UC-HIJLF

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GIFT OF

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COMMON SEA-SHELLS

—OF—

CALIFORNIA:

-BY—

JOSIAH KEEP, A. M.

TEACHER OF NA1ITRAL SCIENCES, ALAMEDA HIGH SCHOOL. CURATOR OF
CONCHOLOGT, CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES.

FULLY ILLUSTRATED BY NUMEROUS PLATES. Jk^>

SAN FRANCISCO.
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR BY

UPTON BROS; 605 SACRAMENTO STREET.
1881.

12 CALIFORNIA SEA-SHELLS.

front of the umbones, is called the lunule. To
learn these various parts, compare the following
explanation.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE I.

Fig. 1, A Univalve ; Purpura crispata. a,
apex ; $p, spire ; ap, aperture ; o. I, outer lip ; co,,
canal; u, umbilicus; <?, columella ; b. w, body
whorl ; Sj suture.

Fig. 2, A Bivalve, Tapes tenerrima. u, uinbo ;
lu, lunule ; a, a, adductor muscular impressions ;
j9, pallial line ; p. s, pallial sinus ; I. t, lateral
tooth ; £, cardinal teeth ; /, ligament

Moll nsks, like plants, have two names; the
first is the generic, or the name of the genus ;
the second is the specific, or the name of the
species. For example, Myiilus Calif ornianus,
the " California mussel." By a species is meant a
group of individuals which have such similarities
that they may be supposed to have descended
from a single pair. A genus is a group of sim-
ilar species. The abbreviation after a name des-
ignates the author who first gave that name to
the species.

PLATE 1.

Fig. 2.

13

CHAPTER II.

ON COLLECTING AND PRESERVING SHELLS.

~TT'T~E know but little of the creatures which live
V V at the bottom of the deep sea, and only a few
persons have an opportunity to dredge in the
more shallow waters. Most of us must be con-
tent to search that narrow strip of shore which is
daily left bare by the|ebbing tide. But this ground
will yield us many pleasant surprises if we work
it carefully. To extend our field of observation
as far as possible, we should take advantage of
the lowest tides, such as come in the early morn-
ing. A pair of long rubber boots, and a good
staft with a hook at one end are valuable assist-
ants. A sharp lookout should always be Jcept
for the waves, for many sad accidents have
happened to those who have ventured too far to-
wards the breakers, or have remained too long in *
dangerous clefts and caves.

The collector should follow the retreating tide
as far as convenient, and carefully notice all the
hiding places of the shy mollusks. Loose stones
should be turned over and searched, Of course,
innumerable crabs will scamper off* sidewise and
make an ominous rustling, but they will do no
harm. Pools left by the tide often contain val-

14 CALIFORNIA SEA-SHELLS.

liable prizes and should not be overlooked. Liv-
mg mollnsks are most to be sought for, but dead
shells are often worth picking up. Do not mis-
take the brisk litle Hermit Crabs which live in
empty shells for the original inhabitants ; such
a mistake has sometimes been made by those
who have spent many years on the sea-shore.

Some bivalves, like the chamas, are found
firmly attached to rocks, and so closely do they
resemble the surface to which they cling that it
is difficult to detect them. Others spin a byssus,
or cable of threads, and anchor themselves firmly
to some rock or post. Many species live in mud
or sand and send up siphons to the overlying
water. After the tide retreats, watch for their
holes, or observe the jets of water which they
sometimes throw up when disturbed. When
you have found the lurking place, dig out the
rnollusk with a spade.

Gasteropoda are usually found clinging to
stones or seaweed. Some kinds can be found
plenty enough, but for other species you must
turn over masses of sea-moss and peer into curi-
ous cracks and crannies. The discovery of the
real live animal, in his own proper home, brings
a joy which is never felt by those who merely
search the sandy beach, or catch their shells
with the silver hook.

