THE CARPET SHELL. 



I8 5 



or less. The engraving shows a reduced figure of 

 one of these fine shells. 



Saxidomics squalidus, Desh., squal'-i-dus, is con- 

 sidered by some as a variety of the last species. It is 

 found off the coast of Oregon, and is sold in the mar- 

 kets of Portland. It is smaller than Niittallii, and 

 has a smoother shell; in other respects it is very sim- 

 ilar. Length nearly three inches, height two inches, 

 and breadth an inch and a half. 



Tapes staminea, Conr., Ta'-pes sta-min'e-a, Fig. 

 158, Carpet Shell. In the markets of San Francisco 

 may be found excellent specimens of this species, 

 where it is sold as the " Hard-shelled Clam." 

 Tomales bay furnishes a good part of the supply, 

 though it abounds all along the coast. There are 

 numerous varieties, some of which are white, while 

 the shells of others are very prettily marked with 

 reddish brown chevrons. 



The valves of the shell are rounded, full, strong, 

 and marked by numerous narrow, radiating ribs, 

 which are crossed and cut by successive lines of 



growth. Hinge-teeth 

 strong, ligament external, 

 pallial sinus reaching to 

 the middle of the shell. 

 These mollusks burrow 

 in stony places, and as 

 you go along the beach 

 at low tide, there comes 

 up a jet of water here and 

 there, showing that the 

 frisky mollusk is shutting up his door, and is wait- 

 ing for the returning tide. The length of these shells 

 varies from an inch to nearly three inches. 



