rs ei a ee ‘ - - ~ = = Ss (ean ag ye i Ny Pa Pa fn li nt a RNa i Bin” a RN Satara an Mon ene namie titan is tl a et A ttn Diy Mn PbS en Benton ton 87m aha ter Rewindesnn sm rrerane cathe te tee este en Sntin ita gle Bee odowheth abe Aan ae in eB a nn lB al Rigen Am On Toe OP tan tn A Bi ant MP a ce Altamont in gna tina rita = bin itnte inftmenen wf AaB Nase Sones sa beaRe ~ - oe nee 4 -* Division of Mollusks Sectional Library a Uy ae / 19 ae he Ed ri % aa ta ' Tuff . ¢ L ' ha e " a 7) di cs ps o > its “ \ yt y oO m i rer ae : ih. bray re i AMERICAN Division of Mollusics Sectional Library MARINE CONCHOLOGY; OR DESCRIPTIONS AND COLOURED FIGURES‘ OF THE SHELLS OF THE ATLANTIC COAST OF orth America. Se j ar > © ‘ BY TIMOTHY A. CONRAD, \4) Member of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. PHILADELPHIA: PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR. 1831. ANN H SONi4 Ny JUL 3 1957 LIBRARN 2 Se ES CAS > Molluscs PREFACE. fi The following work is designed to supply a deficiency which has long been felt by the cultivators of American Natural History ; for while the quadrupeds and birds of our country have been described and figured with great fidelity and elegance, some other branches of Zoology have experienced comparative neglect. Among these is ConcHoLoey, a science replete with interesting details, whether we examine the seemingly innumerable cha- racters of the shells themselves, or turn our attention to the organized beings which inhabit them. It is proposed, however, to limit the present undertaking to the Marine Shells inhabiting the coast of North America; inasmuch as several able naturalists, especially Messrs. Say and Lea, are now occupied with our fresh water and land shells, the results of whose labours will doubtless supply all that may be requisite in these departments. The North American sea shells have received more or less attention from nearly all the systematic writers on Conchology: many of the species were familiar to Lin- neus; others were first noticed by Lamarck; and Mr. Say, with his usual industry, has described a considera- ble number. The periodical publications of this country and of Europe contain various additional notices, and the interests of science seem now to require, that all these scattered details should be embodied in a system- atic form, with corrections and additions suited to the present state of our knowledge. The great attention which has been of late years given to Conchology, has necessarily removed much of the obscurity and corrected many of the errors of this science. Numerous shells which were formerly supposed to be different in specific characters, are now proved to be identical; while others which were published as new, are found to have been well known to our predecessors. Iv PREFACE. Again, the scrutiny which is at present directed to the anatomical structure of the animals inhabiting shells, has given rise to the establishment of many new genera, and has tended, more than any other circumstance, to fix the distinctions of this science on a natural and permanent basis. ; It is therefore proposed, in the present work, to adopt, with very few exceptions, the genera of Lamarck and Cuvier, together with such others as have been judicious- ly indicated by Sowerby, Blainville, Say &c. It is designed to give brief descriptions, and accurate figures, of all the shells inhabiting the Atlantic coast of North America, and to publish them in monographs, each of which will embrace all the known species of a genus. The great extent of our sea coast would lead us to conjecture, that many shells had hitherto escaped the observation of our Conchologists: such has proved to be the fact, and the author, in mentioning this circumstance, takes occasion to return his sincere thanks to those gen- tlemen, whose liberality has given him access to their collections, and thus rendered them subservient to the cause of science. To the Academy of the Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, he has to acknowledge particu- lar obligations for the unreserved permission which has been granted him to publish the nondescript species in the collection of that institution. In the descriptions of the bivalves I have followed some distinguished Conchologists in terming the distance between the anterior and posterior extremities of the shells, their length; the height is from the opposite, or basal margin to the beak; and the breadth is the great- est extent between the outer surface of the valves, when closed. Ihave also adopted Mr. Gray’s term cartilage, for the substance which acts like a spring to separate the valves ; and the ligament is that which binds them together at the hinge margin. Philadelphia April, 1831. 5 PECTEN. GENERIC CHARACTER. Shell bivalve, free, regular, inequivalve, eared ; beaks contiguous. Hinge toothless, with a trigo- nal pit for the cartilage. One muscular impres- sion. OBSERVATIONS. Most of the shells of this perfectly natural and extensive genus are distinguished by their elegant- ly coloured markings, which are frequently ex- tremely variable in the same species. They are all inequivalve, having one valve more convex than the other, although in a few instances the variation is scarcely perceptible. The inferior or lower valve is generally less coloured than the superior, and this character, together with the deeper sinus of the ear, will easily distinguish it from the other. Nearly all the species have either ribs or striz, ra- diating from the beaks, and this, in connexion with their peculiar form, has originated the vulgar name of fans. The habits of the animal, and the regula- rity in shape, together with the substance of the shells, which are never of a coarse Jaminar struc- ture, widely remove them from the oysters, with which they were confounded by Linneus. A byssus has been observed, in several species of this genus, to pass under the ear of the inferior valve, and they are by this slender process attached to rocks in deep water, but never, as the Mytili frequently are, to floating substances: others 6 possess the power of locomotion, either in the wa- ter, or when left by the tide, or cast by the waves on shore, as by a rapid action of the valves, they — are enabled to travel down the sloping sands of the beach, and by the same means they move with ce- lerity in the water, or rise at pleasure to the surface. It might appear to almost every one conversant with the subject, that this genus was too natural to admit of any dismemberment ; but Schumacher, a Danish naturalist, has ventured to introduce into his system of Conchology two genera, formed out of the present one, under the names of Amu- sium and Janira, but they are, like many other genera which he has instituted, founded upon tri- vial distinctions. To the present genus belongs the beautiful shell, well known as the scallop of the pilgrims. Several species, two of which are among the largest of the genus, occur in a fossil state in the Tertiary, or older Pliocene of Lyell, in Maryland and Virginia. PECTEN MAGELLANICUS. Tas. J, fig 1. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell large, orbicular ; superior valve dull red, with very numerous radiating strie which are crossed by minute subscabrous wrinkles; inferior valve nearly flat, whitish, with the striz less dis- tinct ; beaks purple ; within very entire. T. A Conrad , det, PECTEN F Reamy. Jc. + ie k hae ei MME, 5 ee : iy 4 . ‘ , ree t ; yA ee, y na Veal? SAUDE Brel oeaver fous OsTREA GLACIALIS. Gmelin Me wtiynge ocd, OsTREA SCABRA. Dithoyn’s Recent Shells, pp. — Lima. Enc. Method, pl. 206, fig. 2 and 3 Lister; tabs AIG, fis, AIA we a Cabinet of the Acad. Nat. Sciences, No. 1158 +. quently eagle from t fruit stores in this ¢ eis in the clot Mitten, hey ee LIMmad I Lglacialis . op Sei ee ¥ U hia } He A) cota |. ah eee iy) 4 dia 7 y. i ry i if y 3 / aot ; | 3 t ee Cs / 1 3 PRN ais fetid aiid (Be Ci aa : ) ahs io Nee ee 7 ne) y a» hin 4) r fn) Haws) oh ae alata ae me ve AC ti Bik aolae ea Pag LIMA SQUAMOSA. Tas. Ill. fig. 2. