CHAP. VIIL 



BIVALVES: 

 TELLINA ; Tellen. 



Q. WHAT kind of shells compose this genus? 



A. Shells compressed towards the anterior 

 slope, and often bent. Teeth of the hinge mostly 

 three ; the lateral side smooth in one valve. 



Q. Are these the only characteristics ? 



A. The beaks are very short, and usually lean 

 towards the ligament, which is large, and covers 

 the prominent margin of the suture. 



Q. Is it not difficult fof beginners in the science 

 to discriminate between the Telljna and Venus ? 



A. It is so ; and therefore necessary to remark 

 that the principal difference subsists in the incli- 

 nations of the beaks. If they at all tend towards the 

 ligament, the shell belongs to the genus Tellina ; 

 likewise if any remote lateral teeth be discernible, 

 and if the anterior slope be compressed into an 

 acute wedge, shaped form, or crooked. But the 



