with which they can bury 
themselves again. They attain a length of about two inches, and 
are known to the Maoris as Tuatua or Kahitua. 
CHIONE COSTATA (Plate VIII.).—Fig 26 (late Venus 
costata) is a strong, solid white shell, with thick radiating ribs. 
The only live ones I have found were either washed up on ocean 
beaches, or inside schnappers. This fish appears very fond of 
the Chione costata, and swallows it without attempting to crack 
the shell. It attains a length of about two inches, and the Maoris 
call it Kaikai karoro, which name is also given to the Struthiolaria 
papulosa (Plate IV.) and the Mactra equilatera (Plate VIII.). 
CHIONE STUTCHBURYI (Plate VIII.).—Fig. 27 (late 
Venus stutchburyii) is the common round cockle, found in both 
North and South Islands. Although when found on clean sandy 
banks it is usually reddish-brown on the outside and bluish-white 
inside, it varies in colour if the sand contains an appreciable 
quantity of mud. It is called Anga or Huai or Pipi by the Maoris, 
and attains a length of two inches. 
CHIONE OBLONGA (Plate VIII.).—Fig. 28 (late Venus 
oblonga) is a brown or brownish-white shell, with a white interior, 
and is rather larger and more solid than the Stutchburyii, besides 
being more oval. 
