The Jingle Shells 



byssus. Oyster dredges often bring up masses of jingles alive, 

 shells all ajar, A tap on one of the outer shells causes it to close 

 tight. As if signalled, the next one follows suite, then the next, 

 until in succession they all sense the danger, and are safely locked in. 



Pretty lampshades are made by piercing the valves near the 

 hinge and stringing them, then attaching the strands so as to 

 fit over the outside of a plain glass or porcelain shade, whose 

 brightness is pleasantly mellowed by the network of shells. 

 Such an article is especially appropriate in a seaside cottage. 

 Portieres of strings of shells are hung in doorways and draped 

 over windows. To make so elaborate an affair takes tremendous 

 energy, and robs the shore of treasure that belongs to all. The 

 results of such zeal are likely to be disappointing. 



In the aquarium the living Anomia thrives and is a pretty 

 and interesting tenant. The shell is never so exquisite as when 

 alive. Length, i to 3 inches. 



Habiiai. — Atlantic coast. 



The Saddle Anomia {A. ephippium, Linn.) is so much like 

 our species that it is by some authors considered identical. The 

 type form has a rounded outline, slightly oblique, and irregu- 

 larly striated, sometimes scaly and yellowish white. So variable 

 is it that no less than thirty specific names have been applied to 

 forms now assembled under the name Linnaeus gave. So con- 

 fused was the great man with this protean group that he called 

 it Anomia, "nameless," as no descriptive designation would 

 fit shells which mould their shapes to objects on which they 

 grow. In France these are used as food. Diameter, 2 inches. 



Habitat. — Europe. 



The Prickly Anomia (A. aculeata, Linn.) occurs with our 

 eastern species, from which it is easily distinguished by its 

 small size and the prickly scales on its upper valve. It is found 

 attached to stones. 



The Lamp Anomia {A. lampe, Gray) is smooth and thin and 

 shining yellow, a saucer with an arched lid through which a 

 wick protrudes. The resemblance to an ancient lamp thus struck 

 Mr. Gray. Like its relative, it assumes various shapes, which 

 earns it the name, "the lawless shell." Length, \ inch. 



Habitat. — Southern California. 



The Port Essington Anomia {A. elyros, Gray) is the finest 

 species in the genus. The valves are thick, opaque white, square 



420 