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell ovate, with strong scaly ribs; hinge oblique ; margin plicated; colour white or yellowish. SYNONYMA. Lima squamosa. Lam. An. sans Vert. vol. 6, part 1, pia. OstreA Lima. Lin. Gmelin. Lima. Enc. Method. t. 206, fig. 4. Cabinet of the Acad. Nat. Sciences, No. 1159. OBSERVATIONS. This shell, when perfect, is furnished with eleva- ted scales, which are generally wanting in those spe- cimens exposed for sale in the fruit stores; it inhabits the same localities as the preceding species, from which it differs widely in outline, one side being truncated or depressed ; it is also much thicker, and the ribs are broad and elevated. _ The localities given by Dillwyn, from various au- thorities, are the Archipelago, Mediterranean, Red Sea, Bay of Naples, and the coasts of Ceylon and Tranquebar. * 18° SOLECURTUS. GENERIC CHARACTER. Shell equivalved, oval elongated, gaping at the- extremities, which are obtusely rounded; hinge and basal margins nearly parallel; apex distant from the extremity and not prominent; muscular impressions two, remote and distinct; teeth variable, generally imperfect. OBSERVATIONS. This genus, which connects Solen with Sanguin- olaria, Was instituted by Blainville to receive a group of shells, which have characters quite distinct from the Solens although they are closely allied to them: the rounded muscular impressions, and the sinuous impression of the mantle, indicate an anatomical dif- ference in the animal, suflicient to warrant the con- struction of a genus for their reception. The hinge is never terminal like that of the Solens, with which genus perhaps the Solecurtus legumen of Blainville will form the connecting link. Blainville divides this genus into three parts, viz. A. Compressed, thin, with an internal rib ob- Tiquely decurrent from the apex to the basal margin; Salen radiatus, Lin. (Genus Siliqua, Megerle; Le- guminaria and Siliquaria, Schum.) wink B. More cylindrical and destitute of the internal — rib, Solen strigillatus, Lin. Pin C. More clongated and subulate, w. legumens Lin: se é 19 The shells of this genus inhabit, lke the So/ens, the sand of the sea shores, in deep and vertical pits, and in such places as are bare at low tide; their resi- dences are generally detected only by a small dimple in the sand; occasionally, however, they may be seen with a part of their shells projecting above the sur- face, and then they may easily be taken by intercept- ing their retreat with a spade. SOLECURTUS FRAGILIS. Magia + Tae Wy figs. ae ae wie SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell oblong oval, slightly contracted in the mid- dle, one end abruptly rounded, the other less obtuse 5 beaks central, from whence an obscure internal rib descends towards the basal margin, which is slight- ly arcuated. Ae SYNONYMA. SoLen Fracitis. Pulteney, Dorset. Cat. p. 28, t. 4, fig. 5. Dillwyn’s Recent Shells, p. 65. SoLen antiquatus. Montagu, Test. p. 52. Maton and Racket, Lin. Trans. vol. 8, p. 46. SoLen cenTRaLis. Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Scien- ces, vol. 2, p. 316. PsaMMOBIA THENIATA. Turton, Ganchilia Insula- rum Brittanicum, p. 85, ¢. 8, fig. 3 20 Cabinet of the Acad. Nat. Sciences, No. 820. OBSERVATIONS. This shell is represented in Turton’s figure with - the basal margin straight, as we find it in youth and middle age, and it is only when old that it becomes arcuated: it is thin, translucent, bluish white, and covered with an olivaceous epidermis; a reddish brown stripe passes from the apex towards the oppo- * site margin, and marks the course of the internal rib ; from this character Turton has given it the specific name of ¢zniata, as its original appellation is pre- occupied in the genus Psammobia, to which he has referred it.. It has a single tooth in one valve, and. “two very similar teeth in the other, the largest being curved and flattened at the top. Maton and Racket have adopted the opinion of Montagu, that this shell is the S. antiqguatus in its incomplete state, but the specimen here figured has every appearance of maturity, and certainly bears no resemblance to 8. antiquatus, as figured in Pennant’s British Zoology, nor has that species been discovered upon our coast. I am indebted to Mr. D. B. Smith for the use of a very perfeet shell of this species, found on the coast of Rhode Island by Lieut. Brown. Col. Totten, of Newp sport, has since politely sent for my inspection _ the largest and most beautiful specimens I have seen ; in one of these the epidermis is obscurely radiated, beneath which the shell is pale violaceous. ‘They are from the vicinity of Newport, where, as Col. ; we Y a & SOLECURTUS y de Sfragitis : S.coslatits. S. Carribets . 24 ‘Totten informs me, the species is very rare. It is also scarce upon the southern shores, where it was first observed by Mr. Say. It inhabits the coast of Great Britain and is probably one of the rarest bi- valves of that Island. SOLECURTUS COSTATUS. Tas. 1V, jig: 2. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell oval elongated, much compressed, very thin and fragile, with an internal rib descending nearly perpendicular from the beak, expanding and becom- ing obsolete near the basal margin. SYNONYMA. SoLEcuRTUs costatus. Say, American Conch. pil. 18. SOLEN cosTaTus. Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Scien- ces, vol. 2, p. 315. Cabinet of the Acad. Nat. Sciences, No. 1214. OBSERVATIONS. The colour is violaceous, with two or three pale rays; the epidermis is polished and olive yellow on the inferior half of the shell, and a flesh coloured © stripe marks the course of the rib which crosses the valves internally, and appears to be designed to strengthen the shell for the support of the anterior muscles. Inhabits Great Egg Harbour, and Squam, on the coast of New Jersey, at which latter locality my father obtained very perfect specimens, though with- out the animals. It occurs also on the coast of Rhode Island, but the largest I have seen is from Maine, and was presented to the Academy of Natural Sciences by Col. Abert; it is about one third larger than the figure. as SOLECURTUS CARIBQUS. "PREM PV oyig ss SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell oblong oval, straight, very obtusely rounded at each ends; two teeth in one valve, and a bifid tooth in the other. ss? 8 SYNONYMA. SoLecurrus iriBevus, Blain. Dict. des Sciences Naturelle, vol. 29, p. 240. SoLen cAariBaus, Lam. An. sans Vert. v. 5, p. 454. Cuama anoustior. Lister, t. 421, fig. 1. So.en. Enc. Method. t. 225, fig. 1. « 23 Cabinet of the Acad. Nat. Sciences, No. 823. OBSERVATIONS. When taken alive, in favourable situations, this shell exhibits a beautiful straw-coloured epidermis, wrinkled at each end, where it is dark greenish brown, and crossed by irregular hair-like lines; a few parrallel green lines cross the centre of the valves, and appear like scratches in the shell when divested of its epidermis. I have figured and described this species as we find it upon the New Jersey coast, and it will be seen by a reference to the figure in the Encyclopedie Meth- odique, that it differs considerably in outline from the shell described by Lamarck as inhabiting the ocean of the Antilles: in the latter the beaks are central, whilst in the northern variety they are considerably behind. the centre, and the shell is larger and higher in pro- portion to the length; these differences might lead us to regard it as a distinct species, did we not ob- serve intermediate varieties from East Florida, which leave no room to doubt their specific identity. My friend Dr. 5. G. Morton has sent me the fol- lowing interesting notice of this species: ‘It is found in great numbers at Great Egg Har- bour on the coast of New Jersey. ‘The most beauti- ful specimens inhabit the Rainbow har, a sandy shoal exposed at low tide. There is not, in common, any perforation of the sand to indicate the presence of this species, and, in order to detect it, the surface must be removed to the depth of three or four inch- es. These excavations, if carefully made, expose a & 24 vertical cylindrical cavity, about an inch and a halt in diameter, and a foot or more in depth. ‘The mo- ment the animal is surprised, it descends rapidly to the bottom of its cell, protruding and expanding the. inferior part of its body into a button-like extremity, which renders it difficult to withdraw the shell until the sand is excavated entirely around it. ‘*This species is also abundant on the main land at Great Egg Harbour, about half a mile south of the Point-house; but the coast is here muddy, and the shells more or less decorticated, while those on the bar already mentioned have a beautiful, unbroken, straw-coloured epidermis. ““The Solen ensis and Mya arenaria are met with it the same beds.” Mr. I. Lea informs me that this species is abund- ant at Cape May, on the same coast; and he mentions as a remarkable circumstance, that in one instance when the retreat of the animal had been suddenly cut off, it darted a foot or more above the surface of the sand. North of New Jersey this shell is very rare; but it is common at the mouths of rivers on every other part of our coast. C7 29 SOLEN. GENERIC CHARACTER. Shell equivalve, extremely inequilateral, much elongated, gaping at both ends; beaks not prominent 5 ligament external. Muscular impressions two, re- mote, the anterior one much