168 BIVALVES. 



margin denticulated ; about half an inch long and 

 nearly an inch broad. 



This is described as a British species, but it is 

 rarely found on our coasts. It inhabits the West 

 Indies, Africa, and the Mediterranean. 



Genus. VENUS* Plural, Veneres. 



Generic Character. Shell bivalve, equivalve, 

 inequilateral, closed; shape ovate, suborbicular, 

 or subcordate ; both the area and areola are well 

 defined, the area is generally flattened, and the 

 areola has often the impression of a heart ; the 

 hinge has three approximate cardinal teeth, the 

 middle one is longitudinal, the others diverging, 

 there is a lateral tooth in a few species ; the beaks 

 are turned towards the areola, that is from the 

 ligament. 



OBSERVATIONS ON THE SHELL AND ITS 

 INHABITANT. 



The shells of this genus, preeminent for the 

 elegance of their form, and the beauty of their 

 colouring, have in consequence, been designated 

 by the name of the fabulous goddess of beauty. 

 The three approximate teeth, and the inclination 

 * Plate VIII. figures 7, 8. 