Limpets can easily be detached by a thin, flat
knife ; the more unexpected the attack, the
better. Abalones must be sought in the cletts
of rocks, and be dett ached by a sudden pry writh
a long wedge. Many minute shells may be
gathered by putting sea-weed into a pail of fresh

NOTES FOK STUDY. 15

water, as the little shells are apt to foil to the
bottom. The sand of little coves should be
searched for small shells which the waves have
brought in. Some fine mollusks live on the kelp,
outside the low water mark ; these may be
gathered when the sun shines, with the aid of a
boat. The stomachs of large fishes often yield
rich treasures of deep sea shells, and help us gain
some knowledge of those depths which can only
be reached by a dredge.

In collecting mollusks, carefully note their
habitat ; whether they live on rocks, weeds, sand
or mud, also in what depth of water. Learn if
possible their habits and the nature of their food.
It is always well to put some of the living speci-
mens into a pan or jar of sea water, and watch
their movements. Note carefully, in collections,
whether the shell resembles in form or color the
objects near which it is found. It has been ob-
served by some naturalists that the imitative col-
oring of a shell apparently has much to do with its
chances of remaining unnoticed, arid therefore'of
preserving its existence. If this be true to a con-
siderable extent, it may give many hints as to
the probable places in which to iincl certain spe-
cies,

Mollusks may be preserved in alcohol entire,
but generally the shell is the only part which is
kept for the cabinet. To remove the soft parts
is an undesirable, but necessary work. It is best
done by placing the shells in boiling wator tor a
few minutes, and then thowing them into cold
water to cool and harden. The boiling water al-

16 CALIFORNIA SEA-SHELLS.

most instantly coagulates the albumen, and loos-
ens the connection between the mantle and the
shell. The soft parts can then be removed with
a little wire hook or a bent pin. If possible,
they should be wholly removed, but if it cannot
be done, and the shell is particularly desireable,
it may be plugged with cotton. The operculum
should be fastened to the cotton by a drop of
mucilage. The operculum should be preserved
in like manner, in all cases where a perfect
shell is required. Bivalves gape after boiling,
so when the flesh has been removed, the shells
should be closed with a string. Chitons are
hard to preserve in proper shape; it may be done,
however, by tying them flat to -a shingle with
candle wicking, arid placing them in fresh water.
After they areT dead, and the muscular mantle
has lost its contractile power, they must be loosen-
ed from the shingle and the viscera removed
with a sharp knife.

PLATE II.

17

CHAPTEE III.

DESCRIPTION OF UNIVALVE SHELLS.

PTERONOTUS festivus, Hds., Fig. 1, PL
II, is a representative of the great family
of the Muricidae or Rock Shells, which abound
in the warm waters around Panama, and furnish
so many parlor ornaments. Most of the family
have very rough exteriors, and are smooth and
brilliantly tinted within. This species is about
an inch and a half in length, irregularly spindle-
shaped, i. e. tapering toward both ends, with large,
reflexed frills, and a tubular canal. Color,
whitish, with various dark markings. It is
found chiefly in the southern part of the State.

Ranella California*, Hds., Frog Shell, Fig. 2,
PI. II, sometimes glows to a length of six inches.
It is a solid, light colored shell, with two heavy
folds on opposite sides, long canal, the edge of
the aperture crenulated ; spire of about four
whorles. Common length, three inches.

Chrysodomus dirus, II ve., Golden Spindle-
Shell, Fig. 3, PI. II, has an ominous name, but the
only ill luck we ever experienced while gathering
theso shells was getting caught by the tide on Dux-
bury Reef, at Bolinas, and being obliged to wade
ashore. It is spindle shaped, from one to two

18 CALIFORNIA; SEA-SHELLS.

inches long, the spire consisting of five or six in-
distinct whorls, cut into waves by shallow furrow*--.
Spiral lines, numeious ; coluiurlla, enamelled ;
outer lip of a rich brown color within,with twen-
ty light ridges. The outside of the shell is gen-
erally covered with a whitish powder, which can
he removed, showing the dark brown shell. It
may be found alive, at low tide, on the surface of
rocks which are covered with coarse sea moss.
Operculum, sin? 11 and horny.