elongated. OBSERVATIONS. The species of this genus, commonly known by the name of razor shells, are distinguished by their long and narrow shape, and the beaks being nearly or quite terminal, and not elevated above the dorsal line. They reside in the sand of the sea shores, forming vertical and cylindrical pits, which are often nearly two feet deep, and are just wide enough to enable the animals to traverse them with facility. They are situated in shoals or sand bars, and the flat shores of bays and rivers, where the flood tide may cover them, at which period, the shells may be seen in the water with the extremity elevated above the orifice of their cells. In the Mediterranean, they are ta- ken, when exposed in this manner, by persons who swim above them, and suddenly sieze them with their hands. The animal there, in common with that of many other bivalves, is an article of diet. Pennant observes, that in England several kinds are taken by | means of a barbed spear suddenly thrust into their shells, and are brought up to the table fried in eggs, The Solens are also taken in the same manner on the coast of France: and it is probable, from their general 26 estimation in various parts of Europe, that they con- stitute an agreeable and wholesome food; but I never knew an instance of their being so used in this country, although we have the common European species, (S. ensis) in great abundance on every part of our coast. The residences of these shells are sometimes detected, like that of Mya arenaria, by a small jet of water. In France, the fishermen are accustomed to take them by throwing a little salt into these cavities, which irritating the extremity of the tubes or syphons of the animals, causes them to ascend immediately to the surface, in order, it is supposed, to free their sen- sitive organs from the substance which annoys them. The moment the shell appears at the surface, it is pierced with an iron point called dardillon; but it requires some address to take it, for if the instrument should miss its hold, the animal will sink with surpri- sing rapidity; nor will the same means induce it to reascend, as it prefers to suffer the irritation of the salt to the certainty of being captured. The species of this genus, though few in number, are nee on almost every shore, where the sloping sands can afford them a secure habitation. Only two species occur on the whole Atlantic coast of North America: one of these is peculiar to this country. The habits of the Solens were known to Aristotle, _ who supposed that the sense of hearing was possessed by the animals, because, he observes, when a loud noise is suddenly made above the water where they reside, they instantly sink into the sand. - oe 7 a Ee ny LA Pati ¥ Ge wre: Sf ih im - : i ie plays telnet .! rae 2 i mt ee a By un 7 move es NP ne 4 oh . 1 Ais ba ae “ i sk | sabe yi mir Af : val ee a hx Gila: “is fy b naive ne me is nish ea bai ryt _ a Va ay iP on ITY i an Tie : fo i ea yp wt . widnlian oe os ae a : 7 : a ot 9 ie ideo Nh vi ates aid lial rE i a hl ; ee ues ie igh, hoy et oe ‘i , a 7) on i hte re e. Ph i aint Men Nl as : ie i Gha me p My ode iy vi : 6 mite y j : My 7 Y * ' at ’ enone % : : ; es to . ro ei of 7 ve pi) ne ot shah '§ a is ; ity ie subs if; Wp nee in ao nae ie sii z ne iI " rou ‘1hs x ieee winnie te van - aie we, ee rir i i # a mye ia 4 Pah, i Far em : diye mt edie om 7 me x wy eae ae a ad Va bi en : “sty aa ay! ag bank He sins ry - ar or: ae Poko oe ae o , b ; ‘ 4 es si A hos “1 ogy ee i ia He i ie ey i‘. " te Les ee 4 ih aii on Hh ei, ee My aa ct Fay 4 Z eel Br an a am i tig a ies iene Pa a open ae n'y Sache aa, ane ae) es ° brit iv, re Ore, Me aks i VI ee a ; ae i 0 oh, ye rite : aa Ng ie ; ae \ Hn ae a Fy) a? rae eo aD =e = = «i +. _ = es a _ — J z=. ai 22 te wee ae oe es oud — — - oo ae = ota _ ear -. _ Ly = - oe eos 7< ae En ‘ — 7 S = — oy * - , ne iD eh aa it 7 eek id yr ah ; igs “ies “4 a, - So —< SOLEN 2S viridis 1S. ensis AT Conrad del. 27 SOLEN ENSIS. Tas. V, fig. 1 SPECIFIC CHARACTER, Shell linear, slightly curved; hinge with a double tooth in each valve. SYNONYMA, SOLEN ENSIS. Lin. Lam. An. sans Vert. vol. 5, p. 452. SoLen curvus. Lister, Conch. t. 411, fig. 257. SoLEN. Ene, Method. t. 223, fig. 1,,2, 3. Cabinet of the Acad. Nat. Sciences, No. 816. OBSERVATIONS. A’very common shell, inhabiting almost every part of our coast, and it is equally abundant on the Euro- pean shores. There is a variety distinguished by its smaller size, and in being narrower in proportion to its length than the common specimens: this variety inhabits the southern coast. @ At Great Egg Harbour and Cape May, this species may readily be taken alive on the sand bars, in com- pany with S. viridis and Solecurtus caribeus. It will occasionally spring out of the sand when alarmed. This shell is a fossil of the Upper Marine forma- tion in England; and I have detected it in the equiva- lent beds in Maryland. 28 SOLEN VIRIDIS. Tas. V, fig. 2. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell elongated, straight; anterior end obliquely truncated and slightly reflected; posterior side nar- rowed towards the end, which is rounded; dorsal margin nearly rectilinear; hinge terminal, with one tooth in each valve. SYNONYME. SoLen viripis: Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sciences, vol. 2, p. 316. 7 Cabinet of the Acad. Nat. Sciences, No. 1561. OBSERVATIONS. This shell is fragile, and when young the epider- mis is pale green, and highly polished, becoming olivaceous with age, when it exhibits faint transverse markings, in the manner of S. ensts. The anterior extremity is somewhat reflected, and a slightly im- pressed line crosses the valves, beginning at the ex- tremity of the hinge margin; between this line and the anterior tip, the epidermis is darker coloured. Common on the southern coast. Say. I have re- ceived it large and very perfect from Rhode Island, through the kindness of Col. Totten. Dr. Morton obtained a large specimen at Great Egg Harbour. 29 NUCULA. GENERIC CHARACTER. Shell equivalve, with contiguous beaks; hinge with an anterior and posterior series of numerous teeth, interrupted at the summit by a triangnlar car- tilage fosset; ligament interior; muscular impressions two, simple. OBSERVATIONS. Although Lamarck includes this genus in his family Alrcacea, in a more natural arrangement it would pro- bably be referred to Mactracea of the same author. Turton first observed its aflinity to Mactra; and cer- tainly the cartilage fossest which is so remarkable in this genus, is wanting in rea and Pectunculus, Sowerby, in his Genera of Shells, indicates three divisions of this genus: Ist, of shells whose general form is lanceolate, and have no epidermis; 2nd, of shells which are rostrated, and have a strong epider- mis. These constitute the genus Lembulus of Leach, and Sowerby supposes that some of them at least may be fresh water shells; the . limatula, however, one of the largest and most beautiful of the Muecule, be- longs to this division, and is decidedly marine. The 3rd division consists of small obtusely ovate shells, one of which, the Arca nucleus of Linneus, is the type of the genus, and although there is a striking dissimilarity in outline between these and the shells of the two former divisions, the generic character is essentially the same. D 30 NUCULA LIMATULA. Tas. VI, jig. 1. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell ovate elongated, with central beaks; anterior side rostrated, and pellucid at the end; epidermis olivaceous and polished. SYNONYME. NucuLa LIMATULA. Say, American Conch. pl. 12. Cabinet of the Acad. Nat. Sciences, No. 1455. San 3, No. 1738. I first’ obtained this shell in a fossil deposit of so i recent a character, that the species, with one or two | exceptions, are such as occur very commonly upon "7 ie coast of the middle and ee States 5 ; sai al- 1 ee though I have never Q shell in question, I b coast, and that it has its small size. I ha ry associated wi | tertiary beds: tvery ¢c! AT Conrad dat, NUCULA LN. limatida 2 iN. proxcima 4) ri’ : iy a Te MA : % iy ng ‘ea Ny ii eieh aR Mis ists) ~ ash Lak i Bt ne et “i nas atulle saat is tt bie 33 SANGUINOLARIA. GENERIC CHARACTER. Shell oval or oblong oval, somewhat compressed. and gaping a little at each ends; beaks rather promi- nent; superior margin arcuated, not parallel to the inferior; two approximate hinge teeth in each valve; muscular impressions two, simple; palleal impression profoundly sinuous; ligament external, short and convex. OBSERVATIONS. A genus very closely related to Solecurtus, but having in form more resemblance to 7eliina. Care is requisite in studying the shells of this family, as the teeth are generally broken, and the number of these distinguish the present genus from Psammobia and Psammotea of Lamarck. I have recently examined very perfect specimens of the two species referred to Psammobia by Say, which, as they have two tceth in each valve, cannot with propriety be included in that genus. These shells have a very slight, deciduous epider- mis, destitute of the lively colour and polish, which are so ornamental in Solen and Solecurtus, and from which they may be distinguished by a slight eleva- tion of the beaks in addition to their general form. The species are not very numerous, and, like the shells of kindred genera, burrow to a considerable depth in the sand. 34 SANGUINOLARIA FUSCA. Tas. VU, fig. 1. