The Soft-Shell Clams. Sand Clams 



for it is Steady and large. It was the original basis of the famous 

 Rhode Island clam chowders. In the fishing banks it is used, 

 fresh and salted, for bait. In Greenland the walrus, Arctic fox and 

 many birds are especially fond of it. The Pilgrims learned its 

 value from the Indians. John Winthrop listed among the ani- 

 mals of Plymouth in 1634; "Clams — ^white. Their broth is 

 most excellent in all intermitting fevers, consumption, etc. 

 These clams feed only on sand." 



The Indian name, "maninose," corrupted to "nannynose," 

 is often used on the east coast. "Sand clam" and "soft-shell 

 clam" are oftener heard. In English markets ask for "sand 

 ^per" or "old maid," and you will get the familiar Mya arenaria. 

 _ The Truncated Mya (M. iruncata, Linn.), with its posterior 

 end abruptly squared, but otherwise agreeing with the characters 

 of the better-known species, inhabits northern seas. 



Habitat. — Puget Sound. 



THE BROAD-TOOTH CLAM 

 Genus PLATYODON, Conr. 



Shell unequal, gaping, squared at both ends, ventricose; 

 hinge sub-central, with broad tooth; surface cross-striated and 

 circled with growth lines; faint groove from apex to ventral mar- 

 gin ; siphons united, closed by four hard plates. 



The Cross -barred Broad -tooth Clam (P. cancellatus. 

 Conr.) somewhat resembles the "soft-shell" of Mya. The white 

 surface is checkered by fine intersecting ridges. Its hinge tooth 

 is broad and spoon-shaped. The dilated, valved end of the siphon 

 tube distinguishes it beyond question. The thickness of the shell 

 and the bulging of the valves below the beaks are noticeable char- 

 acters. Length, 2 to 3 inches. 



Habitat.— California. 



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