FOOT OF THE COCKLE. 93 



each other, and the curvature of the outline, they pre- 

 sent, when viewed endwise, a very regular and beautiful 

 heart- shape, whence the scientific name of the genus is 

 derived, Cardium, from KapSia, the heart. 



The animal which inhabits this strong fortress is 

 handsomer than bivalves usually are. The leaves of 

 the mantle are thick and convex, corresponding to the 

 shell- valves ; the edges are strongly fringed in the 

 neighbourhood of the siphons, which are short tubes of 

 considerable diameter, soldered, as it were, together. 

 The mantle has a soft spongy character towards its 

 edges, but towards the back, where it lines the valves, 

 it is very thin and almost membranous. The hue of 

 the former parts is very rich, a fine brilliant orange, 

 with the shaggy fringe of tentacles paler ; the siphons 

 are also orange, with the inner surface of the tubes 

 white, having a pearly gleam. 



But what was that scarlet knob that we saw pro- 

 truded and retracted but now ? Ha ! as it lies, slightly 

 gaping, the lips of the mantle recede, and we catch a 

 peep within of , the gorgeous colour. Suddenly the 

 valves open to their full extent, like the folding doors 

 of a drawing-room, allowing exit to a richly dressed 

 lady. Here comes the vermilion tenant ! Place for my 

 lady ! But what is she ? And what is she about to do 

 in her gorgeous raiment ? Nay ; 'tis but the cockle's 



