30 BI VALVES. TELMN A . 



doubts that may liave originated from the simple observ- 

 ance of the exterior; for it is usually furnished -with 

 three teeth, the middle one often cleft; the lateral teeth 

 are most commonly smootli, the interior margin rarely, 

 if ever, crenulate. 



The outside of the shells is surprisingly varied, some 

 being perfectly smooth and polished, whilst others are 

 covered with minute striae and undulations. In some in- 

 stances the whole suface is beset with coarse imbrica- 

 tions or scales; but the more elegant species of the Tel- 

 Vmse are chiefly remarkable for their beautiful radiations, 

 the colors of v* hich are rarely to be equalled in any of 

 the other genera. 



As the Tellince are most important among the Bivalves, 

 so the sources from whence they are derived, usually 

 abound in the different varieties they afford. The Me- 

 diterranean, Baltic, and Adriatic Seas, give being to 

 many; tlie American and Atlantic Oceans produce num- 

 bers; and the European and Northern seas by no means 

 contribute an inferior portion. The rivers, pools, ponds, 

 and marshes of Europe and America, supply only a few. 

 The finest varieties are found in the pearl fisheries of 

 Ceylon. It is said, that Tellinse are very speedy in their 

 growth. 



TEhLmA.-Tellen. 



A. Ovate and thich'sh. 

 Gargadia (Toothed T.) Gari (Varying T.J 

 Lingua-felis. *Fragilis. 



Virgata (Tulip Wedge.) *Depressa. 

 Angidata. *Crassa. 



