HALF AN HOUR WITH SHELL-FISH (BIVALVES). 211 



or " Gaper " (Solen ensis), as it is also called 

 (Pig. 114). There are several species, of which that 

 just named is the commonest. The F . 114 

 popular name is a good guide to their 

 identification, for the two closed valves 

 exactly resemble a razor-handle. They 

 do not close at either end, hence their 

 other name of " Gaper." All the 

 species burrow in the sand, and gene- 

 rally live in the same burrow during 

 the whole of their existence, ascending 

 and descending in it as occasion may 

 require, and indicating their situation 

 by the jets of sand and water they are 

 in the habit of throwing out. The 

 animals are said to form one of the 

 most toothsome of our mollusca. 



The "Scallop-shells"- (Pecteri) are 

 perhaps the greatest favourites among 

 our native bivalves. We may see them 

 turned to all kinds of ornamental 

 uses in the pin-cushions, &c., sold in 

 the sea-side bazaars. There are several 

 species, some of which are very abundant. Among 

 these perhaps Peeten varius (Fig. 115) and Pecten 

 opercularis are the best known. The former takes 

 its name from its extreme variability as regards 

 colour. It is, however, generally some shade of red 

 or dark brown. It may be known by having 

 only one process, called the "ear," and also by 



