LA MELLIBRANCHIA TA. 
115 
an extension of the shell along the post-basal margin which is marked by 
concentric strias and undulations, while the rays become interrupted and obsolete. 
After a study and comparison of a very large number of individuals, it has 
not been found possible to draw any satisfactory line of specific distinction. 
The figures on plate xix illustrate all the important varieties of form that have 
been observed. 
The specimens illustrated in figures 2, 3, 4 of plate xix, represent the typical 
form of A. quadrula, Conrad; the figures 9, 10, 11 of the same plate more 
nearly correspond to the A. Boydii, Conrad. All the right valves show the same 
degree of convexity and the same surface characters, and vary in form no more 
than the variations in the left valve. The extreme forms seen in figures 26 and 
27 are old shells, showing the irregular growth of the margins, leaving the upper 
portions of the shell of normal form and surface characters. 
The following are Mr. Conrad’s descriptions: 
“ Avicula Boydii, pi. 12, fig. 4.—Sub-rhomboidal, compressed, lower valve 
“ with numerous radii, disposed to be interrupted by concentric lines, which 
“ are fimbriated, or have numerous angular indentations; anterior wing short, 
“ sinuous, truncated; posterior wing ample; posterior extremity of the valves 
“ acutely rounded.” 
“Avicula quadrula, pi. 13, fig. 5.—Sub-quadrate; length and width equal, 
“ compressed; lower valve plano-convex, with distant radii of equal size, 
“ crossed by concentric lines; posterior wing rather shorter than the width of 
“ the shell; anterior wing triangular, beneath which the margin is direct before 
“ rounding to the beak.” 
The unrecognized form is indicated as follows: 
“ Avicula pleuroptera, pi. 13, fig. 2.—Lower valve sub-ovate, ventricose, with 
“ obsolete radii; summit of umbo above the cardinal line; anterior wing very 
“ short; the posterior wing produced, rostrated, acute, with an oblique rib or 
“ carina on the posterior half, extending to the acutely angulated extremity.” 
The oblique rib or carina mentioned was probably one of the lateral teeth as 
shown in figure 12, plate xix. 
The Avicula angustirostra of Conrad, cited as occurring at Middleville, Schoharie 