One of the most common shell on this coast is
Pur pur a saxieola, Yah, The Rock Purple,
shown in Fig. 4, PI. II. It derives its generic
name from the fact that the ancient Tyrians ob-
tained a purple dye from the bodies of a similar
species, while its specific name is peculiarly ap-
propriate, tor it is ever 'found clinging to the
rocks, and hiding in. their clefts. Length, less
than an inch ; spire, short ; coluinclla , flattened ;
outer lips, thin ; canal, short ; umbilicus, small.
The inside is reddish brown, while the outside
varies greatly both in form and color. Sorrietim.es
it is smooth and almost black, sometimes white
and coronated, but usually it is decorated with
double spiral bands of a dark color, often accom-
panied 'with spiral grooves. These many varieties
probably all belong to one species. It is found
on rocks- which are covered only at high tide.

Purpura canaliculata, Du'cl., Grooved Purple,
Fig. 5, PL II, is much more rare; than the last
species, probably living in deep -water. In size
it is about the same, but it is more smooth and
symmetrical. The' spire consists of three whorls
with a deep suture between them. From apex

PURPLES. < 19

to aperture run thirteen spiral grooves, giving it
the appearance of C. dims. It can easily be dis-
tinguished by its shorter spire, smooth lip, and
deep suture. It is of light color, sometimes streak
with reddish brown.

Purpura crispata, Ohem., Rough Pur] le, Fig.
0, PI. II. is found in San Francisco Bay, but is
more common in more northern regions. It is
often two or three inches long, strong and heavy.
The spire consists of four strongly grooved
whorls. The body whorl is sometimes smooth;
but often very rough and foliated. It is said to
change the habit of its growth, when moved into
new localities. Its color is white or light brown.
In old shells, the umbilicus is conspicuous. Like
the other. purples it has a horny, elongated oper-
culuin. Fig. 1, PL I, represents the same species.

Next comes a genus of mollusks, almost pecu-
liar to the west coast ot America. A good rep-
resentative is shown in Fig. J , PI. Ill, Mono-
ceros lapilloideS) Conr., Pebbly Horn Shell. It
is so named on account of a little horn, near the
base of the outer lip. It is a pretty little shell,
found on the rocks between tides, having a spire
of four whorls, a rather small white mouth, set
with seven teeth. The outside is marked with
spiral grooves, and the lines of growth break up
the brown color into little blocks. The shells
are very thick and strong, well fitted to resist
the force of the waves. Thin and delicate shells
are generally found in deep water, where there
is little danger of l.eing dashed against the rocks.
Shore shells are usually strong and solid. When-
ever you examine a shell, notice theee • points

20 CALIFORNIA SEA-SHELLS.

and try to finds its adaption to its surroundings.
In this way, shell-gathering becomes something
more than a mere pastime, tor it brings us face
to face with the great questions of lite, of design,
and of final causes.

Monoceros engonatum, Conr., Fig. 3, PI. Ill,
resembles the last species in many respects, but
is more angular, as its name indicates. The
whorls are sharply shouldered, and the shell is
smoothish and brown-dotted. By some, it is
doubted whether this is more than a variety of
the last species. It is more common in the south-
ern part of the State than in the northern. A
careful study of the variations of the species
which are found in different localities, and which
live under different conditions, is highly interest-
ing, and accurate observations by any one may
prove valuable to science. There are many
things yet to be learned about our more common
animals, and no one need despair of discovering
new truths.

Chorus Belcheri, Hds., Fig.2, PL III, is a huge
shell, with a long canal and a tapering spire,
bristling with a crown of long, sharp points. Col-
or, brown ; length, four to six inches ; more com-
mon in southern waters.

In sheltered coves the waves often wash up
great numbers of little shells, which may be
gathered at low tide. A very common as well
as very beautiful shell which can often be thus
found in great numbers is Amphissa corrugata,
Eve., Fig. 4, PL III, Wrinkled Amphissa. If
you search among the stones at very low tide, you
will find probably find some of them alive,

PLATK in

HORN-MOUTH. 2 1

clinging to the rocks. Such a triumph is not
soon forgotten. It is pleasant to gather dead
shells on the shore, but that is not enough ; you
want to find the little animal at home and see
how he keeps house, before you can form a cor-
rect notion of his peculiarities. Be not deceived
by the little hermit crabs which love to get into
dead shells and draw them around as a means of
defense, but search till you find the true living
mollusk. Amphissa corrugata sometimes grows
to a length of one inch, but is usually about half
that length. The spire consists of four whorls with
a plainly marked suture. Spiral striae may be
found at the base of the shell, above which the
whole surface is ornamented with wavy rils,
from which it receives its name. The common
color is reddish yellow, but it shades through
brown to black.

