of the Hatable Clam of New York. 239 
ing delicate shades of bluish or violet to the opposite muscu- 
lar insertion, and thence along to the very hinge. 
Var.-6. C. with still deeper purple (blue or violet) 
along and around the inside of the shells. 
Var. 7. C.of a huge size, more than three inches and 
three quarters long, and more than four inches and a quarter 
broad; whose purple beautifully encircles the white almost 
all round, though with a deeper or more intense stain near 
ihe prominent angle. 
Var. 8 C. a still larger size, and with stronger and deep- 
er colourings ; being about four inches long by four inches 
and one half broad. 
There is likewise a considerable variety in the external 
figure and appearance of clams ; insomuch that persons con- 
versant in the trade can form a tolerably correct judgement 
from their aspect and physiognomy, from what place they 
were brought.. Among the memorable varieties of this de- 
nomination are these : 
Var. 1. C. from Shrewsbury on the Jersey coast. 
Var. 2. C. from Pelican Bar, ae 
Var. 3. C. from Fire Island, ‘ South side of Ti-'Island: 
From the north side of 
Long Island; which are 
reckoned the best that 
Var. 4. C. from Flushing bay, Kole brought to market, 
Var. 5. C. from Cowbay, {and not unfrequently 
bring from a dollar to 
one hundred and fifty 
J cents the hundred. 
The market of New York city is regularly supplied with 
clams, of which the consumption is very considerable. 
Throughout all the maritime region they are sought with such 
avidity that the traveller sees a heap of shells in the vicinity 
of almost every dwelling-house. They are carried alive to 
great distances up the rivers, and sold to the inhabitants of 
the fresh-water counties at the several landings; for, like 
oysters, by being kept cool and wet, they can be preserved 
alive along time. ‘The people ascribe to them highly nutri- 
cious and prolific qualities. They are very commonly eaten 
raw in the city at the stalls in the streets after the manner of 
oysters, to which many lovers of these crude relishes prefer 
them. . 
Vou, X.—No. 2. ey) 