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell compressed, subovate, generally thin, con- centric lmes rather prominent; anterior side obtusely rounded, and nearly closed ; posterior side narrowed and gaping a little, with a slight submarginal wave; beaks central; teeth, two in each valve, one of which is bifid. SYNONYME. Psammosta Fusca, Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Scien- COS, VOOR Ds fie Za. | Cabinet of the Acad. Nat. Sciences, No. 886. OBSERVATIONS. This shell is white or reddish and covered with a pale yellowish or fuscous epidermis. Inhabits the estuaries of Georgia. Say. It is not uncommon on the coasts of New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island, burrowing in the sand. I have observed it in the Potomac river where the water is brackish. SANGUINOLARIA. S. lusorias PETRICOLA . ey Ta. Conrcee page JL. Frederick. Set Pica Ne i i i: Oa spent sas ‘ ew ee a COT ae a spun ri i ies ines i. Oe jut we wy het inne mee itt ie thud fs ne vii so 0 ‘ ninline fh sat a oe ay i ra a Aue re is 0 is 35 SANGUINOLARIA LUSORIA. Tas. VII, fig. 2. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell oblong, suboval, bluish-white, posterior side narrowed and inclining to the right at the end; teeth two in each valve. SYNONYME. PsaMMosiA LusoRIA, Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci- ences, vol. 5, p. 316. Cabinet of the Acad. Nat. Sciences, No. 1402. OBSERVATIONS. This shell is covered with a pale and very delicate epidermis, and is distinctly gaping at each end. Mr. Say first discovered it on the southern coast, and referred it with a mark of doubt to Psammodia. I obtained a few valves near Cape Henry, on the coast of Virginia, and in the collection of the Acad- emy is a very perfect specimen, found by Dr. S. G. Morton at Great Egg Harbour. In a fossil state, it occurs in Virginia, but is not common. 356 PETRICOLA. GENERIC CHARACTER. Shell oblong or subtrigonal, inequilateral, posterior side narrowed and gaping; hinge with two or three teeth in one valve, and one or two in the opposite. OBSERVATIONS. Lamarck includes this genus in his family Litho- phaga, on account of the species forming their habi- tations in rocks and stones. Some naturalists have supposed these perforations to be effected by a me- chanical action of the valves, while others agree that they are formed by the secretion of a peculiar acid, acting as a solvent upon the calcareous rocks into which the animals bore. The only species known to inhabit our coast formsa singular exception to the the general habits of this family, as it burrows ex- clusively im hard ground, among the roots of plants. Venerupis differs from the present genus merely in having the cardinal teeth minute, and in the spe- cies being of a suborbicular form. Blainville consi- ders these characters too unimportant to warrant the separation of shells so nearly allied; accordingly in his Malacologie we find them constituting one genus, to which he has retained the name of Venerupis. 37 PETRICOLA PHOLADIFORMIS. Tas. VI, fig. 3. ” an a cP | SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell elongated, anterior side short, with strong ribs crossed by waved striz ; posterior side with ra- diating lines, and gaping; teeth three in one valve, and two in the other. SYNONYME. PETRICOLA PHOLADIFORMIS, Lam. An. sans vert. oO vol. 5, p. 505. Sowerby’s Genera, No. XV, pl. 1, fig. 1. PETRICOLA ForniIcaTA, Say, Journ. ead. Nat. “a “Sciences, vol. 2, p. 319. dei e Cabinet of the Acad. Nat. Sciences, No. 860. eye é € > wid sts ‘OBSERVATIONS. This shell is irregular in “on and marked with strong indented lines within on the anterior side. ‘The hinge teeth, when perfect, are invariably three in one valve, the middle tooth being the largest and bifid; on the opposite valve are two bifid teeth. A very common species on all parts of the coast, at least as far north as Maine. Mr. W. R. Clapp in- forms me that it is gregarious on the shore of Long — P Island Sound, in company with Pholas truncata. E caer, 88 CARDITA. GENERIC CHARACTER. e - Shell subovate ating ribs; teeth in one valve two, generally oblique, one of them elongated, thick, mostly rather curved, the other sometimes straight, short, and thick; in the other valve, one elongated, thick, and oblique tooth, and a deep elongated cavity for receiving the larger tooth of the other valve; margin crenulated; palleal impression entire. “a OBSERVATIONS. i A genus formed by Bruguiere to receige part of the Linnean Veneres, from which Lamarck has sepa- rated the species of a suborbicular form, under the. name of Ven tcardia; in these the oblique position of the anterior tooth alone distinguishes the hinge from that of the Carditez of La ur arck; I have there- fore adopted the present genus s as defined by Blain- ville and Sowerby, wl 10 include the Venericardiz ; and thus it remains 23 originally constructed by Bru- guicre. ae Both the recent and fossil species are numerous ; and several of ‘the latter occur in the tertiary of the southern states, : sl borbicular, with strong radi- | oe dal 8! ee > 2 a ts oe CARDITA. C . borealis wierassala . a. & ‘She Wah boibionl r, thi t eighteen nar: row ribs, and the inters oncave and transversely wrinkled ; cpideimiMoe tt black; margin not pro- _ foundly crenulated. ». rita Ae . Cabinet of the Acad. Nat. ‘ iences, No. 971. et OBSERVATIONS. A rare shell, and igeneeprdia should be still ac- knowledged as a ge nus, it fist be called V. borealis. Lamarck describes but one recent species. The only ae I have seen is in the collection about 18, a evated, fereaulaome | od vith, fulvous or brown spots. _ ; 7-7 40 Pe he , SYNONYME." ( & > + , Fig, CARDITA INCRASSATUS, Sow. tn Tunkerville Cata- re, t . alogue,: Ne : ” Carvira, Ene, Method. Pl. 233, fig. 3. * «AG Tie! q ee Cabinet of the Acad. Niy Serrcs, No. 1463%: * ob OBSERVATIONS. — # me 2 p Ue ee. ’ “ Ps , A species allied to"Chama antiquata, Lin, (Car- a dita suleata, Brug. et Lam.) with which it had long been confounded before G. B. Sowerby described it as distinct. The figures in the Encyclopedie Me-— thodique, referred to as representing this species, are quoted by Lamarck ; doubtful or incorrect fig- ures of Cardita suleatas t , however excellent — j representations of the elongated vial of the shell - here figured and described a the Cc. incrassata. ‘ip i an uncommon shell Kast Indies; it troduced as inhabiting on the authorit “© 41 MYA. GENERIC CHARACTER. Shell elongated, nearly equivalve, gaping at both ends, but inagreater degree at the posterior end; hinge with a single large, compressed, dilated tooth, pro- jecting vertically in one valve ; the other valve with- out any teeth; muscular impressions two, lateral, distant; anterior one rather narrow; posterior one nearly orbicular; palleal impression with a large sinus. OBSERVATIONS. This genus is allied to Anatina, Lam., Lutraria, Lam. and Sphenia, of Turton, which last has been united with Mya by G. B. Sowerby. The recent species are few in number, and as Mr. Sowerby ob- serves, ‘all belonging as far as we know to the northern hemisphere.” One species only inhabits the coast of the United States, the JZ. arenaria, Lin., which also occurs among the fossils of the Newer Pliocene, in Maryland, but no other species has hitherto been observed in the United States. La- marck describes only four recent species. Deshayes enumerates five in the Tertiary beds. F 42 MYA ARENARIA. Tas. IX, fig. 1. