The Razor Shells. Razor Clams 



calls the mollusks to the surface for air, and shows the fisher- 

 man exactly where they are. 



Neapolitan fishermen wrap their toes in rags, go into 

 water hip-deep, and explore the sandy bottom with the 

 foot for razor clams. The mollusk is seized between the 

 first and second toes. It is a well-trained foot that catches 

 the agile razor in this way, and avoids ugly wounds from 

 the thin shell blades. 



The flesh of the razors is counted a delicacy along European 

 coasts. We have not yet learned to appreciate the clear pink 

 or yellowish white flesh, having never tasted it. We have not 

 taken time to bother with small, thin clams, having larger, if 

 coarser, kinds in plenty to supply us. The razor will come to 

 popularity in due time. In flavour they are unsurpassed, and 

 as they live in colonies, the digger who acquires a little skill will 

 procure an abundant catch in a short time. 



Razors have eyes like the scallops, ocelli or pigment spots, 

 fringing the mantle edge around the siphons. By these 

 they distinguish light from darkness. A shadow cast across 

 the sand will cause the quick disappearance of every protruding 

 siphon. 



In water, razors swim about as scallops do, snapping their 

 two valves together, and darting here and there with great sud- 

 denness and speed. A captured razor clam rapidly extends and 

 retracts the foot, showing in pantomime how he burrows. Drop 

 him on the sand and he goes down like a mole. 



The Sheath Razor Shell (S. vagina, Linn.) largest of them 

 all, has a straight cylindrical shell, squared at both ends. The 

 extended siphon and foot make the shell seem inadequate to 

 cover the body. A neck-like constriction grooves the anterior 

 end. Length, 6 to lo inches. 



Habitat. — Europe. 



The Blunt Razor Shell (S. sicarius, Gld.) is the common 

 razor of the Pacific coast. It is four inches long, curved slightly, 

 rounded behind, squared abruptly in front. Q)lour white, with 

 glossy olive epidermis. 



The Rosy Razor Shell (S. rosaceus, Cpr.) is a smooth, 

 pinkish-white, flattened, straight tube. Its epidermis is olive 

 and glossv. Length, 2 inches. 



Habitat. — Southern California. 



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