Amyda carinata, Hds., Fig. 5, PI. Ill, is
about the size of a barley-corn. Its spire is half
the length of the shell, and consists of four
whorls. The body whorl has a stout keel, which
gives the species its name. In some varieties
this keel almost wholly disappears. Color, light
brown, with fa dark apex and canal ; surface,
smooth and glossy ; may be found on the beach,
with the last species.

Fig. 6, PI. Ill, represents a rare and beautiful
shell,' Cerostoma foliatum, Gmel., Leafy Horn-
mouth. The fine specimen which the artist
used as a model was found among the rocks off
Pacific Grove, at Monterey. It has three broad,
winglike varices, or expansions, marking stages
in growth. These varices are made up of shelly

22 CALIFORNIA SEA SHELLS.

plates which overlap like shingles. The surface
is rough and deeply sculptured. The aperture
is oval, with thin, projecting lips, which make,
by a fold, a prominent horn near its base. The
slplional canal is long, closed, and curved at the
tip. The outside of the shell is of a dull white, and
the inside is lined with a beautiful white enamel.
The opcrculnm. looks like a thin chip of rose '
wood.

•Cerostbma NuttaUii, Conr. Fig. 1, PL IV, Nut-
tail's Horn in'mth, rose. nbles the last bat is small-
the varices are not so broad and thin, while the
spaces between them are tubercled and marked
with but little spiral sculptuing. It was named
for the eminent naturlist, Xuttall.

The genus Nassa, which we will next con-
sider, has several representatives on the coast of
California. The name means u a basket for
taking fish," and refers to the netted surface oi
most of the species. Among our most common
species we mention Nassa fossata, Gld., Basket
Shell, shown in Fig. 2, PI. IV. It is the largest
of our species. Spire, conical, consisting of live
or six whorls ; surface, sculptured by spiral and
transverse grooves. The inside of the outer lip
is also grooved, and the aperture ends in a short,
strongly rcflexed canal, through which the
animal sends up its nose-pipe, when it is search-
ing the sand for bivalves. Near the base of the
body whorl is a deep spiral ditch, or " fossa,":
which gives a name to the species. Color, yellow-?
ish white, deepening in the mouth to a brown-
ish orange. Length, from one to two inches. ..

Nassa perpinguis, lids., Fig. 3, PL IV, reseni-

OLIVE SHELLS. 23

Lies the last, but is much smaller, being only
three-fourths of an inch in length. Its whorls are
beautifully rounded and cut into little squares.
Shell, thin, light brown, with a trace of orange
inside. It is found from San Francisco Bay,
southward.

N asset mcndica, Gld., Fig. 4, PI. IV, is a vari-
able shell, about the same in length as the last, but
more slender. The surface is marked with fine
spiral lines and numerous transverse ribs. Its
color is light brown, with a white " peristome,"
or margin of the aperture. Fine specimens of
this species have been found at Santa Cruz and
Monterey.

Nassci Cooperi, Fbs., Cooper's Basket-Shell,
shown in Fig. 5, PI. IV, is a pretty, brownisb
little shell, found from Bolinas Bay to San
Diego. It is spirally marked, like N. mendica,
but its ribs number only seven or eight to a
whorl, and are quite, high, giving the shell a
tubercled appearance. The white lip is marked
internally with small teeth.

We now come to one of the beauties of our
Coast, the Purple Olive, Olivella biplicata^ Sby.
Fiir. 7, PI. IV. Every one must admire its blu-
ish-white, polished surface, and purple mouth.
The spire is short, with a distinct spiral groove
separating the wrhorls. The inner w^all of the
aperture is marked by a bulge of enamel above,
and two small folds beneath, which give the
shell its specific name. Beds of living Olives
can sometimes be found just beneath the surface
of the sand, at low tide. They are active little
burrowers, throwing up little ridges as they

24 CALIFORNIA SEA-SHELLS.

move. The shells sometimes exceed an inch in
length, but commonly are smaller.

