The Scallops. Comb Shells 



toward the beak. The flat right valve is almost white. A deep 

 water species. Diameter, 5 to 6 inches. 



Habitat. — Newfoundland to New Jersey. 



The Beaming Scallop (P. irradians, Lam.) is the most com- 

 mon species on the Atlantic coast, the edible scallop usually sold 

 in our seaboard cities. Tons are dredged from the Jersey banks 

 annually, and the demand is increasing. The shells sell also for 

 "scalloping" shell fish, and for making fancy articles. 



The outline of the valves is almost circular, with prominent, 

 almost equal ears. The surface bears about twenty high, rounded 

 ribs, separated by rounded grooves. The exterior is brown, with 

 concentric pale zones and radiating bars of red, purple or orange. 

 A medley of rich colours is not uncommon. The lining is white 

 and polished. A shallow water species. Diameter, 2 to 3 inches. 



Habitat. — New England to Cape Hatteras. 



P. dislocatus, Say, replaces the preceding species below the 

 Cape. Both its valves are convex, and set with close, rounded 

 ribs. The ears are almost equal. The white ground is variously 

 decorated with red or yellow in zigzag cross lines or in mottled 

 designs. It occurs in a great variety of colors and patterns on 

 the coast of Florida. In the shallow pools the young disport 

 themselves, swimming about in gamesome mood. If frightened, 

 they stir up the muddy bottom, and flee under the cloud that 

 furnishes ample protection. Diameter, i to 2 inches. 



Habitat. — North Carolina southward. 



The Blunt-knobbed Scallop (P. subnodosus, Sby.) is the 

 most ponderous living species, named for the obscure raised 

 nodules on the strong ribs. The surface is sharply striated and 

 dark purplish brown, cross-waved with white. Old specimens 

 attain surprising thickness and weight. They are as large as 

 P. maximus. 



Habitat.^— West coast of tropical America. 



The W^eather Vane Scallop (P. caurinus, Gld.) has flat, 

 thin, very broad valves, with small ears, and about twenty low 

 ribs. A very fragile, dark brown shell. Diameter, 5 to 6 inches.. 



Habitat. — Northwest coast. 



The Pink Pecten (P. hericeus, Gld.) is white, rayed with 

 pink; the cardinal ridges are toothed, and separated by wide 

 channels. The ears are unequal. Diameter, 2 inches. 



Habitat. — Washington to California. 



416 



