ANODONTA. 161 



lowish interrupted lines, on a ground of clear bluish-green, 

 (a colouring not confined, however, to that variety,) &c. 



Some of our larger examples measure six inches in 

 length, and about three in breadth. We need not specify 

 any peculiar localities for a species so universally diffused 

 throughout Europe, but may observe that some of the 

 more beautifully painted shells are obtained in the docks 

 of London, and several of the more remarkable forms in the 

 river Lea, near the metropolis. 



The animal is shaped like the shell ; the margins of the 

 mantle are quite plain in front, fringed with two rows of 

 short cirrhi, the outer range more closely set than the inner, 

 at its branchial portion, plain again and projecting in tube- 

 like fashion at its anal. The posterior part of the mantle 

 is tawny brown, mottled, slightly edged with white anally, 

 the frontal and anterior portions yellowish, as is also 

 the large, broad foot. The viscera are pale. The outer 

 lamina of the mantle, according to Troschel, forms the 

 mantle ; the inner one is quite free from the foot. The 

 outer one is the lodging-place of the young in spring and 

 summer. The labial palps are broadly triangular and par- 

 tially united. 



This variable mollusk is generally distributed through 

 pools, slow streams, and canals in England, Ireland, and 

 Scotland. It is said to be a favourite food of aquatic 

 birds. Abroad it extends its range all over Europe. 