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell ovate; beaks nearly central; hinge with a broad very prominent tooth, from which a small one projects laterally ; epidermis pale brown, with hair like lines and obsoletely radiated. ‘ SYNONYMES. Mya ARENARIA, Lin., M. acura, M. MERCENA- riA, Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sciences, vol. 2, p. 313. OBSERVATIONS. Inhabits the whole Atlantic coast of the United States, and is sold in the markets of New York and Philadelphia. It is esteemed by many admirers of shell fish more than the common clam, or-Venus mer- cenaria. i) , This is a very common shell on the shores of France, Great Britain and Norway ; on the New Jer- sey coast, it burrows very deep in the sand near the mouths of rivers and on the shores of the lagoons, where it is deserted by the receding tide. It keeps . i. Re) gaa wade Fath sui Be? J, ARES hah Mier als iy aR and ibe hi es é og ah Te NL bie “i : ie pa : 7 jc “ ** Skis r al iat am rhebly® oh yi: . ; ot £ oo 1 j ’ 43 up a communication with the surface by means of its retractile tube, which is greatly elongated when pro- duced to its utmost length. ‘The inexperienced tra- veller of the sands inhabited by this shell is surprised to feel a jet of water sometimes ejected upon his legs, which is caused by the animal, when the sense of dan- ger induces it suddenly to contract its tube. It is known in the southern states by the name of Manvi- nose. It is occasionally found much larger than the specimen figured. THRACIA. GENERIC CHARACTER. Shell thin, inequivalved, ventricose, gaping poste- riorlys; hinge witha thick callus in each valve; ligament exterior, situated in a linear groove in the callus; muscular impressions two, the anterior one elongated ; palleal impression with a deep sinus. OBSERVATIONS. This genus was separated from Anatina by Dr. Leach, and adopted by Blainville. I should suppose from the habit of the shell, that it was more nearly related to Mya than to any other genus, but unlike Mya it inhabits the ocean exclusively, and the animal appears to be unknown. dd THRACIA DECLIVIS. Tas. IX, fig. 2. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell short subovate, anterior margin obtusely rounded ; posterior side sinuous; the superior margin nearly rectilinear, with a submarginal carinated line ; extremity truncated ; surface with coarse concentric lines ; beaks subcentral, slightly prominent, very thin at the apex. SYNONYMES. Mya becuivis, Pennant, British Zoology, vol. 4, p.79. Lieu. puBEScENS, Montagu, Test. p. 40. Mya convexa, Wood, Conch. p. 92, t. 18, fig. 1. ANATINA MYALIS, Lam. An. sans. vert. vol. 5, p. 464. THRACIA CORBULOIDES? Blain. Mal. p. 565, pl. 76, jig. 7. OBSERVATIONS. This species has hitherto been found only on the coast of the eastern states, on this side of the Atlantic ; it inhabits the shores of Great Britain and the He- ties! 45 brides ; Lamarck observes, that in its exterior aspect it much resembles Mya arenaria. Lamarck has quoted the Mya declivis, Pen., as a synonyme of his Anatina myalis, which Blainville considers the type of Schumacher’s genus Periploma ; it is very different from that genus as figured and de- scribed by Schumacher. Deshayes, in his Tertiary tables, gives two recent and four fossil species of T'hracza. LUTRARIA. Shell equivalve, inequilateral, oblong or subovate, gaping at the extremities; hinge with two diverging teeth, united above, and a large deltoid cavity situated obliquely beneath them ; lateral teeth none ; ligament internal; muscular impressions two ; palleal impression with a profound sinus. OBSERVATIONS. This genus was separated by Lamarck from the Linnean Mactre and included in his family Mac- -TRACEES. Cuvier has grouped it with Mya in his family IncLusa. Lamarck describes eleven recent species, and Deshayes enumerates six in the Ter- tiary beds: two species occur in the Eocene of South Carolina and Alabama, the ZL. papyria and petrosa, nobis. 46 LUTRARIA CANALICULATA. AA OX ee. oh SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell ovato-orbicular, inflated, thin and fragile ; valves regularly and concentrically grooved, with fine parallel lines within the grooves; posterior side short, subcuneiform, compressed, with numerous wrinkled lines ; epidermis yellowish brown, extremely thin and deciduous ; within grooved as without. SYNONY MES. LUTRARIA CANALICULATA, Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sciences, vol. 2, p. 311, Lister, t. 308, jig. 141. LuTRARIA CAMPECHENSIS, Wood, Index, Test. (Sup- plement,) pl. 1, fig. OBSERVATIONS. The figure quoted from Lister, Dillwyn says, ‘is No. 66 of Schroeter’s Einleitung; and if more than a variety, is nearly allied to Mactra plicataria.”’ Mr. Say observes that it approaches the L. crassiplica of Lamarck. Inhabits from Virginia to Florida inclusive, in abun- dance; further north it is rarely seen, and I know not whether it has been found north of Cape May. I procured it in the Gulf of Mexico, near Mobile Point. Lister’s specimen was from the bay of Campeachy. Professor Elisha Mitchell found it fossil] in the Plio- cene of North Carolina. ie foes oil Peet £i, r rpc * ot : Sake a See re 7 "ie oe byigg 7! Oh alias ny if * bets Ae by ga us hes 7 4 ee , - ty ” re wd ce or i etl ia ” 7 ae . Sieh, see af, a fire! ie wh Fe je ? my ae te ra aha fe e: fu ae sien ™ i 7 Pe ae ee fans oe a ayy we mar oa a Lan i" —_ witty * Keio: i a i en owe 2a on Pile ata ir ers ptt A WS eae ae tee or a! ars: sb i “ " sin vee. a ee agit a A ae Sp a RY Tiana aaa so urea pani ro Re a ec. RE eee a en Se ha : “orl 7 7 lS oul a cae Ya oe hes as .. 7% — kay ia oF ee ates & ee a a oe oh ee SUM pe iro mee ‘i HO : ra i ; “*) ie : an A ae /\ he. wit “ ‘write ) es its bi NE a m4 Pee Abe ee ” clus wl a ih a Ay Sal nal bev ke ee Ba ee Per ee ae * ne a Ve, Ba nw ss Ng thy ani A cee 7 7 oO) oe i Raa vig ay ul € Ty Sy ie! re ma ete ae ie u - i Rai aa! | eee. baal Ms, x $4 a * bat Lae ae Re hie aan ee oe eee See nia Rat ibe oa Pe Wie eine este ea Pc ee are e'4 be ; j . ie ity: tata cons oe : pe Bis a siti ae Oe a % ) i ay cs , tains halen : iis iis aus io : Ce gu a ae ee wt i a "3 Py ibe ¥ by 4 vie Ye i pi al, tae - : i ae 4 . APE 7 ener pions hed Ma) VAR teed i ") es aM asi ; “hee q f “DPA ent a Ley | # a ie ae ae nek nee ni a eh ae eal’. ie 7] A7 LUTRARIA LINEATA. Tas. X, fig. 2. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell suboval, thin, compressed; hinge slope rec- tilinear ; posterior side with a reflected margin, and carinated submarginal line; within slightly unda- lated; posterior margin glabrous, with an obtusely indented line, corresponding to the exterior cari- nated one. SYNONYMES. LUTRARIA LINEATA, Say, Journ. Acad. Natural Sciences, vol. 4, p. 310; American Conchology, ple 9: LurrariaA recuRVA, Wood, Index Test. (supple- ment,) pl. 1, fig. 2. OBSERVATIONS. Mr. Say believes this species to be nearly allied to, if not identical with, L. papyracea, Lam. He also observes that it inhabits the coasts of Georgia and Florida. It has since been found on those of North and South Carolina. 48 PANDORA. GENERIC CHARACTER. Shell oblong, inequilateral, inequivalve; hinge with two or three elongated teeth, with a fosset for the cartilage in each valve; right valve flattened ; left valve convex; hinge margin inflected; muscu- lar impressions two; palleal impression with a sinus ? OBSERVATIONS. Mr. Say remarks: “‘ The hinge teeth extend on the inner surface of the shell in some degree like those of Placuna, to which the genus seems to be allied, both by the position of the teeth, and the perlaceous consistence of the shell; but it is emi- nently distinguished by having two muscular impres- sions.” The genus was constructed by Lamarck, and arranged after Corbuda in his family CorBULEES. Cuvier refers it to his family IncLusA, as a subgenus of Mya, and places it next to Panopea. Mr. Say informs us that Poli has referred the animal of Pan- dora to the same genus with that of Solen, under the name of Hypogea. Few recent species of Pandora are known. In the Tertiary of Europe, Deshayes enumerates three ; two occur in the Pliocene of Virginia. ee | fe Ie. Co ee See 6 ey a SP eee - wetew Te 2 ' ari we Sah Paes ee a fi a | ne |v A , i 7 , o 4 i ae | et a — ; a x Pia *) yg Ne. ” LF aT fn ri ' “i i 4 rl in 7 ¢ +e pa. 4 D (allen ior rn maton oot A ea ee f “ a) fi hs ae, oe re nee Tf! ‘ i a a4e re =, Sea vii ae " & yyvS TE” hae one spe Me iat At qe ve De 4 mt os . : a4 4, d : 1a a - F e 5 i . t= : a jleé - . — . r 5 - i : 7 7 ee i a ee Pi 5 Be: Sh Sain on ea enna oe i | Wy a or © oy ee es ’ ; : ; ; , > 5 aah r i ; _ a " + in a 7” ; > hens ul pPrreeni 13, fiat whos an ae reine "Hs ha ea ri@ 2a y eee i 4 mS * De Doll ie ee Me al a , x 7 whe s Ml I i i) i yo ? . 7 ; - 7 =p aah aioe: ee a. 7; Py o : vn bd & Pu, pig ; ot yee rte Se it, as - oe te hae ae Mi ‘iunhe ve, Ga -. : f . an - Ae 7 ? i : Y : Py i : Bi. A 4 i E ; A nen a, i mie os: 7 aye Pee wae | ar. i , ay ty phtGas. i: ark ee Ss Wenge i ee Pn _ i dn iw : : < mf a OO ee eee te OS ; ; / am dion ba, eal Pee 7 . 