34 
it is highly probable that this shell may be found to be 
widely distributed throughout the Irish Sea. Scrobicu- 
laria has been found mostly in the stomachs of Plaice, 
Dabs, Haddock and Flounder. 
Mactra stultorum and M. elliptica :—These two shell- 
fish which have been taken in large numbers off the Zebra 
buoy, R. Mersey, and also off the Ribble Gut Bar in com- 
paratively shallow water—2 or 3 fathoms, constitute a 
not inconsiderable element in the food of Plaice and Dabs 
of small size (up to 12 inches) which are found in the 
territorial waters. Their young afford also a considerable 
amount of food to the very young fish stages from 14 in. 
upwards. 
Tellina balthica and Cardiwm edule :—these two shell- 
fish are put together as they generally occur together, the 
Tellina being extremely abundant on the extensive cockle 
beds of this district, and both are of very great importance 
in furnishing food to the fry of the flat-fishes at a time 
when they first become ground feeders and leave off 
eating copepods. 
Corbula gibba:—This small shell-fish, notable for having 
its two valves unequal, has been found to furnish food to 
considerable numbers of flat-fish on certain grounds where 
it is found, especially in a locality off Morecambe Bay, 
Blackcomb bearing N. E. % E., at 14 fathoms, where it 
must be extremely abundant. 
Philine aperta:—This soft mollusc is to be found in 
ereat numbers off the Ribble, Gut Bar, at the seaward side 
of Blackpool closed ground, and also at the bottom end of 
the Horse Channel on the mud, in a moderate depth of 
water. It has so far been taken chiefly in the stomachs 
of skate. 
Pecten opercularis and one or two other species of the 
genus are to be found in large numbers on the deep 
