335 



(Lamarck) (Fig. 140). In Fig. 141 Tellina donacina is represented 

 with its two vital tubes, or syphons. 



The seventh family, or Mactridse, include Lutraria and Mactra, or 

 the otter and kneading-trough shells. They are widely distributed ; 

 there are several British species of both. 



The eighth family, Yeneridse, includes Yenus, Cy therea, Meroe, and 

 Artemis ; beautiful genera, and as such called by Linnaeus and his 

 followers after heroines of Greek mythology. Petricola, Yenerupis, 

 Tapes, Lucinopsis, and Trigona, also belong to the family. These 

 acephalae of size so small, 

 like their congeners, 

 inhabit every sea; they 

 are found in every region 

 of the globe, more than 

 a hundred and fifty 

 species being known. 

 The shell is elliptic in 

 form, the valves smooth, 

 striated, spiny, and lamel- 

 lous, like those of Cardium 

 and Donax. Like these, 

 they bury themeslves in 

 the sand. 



Among the vast number of species, many of them are extremely 

 rare, and much sought after by collectors in consequence of their great 

 beauty. In the principal 

 ports of France, Venus 

 verrucosa (Fig. 142), and 

 another species known in 

 the south of France under 

 the name of Clovisse, are 

 eaten there like oysters. 

 Prepared with fine herbs, 

 the Clovisse, we have M. Fig ' 143 ' Cytherea * e s ra P hica (Chemnitz). 



Figuier's authority for saying, is not to be despised. " We may be 

 believed also," he says, " if we add that nothing is more delicious than 

 to eat the living Clovisse torn from the rock of the Phara of Lake Thau, 

 when the Mediterranean sun of a day in winter is shining down upon us, 



Fig. 142. Venus verrucosa (Linnaeus). 