7 4 be. 7 1 7 i a , a 5 > ae an f : ; 7 De + iS a ee eee wy Pe ee hh ~° % Uy os a = el ie is hae fx, ‘ ee f py “_ wg is ie tear pe o er oy ut ats iL . ak 9 it eS) leh 16 7 as - ay? ': we y ion ; ae Tae “ a Es Pit, ee ae bd Lad I 1 ‘ cy ‘5 ive = = ¥ a . ; : 1 ‘5 / 1 y é ay ee ME ae Ae i ae} 3 > Ome. ¢ ce aattl Res te 4 - © 2 hi , % é } = ; ; + Pa lee ee oe ) oe, - Pea eae, i" f r ; : i le . Ns ¢ pe hd ert ony Jy ‘e se site cull iy 6 Ee ae, | -® ~~ - ‘ 25 : we ed es we » i : hy ¢ 7 oo) f lay h é =] 4 c ik. » fii, are PSA ial - 4, a at re ay ; } ; ai « 1 gilt hed ! i 7 Whe 7 : AAG Yi yd vo , ; ~ Gee 1 : 5) j= ( 7 pes ‘ ‘ ‘| J i) e: ’ ‘ ad ig" f a eS, Pe hs aie ee -_ ip>, 7 : , 7 7 : a ie @ 7 : ‘ - - ul _ 1d] », -~ -s oe i rue PANDORA... 1] P. trilineata. LYONSIA. aL. hyalina . eee ON. MP 3D. rabagella ALE onrad De A9 PANDORA TRILINEATA. Tas. XI, jig: 1. . SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell perlaceous, concentrically wrinkled; ante- rior side very short and obtusely rounded ; posterior extremity rostrated ; hinge margin concave, with two approximate submarginal slightly prominent lines; a - slightly impressed line passes obliquely from beak to base on the anterior side of the larger valve ; teeth three in each valve; the middle tooth of the larger valve a mere prominent acute line; the other teeth thick. SYNONYME. PANDORA TRILINEATA, Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sciences, vol. 4, p. 261; American Conch. pl. 12. OBSERVATIONS. Mr. Say was the first who found this shell on the coast of New Jersey, and subsequently on the southern coast. J procured several specimens in the Pliocene strata of Virginia. The figure represents an uncom- monly large specimen in the cabinet of my friend Thomas Rogers. G LYONSIA. GENERIC CHARACTER. Shell inequivalve, inequilateral, open at the poste- rior end; hinge with a tooth nearly parallel to the hinge margin, common to both valves, to which it is united merely by the ligament, which is wholly in- ternal. OBSERVATIONS. The curious arrangement of the hinge in Mya Norwegica of Chemnitz, was first accurately observed by Dr. Turton, who constructed the present genus to receive this interesting shell. ‘The author observes: “This genus is remarkable for the peculiar struc- ture of the hinge, which consists of a single tooth, placed on the inside equally between the two valves, uniting them by a transverse ligament in each, which is seated in a narrow and rather oblique cavity on the anterior side. ‘This tooth is not a fixed projection from either of the valves, nor formed from the sub- stance of the shell itself, as in all other known shells furnished with teeth, but is an independent process, moveable with the ligament, and may be entirely de- tached from either or both the valves ; consequently, when the valves are opened, it is found sometimes in the right valve and sometimes in the left, as the liga- 51 ment may casually loosen, exhibiting the form of a somewhat elevated transverse tooth.” Very few recent species are known, and none has hitherto been found in a fossil state. A fine species was found at Guayaquil by Dr. M. Burrough, to which I have given the name of L. inflata. LYONSIA HYALINA. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Tas. XI, fig.2. Shell oblongo-ovate, extremely thin and fragile, pellucid ; anterior side short, margin rounded ; pos- terior side produced, slightly reflected, and trun- cated at the extremity ; epidermis pale, with radiating rugose striz, obsolete upon the umbones, but distinct towards the base and posterior end, where the epi- dermis is wrinkled ; beaks prominent. SYNONYME. Mya HYALINA, nobis, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sciences, vol. 6, p. 261, pl. 11, fig. 12. OBSERVATIONS. This small species has been found abundantly in Long Island sound, and on the coast of Rhode Island. -92 It has been confounded by some writers with L. Wor- wegica, but is very distinct, if the figures hitherto given of that species are correct. LEPTON. GENERIC CHARACTER. Shell suboval or suborbicular, equivalve, inequi- lateral; hinge with two linear teeth in each valve, divaricating from the beaks; one of the teeth angu- lated; muscular impressions two, suboval, lateral ; ligament internal. OBSERVATIONS. This genus of small bivalves was constructed by Dr. Turton, and illustrated in his “ Conchilia Insula- rum Brittanicarum.” Capt. Brown has since given it the name of Tellimya, and figures several new spe- cies of the British coast. One has been found on the coast of the United States, and another species oc- curs fossil in the Pliocene of Maryland. 53 LEPTON FABAGELLA. TAs. XI, jig. aK SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell suboval, convex, with minute crowded con- centric lines; beaks central, rather prominent; epi- dermis yellowish, very thin, wrinkled; teeth similar in each valve; the posterior tooth longest, and angu- lated under the beak. OBSERVATIONS. This shell was found on the coast of Rhode Island, by Col. Joseph G. Totten, of Newport, who kindly sent it for my inspection. I think it may prove to be identical with one of the species figured by Capt. Brown, but as I have not his descriptions, I cannot be certain of it. ARTEMIS. GENERIC CHARACTER. Shell lentiform, with regular concentric striz ; hinge with two sulcated teeth in the right valve ; left valve with a compressed anterior tooth, and a groove 54 margined by an acute tooth on each side, to receive the large tooth of the opposite valve ; cartilage groove broad; space under the apex generally excavated ; muscular impressions two, large; palleal impression with a profound angular sinus. OBSERVATIONS. This natural group has been separated from Cythe- rea by authors, who have given it various names 3 Schumacher terms it Lentillaria; Megerle, Orbicu- lus; and Blainville informs us that Poli has given it the name of rtemis, which I have adopted. The species are all known by their lentiform shape, and differ from each other but slightly in their general appearance. ‘The cartilage is broad and situated ina long groove very like Lucina, and the fosset under the beak is another character which some species of these two genera possess in common; but the deep sinus in the palleal impression indicates a difference in the organization of the animal, which will distin- guish this genus from Lucina. Two species inhabit the southern coast, the 4. ace- tabulum, nobis, and 4. concentrica; both are also found in a fossil state; the former abundantly in the Pliocene of Virginia, and Professor Mitchell obtained the latter in North Carolina, from a deposit contain- ing a greater proportion of existing species than any of those in Virginia which I have visited. Ts . abe sh A 7 td | Us fe i iy A ee s. & | | eee inter 7 Lihat elas ey. . ; , oP ic Ta id iu at or eee Perea as ™ : al ee Stl Rb. al Pry | ii 3 : : n ' é rw ia) prom = : - o i a ee ae i = = sv" age: a. " i i me oe 1404), ; aor am iw & a all jaa via Bie sh Gg «ake oN wee ee : bs Sie hs i wt . ne Whe : iy ‘ 7 A a ty) ah : i A as ad ia - 7 io i e ys 3 % > “ee. le) i” 7 * . 1 7 t ; ; Tn : . Ae] - ¢ ) : 4 oe 2 o A) My ae U - iy Mi zh ce Pe - P gh RE pach ee orn her DY aes a La mann is AS. UP Us. Con -— ; iW Ph * Rs dike a a ry edema t ee fy} y . a ; 4 } AS} ‘ : o ; ; ; 7 : / i “ya ‘ + rey k bye oe \ : 4 pay ; 4 ; 4, é yy , i} 7 Ft, 7 ; : a i eae an in _ isk tr Fale, 7 4 yh Mig, ; f 5 _ i er xi ms si nipin” ve oe Ne: vf Wien : : ‘t Mirus i) Pay a ae ’ ae A wy oe wi fi . 1 \) ry ? % i 7 1 a i + » i i DY , ie { : | M4 ity, < p iy if a 7 ive ARTHEMIS. Ve A. coneentrica . ARTEMIS CONCENTRICA. Tas. XII. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell compressed, with fine regular impressed concentric striz ; beaks considerably curved, point- ed; lunule cordate, slightly impressed ; epidermis brownish yellow, tinged with ferruginous ; hinge with a large oblong fosset under the beaks; muscular im- - pressions very large. SYNONYMES. VENUS CONCENTRICA, Gmmel. Conch. 