MACTRID^E. TROUGH-SHELL. 23 



In Spain the names for it are Qhirla*, Pechinas 

 llisasy and Escupinas bestias, and for Mactra solida, 

 Cascaras y chirlas. In German, Mactridce are called 

 Trogmuscheln. Our rare Mactra glauca or helvacea, 

 which is a much larger shell than either of the other 

 kinds above-mentioned, and is at least three inches 

 long by four broad, with longitudinal rays of a pale 

 fawn, or a drab colour, resembling Mactra stultorum, 

 is sold in the market at Brest; and at Granville is 

 known by the name of Schias. It is also found at 

 Naples, and is called Fava, by the Neapolitans. Poli 

 speaks with evident satisfaction of its sweet and ex- 

 cellent flavour. It is eaten in Spain, where it is known 

 by the name of Cascaras. It is taken in the Channel 

 Islands, but we seldom find more than single valves 

 upon our coast, though I have seen a perfect pair in 

 the collection of a friend, which had been found on 

 the Hayle Sands, Cornwall. Mr. King, of 190, Port- 

 land Road, sent me a magnificent specimen alive, 

 some years since, which enabled me to examine the 

 fish, and admire the beautiful colouring of its two 

 short thick tubes, of a pale yellow shading to a rich 

 orange ; round the orifices were dark streaks of 

 crimson, the cirri of the same colour as the tubes. 

 The animal, however, varies much in colour; and 

 another live specimen I received afterwards, was not 

 so bright. 



Mactra subtrwncata, or the lady-cockle, as it is called 

 at Belfast, is said by Mr. Alder to be gathered at 

 Lamlash Bay, and used as food for pigs, and in some 

 parts it is used as bait by fishermen. 



One other species of Mactra may be mentioned as 

 edible, as it is eaten in the Channel Islands, and also 



