12 MULTIVALVES PHOLAS. 



the shell is usually of a pure or dusky-white : how- 

 ever, the absence of color is amply compensated by 

 the beautiful fret-work with which the shells of this 

 genus are adorned. 



In some species the reticulations are so delicate in 

 their structure, as to resemble the finest lace; in others 

 the texture is coarser, and approaches nearer to small 

 basket-work; and in the P. costata the shell is 

 covered with regular, elevated, jagged, or scalloped 

 ribs, elegantly disposed. 



The Pholades are found occupying separate 

 and distinct habitations, which they form in lime- 

 stone, indurated clay, wood, coral, &c.; even the 

 thick oak planks of ships are pierced by them: and 

 as they advance in growth, they enlarge their habi- 

 tation within, leaving the small aperture, by which 

 they originally entered, of its primitive size. 



The animal possesses the property of emitting a 

 phosphorescent liquor, which shines with brilliancy, 

 and illuminates whatever it touches. 



The American, Indian, and European seas supply 

 all the species that are known. 



It is common in limestone, sandstone, &c. on the 

 coast of England. 



The Pholas derives its name from ^wXjw, alluding 

 to its custom of forming cells in rocks, &c. 



Scientific Name. Locality. Common Name. 



Dactylus Europe Prickly Piercer • • 



Costata Virginia, West Indies, Ribbed.- do ••• 



South Europe, South 



Carolina 



Striata South Europe, E. I. Ocean Striated • • do • • • 



Candida Europe, America, Britain, White- • • do • • • 



Bay of Campeachy • • • • 