7, t. 37, fig. 392. CYTHEREA CONCENTRICA, Lam. .4n. sans vert. vol. 5, p. 573. OBSERVATIONS. Found abundantly from Virginia to Florida, and in the Gulf of Mexico. It is a beautiful shell, more compressed than any other species, a character which the student will find sufficient to distinguish it. 56 RANGIA. GENERIC CHARACTER. Shell equivalve, inequilateral ; subcordate ; hinge with an oblique fosset for the cartilage; right valve with an elongated transversely striated groove to re- ceive the posterior tooth of the opposite valve; an- terior side with two grooves for corresponding teeth, the smaller one margined by two compressed teeth: left valve with an elongated transversely striated tooth posteriorly, and two anterior ones, the largest being curved, elongated, and angulated posteriorly ; liga- ment short, internal, placed on the superior margin of the fosset ; cartilage divided, an equal portion re- maining in each valve, with a concave surface ; mus- cular impressions two, suboval; palleal impression, with a small sinus. OBSERVATIONS. This remarkable genus of the family Mactrap#, prefers, like Cyrena, brackish or even fresh water, and has an epidermis much resembling that of Unio. No more than one species has yet been discovered, which some have supposed to be the shell described by Lamarck, as Cyrena truncata, and appears to have been first recognized and described as a distinct genus by Mr. Gray, under the name of Clathradon, Phe ws ant. os iy ms va iene , yan ue a Furst as 7 ae 10 . i P viven ae iy ny i Na - ia | Pare guste AY a : ay a At, =e ) ia a itr Se on eee " te De? | &: isa Pi. arg tt ae iin “a, aa ‘ 2 tr fa its val es iS eu . ie My ee eA he Sar M NN 2, yoy | 4 Oe ae “at “ v, x t n i. qi %, te ‘as ‘ie a? bie a ity ee ‘ ne sh , ai" (ie ae, at : a ‘io - Micon a 7 ole rape beg is en ee Lan es - , bie | - — hts ae ia ly ak Poti | oe ia ie a — [a Tha dod ’ Ae apucy a gs ee reid A a f fa - eR ee Pape: Peltonen ae eaten, dis Be, + ¥ re oT fi rt 7 wy s ie - oR ie ie ini be q ty "ys omaal darn Sones eer 5 [a ae 1ae in we at a see he el ae “Ve Swann Soh 1 ’ renal J ate +>) ee a oe ;. Sante ie ‘ell of i phir oer ie wy oD . a r oan -y rr — eaolen Saif ? reannen one ar ir — a aaa | mee RoR niin oe idlelia on wera _ of ae adh an a! a Yi : pale ; saat rhe a ve hy asiigig as i +tihangs ert i? aa ne 4 oe ea fe aa \, ies es a Pie rae ei’ La 4 bess wy va, te oC “rs ha mA Ti pen 4 Bescon yee i ‘ane eS Ke —- A? 4 iat Hy ra “Abd a%, fay b att ct 4 2 a a ake ete a | a one erie “a | atin aoa cael ea . Ha tau - “ Re ia J bas ie 4 aD ol ay ae “Ne rf . ‘e i gy ie Ata mt ‘ ae a, af “3 oY a |. is — i . ee al ra a a ja Aare a” ‘an 7 wn ot aa wi td Rey's ag y ar e Lt -— 7 jag 7 at J me ia ne 5 " ‘a of ee ; 5 he : i “% ‘ ° EP oe, i, me . ‘e a eritaa Es By a 0 atin, “ a oe al i G : Si - St ee ey: yes ie a “ae al ne Rice’ ” o/ ae 57 whose unpublished manuscript I have seen. As I am ignorant whether Mr. Gray ever published his genus, I am compelled to adopt the name since given it by Des Moulins. The hinge of this shell is similar to that of Mac- TRA; and like that genus, each valve possesses a car- tilage of its own, much resembling a small grain of maize; and the ligament is strong, having to attach the valves without any assistance from the cartilage. RANGIA CYRENOIDES. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Tas. XIII. Shell subtriangular, or subcordate, thick and pon- derous, convex; somewhat undulated; beaks very prominent, distant, posterior side subcuneiform ; epi- dermis concentrically wrinkled; lunule broad cor- date, defined by an obtusely indented line. OBSERVATIONS. This shell has long been familiar to conchologists in this city, but its history and most interesting characters have not attracted the attention they merit. I have oc- casionally found worn valves on the sea beach, but H 58 whether or no it inhabits the ocean, I am unable to de- cide. I once found it among the fossils, exclusively ma- rine, of the Newer Pliocene in Maryland, but it was quite rare. The living shell, however, prefers the brackish waters of bays and lagoons, where it congre- gatesin vast numbers. The extensive flats below Mo- bile, Alabama, are literally filled with them, where they burrow about three inches below the surface, and give token of their presence by a rather obscure depres- sion in the sand. They are accompanied by only two other species of shells, the Cyrena Carolinensis and Neritina reclivata, of Say. Some idea of the for- mer abundance of the Rangia may be obtained, when it is stated that the streets of Mobile are paved with them in a subfossilzed state, and that the shore on which the city is built, and the marshy islands of the bay, have at various depths below the surface, a solid stratum of shells, the depth of which is unknown to me. They are said to be equally abundant on the borders of all the lagoons and bays which margin or indent the northern shore of the Gulf of Mexico. MACTRA. GENERIC CHARACTER. Shell inequilateral, subtrigonal, slightly gaping at the posterior end; beaks prominent, with a com- pressed complicated cardinal tooth in each valve, and 59 a fosset for the cartilage situated obliquely beneath it; lateral teeth two, compressed, approximated to the fosset, double in the left valve; ligament partly ex- terior; palleal impression with a sinus, not very pro- found. OBSERVATIONS. This genus embraces a great number of recent as well as fossil species, and is related to Amphidesma, Lutraria, Erycina, Rangia and Mesodesma. The species burrow a few inches deep in the sand, and generally inhabit the ocean; I have seen, how- ever, a delicate Mactra in the cabinet of Dr. Rus- chenberger, U. S. N., which he procured alive in fresh water in Tombez river, Peru; the species, in this respect, having the peculiar habits of the Rangia. Thirty-four recent species are known; and in the Tertiary strata of Europe, Deshayes has noticed four- teen ; six occur in the Pliocene strata of Virginia and Maryland, and three in the Eocene of Alabama. MACTRA DEAURATA. ‘EaBe XIV fie, SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell subovate, solid, compressed ; posterior side short, truncated, and somewhat angular; anterior 60 side produced, with the margin rounded; lateral teeth with regular transverse strie; the posterior tooth elongated. SYNONYMES. Mactra DEAURATA, Turton, Conch. Insul. Brit. pati, pl. 5, fiz. 8: MactTRA ARCTATA, nobis, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sciences, vol. 6, p. 257, pl. 11, fig. 1. OBSERVATIONS. This species has not been found south of Rhode Island; I hesitated to publish it as new, thinking it might be the deawrata of Turton, whose description of it, however, was so imperfect, that I could not identify it. Subsequently, by reference to the beau- tiful figure quoted above, I was satisfied of the iden- tity. It possesses the delicate epidermis, reflecting a metallic lustre, as described by Dr. Turton. MACTRA TELLINOIDES. Tas. XIV, jig. 2. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell ovate, thin, inflated, with numerous raised concentric striz ; anterior end subcuneiform, slightly 2 - ae ay f pa: BF 61 compressed and sinuous; lateral teeth distinct on one valve, on the other obsolete. SYNONYME. MAcTRA TELLINOIDES, nobis, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sciences, vol. 6, p. 258, pl. 11, fig. 2, 3. OBSERVATIONS. Inhabits the whole coast, and is a fossil of the Plio- cene strata of Virginia. Its exterior is not unlike a Tellina. MACTRA FRAGILIS. Tas. XIV, jig. 3. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell oblong-oval, very slightly wrinkled, except- ing upon the margin; umbo hardly prominent; two strong distant lines from the apex to the posterior ex- tremity; epidermis pale brownish yellow, tinged with ferruginous ; within white, highly polished. SYNONYMES. Macrtra Fracixis, Chem. v. 6, p. 236, t. 24, fig. 235. Macrra osionea, Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. vol. 2, p. 310. 62 OBSERVATIONS. This shell is well represented by the figure quoted from Chemnitz. The JZ. dealbata is considered by several authors to be the same species, but the remark- able lines in the fragilis are not represented in any of the figures of the former, although the outline is the same in both. Mr. Say found this species on one of the sea islands of Georgia. It is not uncommon on the coast of South Carolina. : MACTRA LATERALIS. Tas. XIV, fig. 4, 5. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell triangular, very convex, of a smooth appear- ance, but with minute concentric wrinkles ; lateral margins flattened, cordate, with a rectilinear, some- times concave profile; one margin rounded at the extremity, the other longer and less obtuse; umbo nearly central, prominent. SYNONYME. MacrTra LATERALIS, Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. vol. 2, p. 309. 63 OBSERVATIONS. A very common species on almost all parts of our coast.—Say. I found it abundantly near Mobile Point, on the the shore of the Gulf of Mexico, and also in the Newer Pliocene strata of Maryland. It resembles MM. subtruncata, Montagu. MACTRA NUCLEUS. Tas. XIV, jig. 6. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell small, triangular, thick, with an obsolete con- centric angle ; umbones flattened ; apices very acute; lateral teeth robust ; within pale brown. SYNONYME. Mactra NucLEvs, nobis, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. vol. 6, p. 258, pl. 11, fig. 4. OBSERVATIONS. This small species is distinguished from the pre- ceding by its solidity and its angular surface, and by 64 the thickness of the lateral teeth ; it is also shorter in proportion to the height. Found at Long Branch, New Jersey, by William S. Warder. MACTRA SOLIDISSIMA. Tas. XIV, fig. 7, and Tas. XV. