Mussel and Coclde, 



101 



(J. cor), wliicL. is also a member of tlie Clam family, 

 and one of the most elegantly- shaped shells in the 

 whole range of Conchology. It is a native of the 

 Mediterranean and other seas of Europe, and has 

 been taken in deep water on the west coast of 

 Ireland. "We complete this group with a represen- 

 tation of the curious Arcadce family^ or Ark shells. 





•^ 



as they are commonly called, because one of the 

 species was thought to resemble the ark built by 

 Noah. Mr. Swain son tells us that the aniuials of 

 these shells affix themselves to other bodies by a 

 particular muscle, which is protruded through the 

 gaping part of the valves ; they also adhere, v/hen 

 young, by means of the bissiform epidermis, or 

 bissus-like outer skin : this species is a native of 

 the Atlantic Ocean and the seas of Europe. The 

 Antique Ark (A. antiqua) is very like the Common 

 Cockle, being of a Nvhite colour, and heart-shaped. 



