254 WEST AMERICAN SHELLS 
Var. walallénsis, Stearns, occurs at Gualala, a 
small seaport in Sonoma Co., Cal. It is more 
elongate and flattened than the typical form, and 
it has a paler nacre. Length, 100mm., breadth 
68 millimeters. 
Halt otis 
ruféscens, 
Swains., the 
Red Abalone, 
Figure 287. 
The beauty of 
these shells 
has caused 
them to be 
very widely 
distributed, 
and though 
their abundance makes us somewhat careless of 
them, still, they are among the most beautiful 
objects ever gathered from this coast. The outer 
layer of the shell projects over the pearly inner 
layer, and makes the fine red edge, so much prized 
in perfect specimens. The back is somewhat rough- 
ened, and is often overgrown with vegetation. The 
holes are large, usually three in number, and the 
muscle-scar is prominent. The shell sometimes 
grows to a length of nine inches. 
All parts of this mollusk are valuable. The 
Chinese dry the meat and use it for food, and it 
must be confessed that the great muscle makes a 
most delicious soup. The shells are sold by the 
ton, and are largely exported to Europe, where 
Fig. 287 
