Edible Mollusca of the Oregon Coast IQI 
about the same time for transportation. If shipped at night the 
clams are in good condition for markets the next day, but they 
do not endure so long out of water as does Mya arenaria. If 
iced the razor clam will remain in an edible condition for about 
36 hours. It is not practical, therefore, to ship this species any 
great distance from the coast and expect it to reach its destination 
in a marketable condition. 
3. Schizothaerus nuttalli Conrad. 
On account of its poor shipping qualities this clam is not a 
good one for other than local markets. The shell is thin and 
fragile being easily broken in transportation, and the clam is short 
lived after its removal from the water. The species will live three 
or four days if kept at low temperature but should be prepared 
for food as soon after digging as possible. It may be shipped 
from Coos Bay to Willamette Valley markets in from 8 to 12 hrs. 
by express and can be recommended as food the next day but 
seldom after that time. Shipments from Netarts Bay to Eugene, 
Oregon, not less than 15 hrs. by express, made during the winter 
months, sometimes came through in fair condition and at other 
times all of the clams perished on the way. In none of these 
shipments were they iced. 
4. Paphia staminea (Conrad). 
The “little neck clam” is one of the best of shippers due to the 
hardness of its shell, and is also a fairly long lived clam when 
removed from the water. Quantities of this species are to be 
found in the Portland markets being expressed from Olympia, 
Washington. It is often shipped as far south as Eugene, Oregon, 
from the southern shores of Puget Sound, reaching its destina- 
tion in good condition and remaining in an edible condition for 
several days, sometimes lasting a week if placed on ice. The 
species is not found in sufficient numbers in any locality along 
the Oregon coast to make it worth while to attempt to supply the 
demands of a regular market. It is used quite freely, however, 
for local consumption wherever it can be obtained. 
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