Natural and Economical History of the Clam. 287 
Description. A long and slender animal, head broader 
than the body, rather depressed; eyes prominent, iris gilt 
_ yellow ; a broad black line on each side of the spine extend- 
ing from the eye to the end of the tail; a narrow depressed 
black line extending along the spine from the occiput to the 
base of the tail ; all the under parts of the animal of a deep 
yellow; head separated from the neck by a transverse line 
under the throat; tail compressed, much longer than the 
body and head. : 
Note. Ihavecaught several of these animals beneath the 
Stones in moist places, or on the borders of brooks in shady 
Situations ; it isa very active species and sometimes attains to 
three inches in total length; the black line in the dorsal furrow 
is sometimes wanting, in which case the back is mottled with 
black—placed in spirits the yellow colour is destroyed. This 
species will occupy an intermediate station between the S. bis- 
lineata and S, rubriventris. (A specimen in the cabinet of the 
Acad. of Nat. Sc. of Phil.) 
For the American Journal of Science. 
Art. XI.—Facts and Observations intended to illustrate the 
Natural and Economical History of the Eatable Clam of 
New York and its vicinity. Ina letter to Lewis Weston 
Ditwvn, F.:R. and L. S. &c., author of a work entitled 
a descriptive catalogue of recent Shells. By Samuen L. | 
Mrrcuitt, M. and LL. D., &c.: dated New York, Oct. 
20th, 1825. 
Sir, 
Havine noticed in your excellent and instructive work upon 
modern conchology, that you arrange under the seconddivision © 
of the family Venus, defined as being somewhat heart-shaped, 
the species mercenaria, 1 have thought proper to address 
you the present communication on the character and uses of 
that remarkable animal, which is very plentiful on the coast 
. New York, and known popularly by the name of the Hard 
lam. 
