SOLEN ENSIS, ETC. 11' 



SOLEN ENSIS, RAZOR-SHELL, OR 

 SHEATH-SHELL. 



There arc nine varieties of this curious fish, 

 which is much sought for both for food and bait. 

 Their form is peculiar, being long and narrow, a 

 little curved and open at the ends. The name 

 solcn is derived from o-wXrjv, a tube; the Latin 

 appellation unyuis was probably given on account 

 of the snail-like or horny substance and colour of 

 many of the species. By the French the shells 

 have been called " Manchcs de Couteaux" in allu- 

 sion to their shape ; they are found all along the 

 coasts of Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall. These 

 shell-fish bury themselves in the sand, and are 

 discovered by a small dimple on the surface under 

 which, on digging, the animal is found. 



