194 Edible Mollusca of the Oregon Coast 
no activity at this time. On July 22nd, however, there was evi- 
dence that the species was in the midst of the spawning season. 
Spermatozoa were well formed, mature and very active. As in 
case of many other clams, ova may be detected in the females at 
any period of the year; on July 22nd, however, they were very 
large and well rounded, their maturity evidently corresponding 
with the maturity of the spermatozoa. On examining males and 
females September 4th it was observed that the bodies of both 
were spent, indicating that the spawning season was past. 
After having examined the ovaries and spermaries of the 
razor clam throughout several successive years, it may be safely 
concluded that the species on the beaches of Clatsop County, 
Oregon, begins spawning in the early summer, probably about 
June rst, and continues throughout July and August (Figure V, 
(iy od Ne 
There are reasons to believe, however, that the period of 
spawning may vary somewhat from year to year. On September 
4th, 1918, of the small razor clams found in the sand there were 
few under 30 mm. in length of shell, probably indicating a rela- 
tively early summer spawning for the species. On September 
15th, 1919, however, small clams ranging from 8 to 20 mm. in 
length were very abundant, which may indicate a difference in 
the growing conditions during the two summers or that the 
spawning season was somewhat later in 1919 than in the preced- 
ing year. 
2. Schizothaerus nuttalli Conrad. 
Microscopic examinations of the ovaries and spermaries of 
the “Washington clam,” conducted during the summer, winter and 
spring months,. indicate that the spawning season of the species 
on the Oregon coast takes place during February and March 
(Pigunes Ve 4555.16) 
Early in February well developed spermatozoa begin to appear 
in the spermaries with some activity noted. On March 26th, 1918, 
spawning was still in progress, the bodies of both males and 
females being well filled with the sex elements, the spermatozoa 
showing great activity and the ova evidently in a state of matur- 
[ 18 | 
