255 



SOLECURTIDi?:. 



We follow M. Alcicle d'Orbigny in considering Solecur- 

 tns as the type of a family separate from the true razor- 

 fishes. Not only have the shells a habit which at once 

 distinguishes them from their neighbours, but the animals 

 are also essentially difl^erent, especially in the arrangement 

 of their siphons, which, instead of being united as in the 

 last tribe, are separated for more than half their length. 

 On this account we have removed the Solen legumen of 

 authors from among the Salens, and constituted for that 

 singular shell a special genus. It forms the connecting 

 link between the Solenida; and Solecurtida. 



CERATISOLEN. Forbes. 

 {moariov, a pod, and irwXijv.) 



Shell greatly elongated transversely, compressed, equi- 

 valve more or less inequilateral, thin, gaping at the extre- 

 mities. Surface diagonally comparted, centrally radiato- 

 striate, invested with an epidermis. Muscular impressions 

 distinctly marked, dissimilar, resembling those of Solen ; 

 pallial impression with a wide short sinus. Hinge sub- 

 central, complicated, composed as described in C. legumen. 

 Ligament external. Valves beneath the hinge strengthen- 

 ed by a strong oblique rib. 



Animal compressed, narrow ; mantle closed in front, 

 open anteriorly. Foot ovate, elongated, truncate. Siphons 

 separate, diverging with fringed orifices. 



According to Mr. Gfray, the generic name Pliarus is ap- 

 plied to the Solen legumen in the manuscripts of Dr. Leach. 

 No characters being appended, and the name itself too 



