The Razor Shells. Razor Clams 



separate; incurrent orifice fringed, excurrent plain; arc ventrical, 

 cylindrical. Eleven species. Burrows below low water, deep 

 in sand and mud. 



The Short Razor (S. gihhus, Speng.) is a common mud 

 burrower, south of Cape Cod, on the Atlantic coast. It has 

 orange eye spots about the siphons to warn it of approaching 

 harm. The exceeding length of its separated siphons, the tongue- 

 like foot, and the yellowish epidermis, overhanging at the edges, 

 distinguish this species. The burrow has two exits, one for each 

 siphon. Length, 2 inches. 



The Californian Short Razor (5. C alt forni anus, Conr.) is 

 abruptly rounded at each end. The shell has a dull epidermis, 

 and a central hinge. Wild ducks and gulls have a great liking for 

 this mollusk. They know where to find the colonies in the mud 

 flats. Length, 3 to 4 inches. 



Habitat. — Southern California. 



Var. suhteres, Conr., is more delicate throughout. Violet 

 rays show under the olivaceous epidermis. This is found with 

 the common form. Length, 2 to 3 inches. 



Habitat. — Southern California. 



321 