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell large, solid, subovate or subtriangular ; car- dinal fosset very large, cordate; lateral teeth trans- versely striated ; muscular impressions very large. SYNONYMES. Mactra souipissima, Chem. Dill. Wood, Index Test. pl. 6, fig. 22. . SOLIDA, Var. B. Gmel. - PROCERA, Solander. . GRANDIS, Soland. Wood, Index Test. pl. 6, f. 19. . GIGANTEA, Lam. An. sans vert. vol. 5, p. 472. . SIMILIS, Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sciences, vol. 2, p. 309. SSS S85 OBSERVATIONS. This is much the largest species known, measuring seven inches in length. 15) = “py v ie eer sa isi jae ie ; ny ners i sale : a N eee ai ‘« ° i a eG nega ' ‘i ag anra rib is ws? Berti Mat i : he, oa | ity Hi Ay oe it v Me 7 in a | | ; va Ay ew ‘ie at Hi 5 . 7 ay cy ite ay en Gis one nee s ey ee te iy 65 It is peculiarly abundant on the coast of New Jer- sey, and is generally used as a scoop in the vicinity. It is unknown on the coast south of Virginia, or at least never attains more than half the size, if it be the same species 3 it is, however, supposed to be distinct; it is more elongated than JZ. similis, and occurs on the coast of New Jersey, in company with the pre- sent species. The name Revenelz might be applied to it, as Professor Ravenel, of Charleston, first detected the difference between it and the solidissima. SOLEMYA. GENERIC CHARACTER. Shell equivalve, inequilateral, oblong, obtuse at the extremities ; epidermis strong, shining, continued be- yond the margins; substance of the shell extremely thin, fragile; beaks not prominent; hinge with an apophysis in each valve, dilated, compressed, very ob- lique, somewhat concave, and receiving the cartilage ; muscular impressions two, distant ; palleal impression without a sinus; ligament exterior. OBSERVATIONS. This singular genus is possessed of such extreme tenuity of the testaceous substance, that a strong epi- I 66 dermis seems absolutely essential to preserve it, and afford the requisite security to the animal. It is closely related to Solecurtus and Solen ; but Lamarck thinks its characters still more resemble those of Anatina. Three recent species only are known, and none fossil. SOLEMYA VELUM. Tas. XVI. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell oblong, convex, with both extremities ob- tusely rounded; ribs about eighteen, with interme- diate lines; apophysis arcuated beneath. SYNONYME. SoLtemya veELUM, Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Science, vol. 2, p. 317. OBSERVATIONS. This large species inhabits the coasts of Massachu- setts and Rhode Island, and that of South Carolina ; it is hardly ever seen when full grown, though young specimens are often taken in abundance. ‘The shell “A. Conrad LAN 16 67 is so thin that the contraction of the epidermis, in drying, invariably cracks it. I have considered this the adult of S. velum, per- haps incorrectly, as Col. Totten, who has better op- portunities of making comparisons, thinks it is dis- tinct, and has described it under the name of S. bo- realis, in the American Journal of Science and Arts, vol. 27, p. 366. IPHIGENIA. GENERIC CHARACTER. Shell equivalve, triangular, valves closed; hinge with two teeth in the right valve, united above ; ante- rior one small, acute, united with the margin ; posterior tooth triangular and bifid; left valve with two teeth, the anterior one subcompressed ; posterior tooth linear ; muscular impressions two, distant, large; pal- leal impression, with a profound sinus, extending much beyond the middle of the valve ; cartilage mar- ginal; ligament exterior. OBSERVATIONS. This genus, embracing but few recent species, has been separated from the Donaz of Linneus, to which, 68 however, it is closely allied. Lamarck termed it Capsa, appropriating the term which Bruguiere had given to a genus for the reception of Venus deflorata of Gmelin, and transferred that shell to his genus Sanguinolaria. Ferrusac has since given the pre- sent genus the name of Donacina, but I presume that which I have adopted has priority. IPHIGENIA LA:VIGATA. Tas. XVI, jig. 1. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell oblongo-trigonal, convex, inequilateral ; with minute radiating striz ; posterior side shortest, com- pressed ; lateral margins flattened ; beaks prominent, violaceous 5 epidermis pale olivaceous $ within bluish white. SYNONY MES. IPHIGENIA LEVIGATA, Schum. Essai d’un noveau Syst. p. 156. Donax LEVIGATA, Gmel. CapsA LEVIGATA Lam. An. sans vert. vol. 5, p. 553. 69 OBSERVATIONS. This shell, I believe, has not been hitherto found north of Florida, where my friend Dr. William Blan- ding obtained a few bleached valves. The figure is from a perfect specimen in the cabinet of Dr. R. E. Griffith, who is not certain that it came from the coast of the United States, although the circum- stances under which he obtained it favour the suppo- sition. CAPSA. GENERIC CHARACTER. Shell equivalve, inequilateral, oblong; hinge with one oblique tooth in the right valve; left valve with two teeth; the anterior one largest, direct, subtrian- gular and slightly bifid; muscular impressions two, distant ; palleal impression with a profound sinus, ex- tending beyond the middle of the valves; cartilage situated in an exterior groove. OBSERVATIONS. So much does this genus resemble Jphigenia that the two have often been confounded. The former may be distinguished by the cartilage being placed on the longer side of the shell, and by a slight though characteristic difference in the cardinal teeth. 70 It approaches the Psammobiz, to which Sowerby has referred it, whereas Iphigenia has more affinity to Donazx. It embraces but one recent species, a com- mon and well known shell. CAPSA DEFLORATA. Tas. XVII, jig. 2. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell ovato-oblong, convex, with numerous radiat- ing rugose strix, strongest on the posterior margin, where they are somewhat tuberculated. SYNONYMES. VENUS DEFLORATA, Lin. Capsa ruGosA, Brug. SANGUIOLARIA RUGOSA, Lam. An. sans vert. vol. 5, p. 511. CapsuLa ruGosA, Schum. Essai d’un noveau Syst. p. 130. PSAMMOBIA DEFLORATA, Turton, Conch. Ins. Brit. p. 93. CHamaA pirrusior, Lister, Conch. tab. 425, fig. 273. APTI Tt “a » sas Pe 71 OBSERVATIONS. Inhabits the Indian and American seas.—Lam. On the American coast it does not occur north of the peninsula of Florida, It is a pretty shell, gene- rally violaceous, with broad yellowish rays, but very variable in its tints. ASTARTE. GENERIC CHARACTER. Shell suborbicular, equivalve, inequilateral ; hinge with two strong diverging teeth on one valve, and on the other two very unequal teeth ; ligament exterior; palleal impression entire. OBSERVATIONS. Sowerby instituted this genus by the name of -4s- tarte, which was subsequently published by Lamarck, who termed it Crassina, and referred it to his Wym- phacees Tellinaires. Its true place, we think, would be between Venus and Cardita, as it approaches the former by its hinge, and the latter by the entire im- pression of the mantle. The recent species are few in number; but the 72 fossil ones are numerous in the Tertiary strata; two are found in the Eocene strata of Alabama, and five in the Pliocene of Virginia and Maryland. ASTARTE CASTANEA. Tas. XVII, fig. 3. SPECIFIC CHARACTER. Shell suborbicular or subtriangular, thick ; beaks prominent and nearly central; lunule excavated, lanceolate; surface with minute concentric wrinkles and larger undulations; epidermis chestnut brown ; inner margin regularly crenulated. SYNONYMES. VENUS CASTANEA, Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Science, vol. 4, p. 273. ASTARTE CASTANEA, Say, American Conch. pl. 1. OBSERVATIONS. Common on the coasts of New Jersey and Rhode Island. It is nearly allied to 4. danmontensis, but we agree with Say in considering it a distinct species. a - Uo : ry . INDEX. page pl. fig. . Pecten Magellanicus, - - 6 1 1 concentricus, - “ as, 1 2 purpuratus, - - 10 2 1 Pealii, 2 = it, ee 3 . ornatus, < = - 613 2 3 ima glacialis, = - = 6. 3 1 squamosa, Bee 1 5 8 Solecurtus fragilis, - - If 144 ; costatus, 2 =" OE 4 2 é Caribeus, - = 22 ee 3 Solen ensis, - : E = 27 "SS I ; viridis - +e eS ee 8 Nucula limatula, - - - 30 6 1 * proxima, 31 6 2 acuta, - - — 22 6) Se * Sanguinolaria - «= 3407 1 a a) = oo saa 7 Petricola pholadiformis, Pe EL) 7 3 a. —— Cardita borealis, - u- P3851 ‘ j e ve incrassata, - = 39 s #2 . 9 bl 1 te) * linea Lyonsia einai uepton fabagella, 53 sFI5A Ni: Paar ‘ier & ae atlaggist ©) bah Ea pe preitllo seer ULE Sa. + SPRvSe eit Nate tORo lh ag a yaottt ano, hy < i fas Ni iy i ui