98 
[J. A. N. S. vol. ii. p. 302, et seqq., June, 1822.] 
Tellina iris. — Shell veiy thin and fragile, pellucid, compressed, 
transversely oblong-suhoval, iridescent, white, with generally a 
rosaceous disk and one or two anterior rays, with numerous minute 
concentric wrinkles, and minute, oblique, acutely impressed, equi- 
distant striae crossing them ; striae abbreviated before and not at- 
taining the anterior margin, which is narrowed and subacute : basal 
edge rectilinear opposite to the beaks. 
Length more than three-tenths of an inch. Breadth more than 
eleven-twentieths of an inch. Inhabits the southern shores. Cabi- 
net of the Academy and Philadelphia Museum. 
A beautiful little species, very remarkable by the oblique course 
of the strioe. It is rather common. 
Tellina flexuosa. — Shell suborbicular, white ; anterior mar- 
gin longer than the posterior one, and less obtusely rounded ; beak 
placed behind the middle, not prominent ; surface obliquely sculp- 
tured with very regular, parallel, impressed lines, which, on the 
anterior margin, are four or five times refracted and infracted alter- 
nately; longitudinal striae none; transverse wrinkles minute. 
Length nine-twentieths of an inch. Breadth rather more. 
Thickness one-fourth of an inch. Inhabits the southern coast- 
Cabinet of the Academy and Philadelphia Museum. 
The fold on the anterior margin is very slight, but perceptible, 
and is rendered remarkable by the zigzag course of the oblique 
striae over it. 
Tellina tenera. — Shell very thin and fragile, pellucid, com- 
pressed, transversely oblong-suboval, whitish, iridescent, concen- 
trically wrinkled ; basal edge arquated, not rectilinear opposite to 
the beaks ; hinge teeth two, larger one emarginate ; posterior tooth 
but little elevated ; anterior tooth obsolete ; beak placed behind 
the middle. 
Length three-tenths of an inch nearly. Breadth half an inch. 
Inhabits the coast of New Jersey. Cabinet of the Academy. 
Very much resembles T. irisy but is destitute of the oblique 
striae which are so ornamental to that species, from which it also 
differs in being arquated on the whole length of the basal edge. 
It was discovered by my brother Mr. Benjamin Say, near Great 
Egg Harbor. 
