TELLIN A TELLEN. 1 55 



GENUS. TELLINA.* 



TELLEN. 



Generic character. Shell bivalve, equivalve, 

 inequilateral; shape either ovate and thickish, 

 ovate and compressed, or suborbicular ; the area 

 often compressed, having a flexuous plait or 

 fold, and its margin curved inwards, so that it 

 is always narrower than the areola. The hinge 

 has either one or two central teeth in each valve, 

 one of them often bifid ;| the lateral teeth are 

 remote, and sometimes wanting in one valve ; 

 the beaks are short, and usually lean towards 

 the ligament, which is external. 



OBSERVATIONS ON THE SHELL AND ITS 

 INHABITANT. 



This and the following genus are so very 

 similar, that it is often difficult to discriminate 

 between them. If however a shell have its 

 anterior slope compressed, or any indication 

 of its margin being curved inwards, it may be 

 known immediately as a Tellina. The Tellinae 

 are very beautiful, and are particularly remark- 

 able for the coloured radiations with which they 

 are adorned. They have generally a fine polish, 

 and are sometimes delicately marked with minute 



* Plate VII. figures 6. 7, 9, 9. 



f Bifid, cleft in two, from the Latin bis, twice, and fid f, I have 

 cleft. 



