a THE NAUTILUS. 
doubt will soon be closed and not even the smallest boat will be able 
to enter this once beautifully situated bay. 
When low tide occurs in the bay, the “ necks” of thousands of 
Schizotherus Nuttalli may be seen projecting an inch or so out of the 
gray mud. Although the shells themselves are buried quite deeply 
under the surface, it is with difficulty that these hugh specimens 
may be obtained. Think of gathering clams almost the size of 
dinner plates. | We managed to secure several splendid specimens. 
The “necks” when fully extended are about three feet long. It 
requires several persons with rubber boots, shovels and pails to 
“catch ” one, as they will withdraw their “ necks” quickly and bury 
themselves out of view and reach, if disturbed. The strength of one 
person is required to hold the neck on the surface while another per- 
son digs around it and bails out the fast in-coming mud and water. 
It is indeed hard work to capture one of them, but well worth the 
trouble and time spent over them. 
The Bay also produces thousands of dead, yet fresh-looking spec- 
imens of Macoma secta. These are found either upon the surface or 
an inch or two below, imbedded in the soft mud. Hundreds were 
secured and after having given them a thorough washing, they were 
packed away carefully in cotton batting. 
Living Cryptomya californica in considerable numbers seem to be 
washed upon the mud flats. They range in size from a pin head to 
a quarter of a dollar. 
When low tide occurs at the reef, one may dig in the clay for 
borers and be rewarded with several species. The clay is fairly alive 
with them. 
Occasionally I have found cast up on the beach by the waters, 
fine examples of that immense “ rock oyster” Hinnites giganteus. 
Several contained the living animal. One specimen picked up 
measures almost ten inches in diameter. Who says we do not have 
large oysters! The beach is covered with great numbers of worn 
valves. The young shells are easily mistaken for Pecten hastatus 
and I have often been fooled in this respect. Fresh, full grown spec- 
imens are very hard to obtain. 
What do you suppose to-day—the glorious fourth of July— 
brought forth? Two most interesting species that I have found up 
to date. I had not searched for these and they were entirely a 
surprise to me. Doubly welcome are my new friends on this day. 
We were sitting lazily upon the pebbly beach watching the waves as 
