276 SEALE. 



PHILIPPINE LITTLE-NECK CLAM. 



The lucan, Cyrena suborbicularis Phil. (Plate I, fig. 6), next 

 to the halaan, is perhaps the most important species in the Phil- 

 ippines. It forms a large percentage of the food of the poorer 

 people of Manila. The lucan is quite abundant in most of the 

 mud flats and esteros throughout the Islands, being a brackish- 

 water species that burrows in the mud. In color it is uniform 

 dark greenish; the epidermis is roughened or velvety to the 

 touch. This species is the largest of the clams commonly sold 

 in the markets, being from 6 to 9 centimeters across its greatest 

 diameter. It sells for 6 centavos per kilogram. The lucan is 

 wholesome, when fresh, and makes an excellent chowder. 



SMALL GEEEN CLAM. 



The tulla, Psammobia togata Slesh. (Plate II, fig. 1), is found 

 in abundance by sifting the black sand of the river mouths; it 

 seems to extend into the fresh water. The shell is green, and 

 about 3 centimeters in greatest diameter. This clam is excellent 

 for soup. It sells for 7 centavos per kilogram in the Manila 

 markets. 



RIDGED SAND CLAM. 



The camotpusa, Circe gibbea Lk. (Plate II, fig. 2) , is a rather 

 small clam, usually measuring about 5 to 6 centimeters across 

 its widest diameter. It is characterized by the strong ridges 

 on the posterior half of the shell. These ridges gradually di- 

 minish in size posteriorly. The color is white with about 3 

 angular black bands crossing the hinge. This clam is abundant 

 about Manila on sandy beaches which are exposed at low tide. 

 It has a fine flavor. The market price is 6 centavos per kilo- 

 gram. 



ROCK CLAM. 



The bototoy, Cardium dule Linn. (Plate II, fig. 3) , is a small 

 clam usually about 5 centimeters across its greatest diameter; 

 the width between the valves is about 5 centimeters. The shell 

 is strongly and uniformly ridged, with the greenish fuzz of the 

 epidermis filling the space between each ridge except on the 

 beak, where it is usually worn ofli, thus exposing the white shell. 

 This clam is found on reefs or among rocks in shallow water. 

 It is regarded as a good food, and sells for 7 centavos per kilo- 

 gram. It is very unusual, however, to see it offered for sale 

 in any large quantity. 



