VENUS. 
59 
appearance from the species arranged under the 
other sections, and indeed approach nearer to 
the form of a Donax. The area is generally large, 
lanceolate, distinct, very often coloured differently 
from the disk. The areola is smaller, cordate, de- 
pressed, and gives a peculiar character to the mar- 
ginal outline of the valves. ' 
In the orbicular division a heart-shaped lunule 
is distinctly marked on the areola, and is often pro- 
minent; the area is usually compressed. 
The spines of V. Dione can scarcely be alleged 
as an exception to the remark made on Cardium 
echinatum, that in all other shells the suture of the 
spines is placed on the side furthest from the apex ; 
for in this muricated Venus the spines are evidently 
formed by an extension of the transverse plaits at 
an angle having its base towards the beaks, and 
therefore necessarily open on the inner side. 
To the sea-born Goddess, of the ancient mytho- 
logy, Linneeus has dedicated the present genus, 
selected from the produce of her native shores. 
