42 BIVALVES VENUS. 



with lono-itudiiial or transverse strise, sometimes with 

 both, which not unusually terminate in foliations near 

 the margins. 



The coloring of the exterior, as well as the interior, 

 is of almost every possible shade ; and sometimes of the 

 most beautiful and lively tints. 



Specimens of this genus are found in most parts of 

 the world. 



Division I. — With the anterior depression spinous. 



Scientific Name. Locality. Common Name. 



Dionc • • • S. Ainerica, West Indies, 



Brazil, Trinidad Spined Venus • • 



Marica American Seas, W. Indies American • • do • • 



Division II. — Subcordate. 



Many species of this division, as the V. erycina, V. 

 maculata, V. chione, &c. are remarkable for the smooth- 

 ness and brilliant lustre, as well as the high and rich 

 coloring of their surfaces ; and others, as the V. paphia, 

 V. reticulata, &c. though inferior in color and polish, 

 are nevertheless much admired on account of the beau- 

 tiful reticulations with which they are ornamented. The 

 V. mercenaria, which in fine specimens is of a rich 

 purple, forms the wampum or money of the North Ame- 

 rican Lidians. 



Scientific Name. Locality. Common Name. 



Paphia ■ W. Indies, Mediterranean Paphian Venus • • 



Fasciata ■■...■■ Great Britain, W. Indies Thick ribbed do • 