Olivella bcetica, Cpr., Slender Olive, Fig. 7,
PI. IV, has a thin, slender, brownish white shell.
It is smaller and less abundant than the former
species, and can easily be distinguished by its
longer spire, attenuated form, and brownish
color. These two species comprise nil the known
California Olive shells.

Gonus Calif ornicus, Hds., Fig. 1, PI. Y, is
our only representative of the great Cone family,
which has so many beautiful members in tropical
waters. Our little species is very humble, being
about an inch in length, of a chestnut color,
smooth, though sometimes found covered with a
hairy epidermis. The dead shells may often be
found cast up on the beach.

Fig. 2, PL V, represents a shell often found
somewhat broken, named DriUia torosa by Car-
penter, which we may translate in part as the
Knotty Drillia. Its color is from olive to black ;
length, from one inch to an inch and a half,
spindle shaped, spire of five or six whorls, orna-
mented by a spiral row of knobs. It is found
frequently at Monterey.

Drillia penicillata, Cpr., Fig. 3, PI. V, Pen-
cilled Drillia, is a very beautiful species, found
at Santa Barbara and southward. It is larger
and more graceful than the last named, brownish,
with delicate markings, spire of eight whorls ;
length, one inch and a half.

Lnponia ( or Cypraca ) spadicea, Gray, Fig.
4, PL V, Nut-brown Cowry, is a beautiful shell.

1'LATK IV.

PLATE V

IMITATIVE COLORING. 25

and a worthy representative of the famous genus
of Cowries. The back of the shell is well shown
by the artist. It is of chestnut brown, sur-
rounded by a darker stripe which shades off into
light brown and bluish white. The other side
is almost wholly occupied by the aperture aud
lips. The former is narrow aud extends the
whole length of the shell. Tho lips are white
and set with about 22 teeth on each side. In the
adult shell, the spire is completely concealed by
the whorls. It was formerly quite rare, but has
Decently been found in considerable numbers in
the southern part of the State, living with the
large mussel, Modiola modiolus, which it greatly
resembles in color. With this circumstance, Mr.
R. E. C. Stearns illustrates and enforces the
theory of the preserving effects of imitative color.
Ordinarily, this shell would be a conspicuous
object, and would quickly bo taken by man or
beast; when lying among the similar looking
mussel shells, however, it is not easy to discover
it, or distinguish it from its very different neigh-
bois. Perhaps this influence ot color has much
to do with the abundance or scarcity of many
other shells, and it should be carefully studied.
AVe should ask, as we gather, shells, u Do they
resemble their surroundings in color or form, and
does this resemblance tend to protect them?".
The study of this subject may guide us to the
proper place to search for shells- whose color and
form we know.

The little Trivia Californiea, Gray^ Fig. 5,
PI. V, is sometimes known as the Coffee-bean
Shell, and its size and appearance warrant this

2fi CALIFORNIA SEA SHELLS.

name. It is very plump and full, with a dozen
distinct ribs on each side. Its color is reddish
chocolate, with white teeth on the inner wall of
the long and narrow aperture. It is a pretty
little shell, from one-fourth to one-half inch in
length, and is sometimes worn as a jewel.

Erato vitellina, Hds., Fig. 6, PL V, is about
half an inch in length, quite smooth, with a
large aperture and thickened outer lip. The
spire is short ,and largely concealed. The per-
istome is white, and the back is chestnut brown.
Dead shells may frequently be found along the
shore.

Fig. 7, PL V, represents the natural size of
the pretty little Erato columbella, Mke. This
species has a visible spire, long aperture with
finely toothed edges, white lips and olive back.
Still smaller, but somewhat resembling this
species, is the pure white Marginella Jewettii,
Cpr., not figured. It is ore-fifth of an inch long,
has a rounded spire and four distinct folds near
the base of the columella. It resembles the
Kice Shell, Olivella oriza, but is shorter and
thicker.

Fig. 1, PL YI, represents a moderate sized
specimen of Lunatia Lewissii, Gld., Moon-shell.
It sometimes grows to be five or six inches in
diameter, and is a powerful enemy to helpless,
burrowing bivalves. Plowing along through
the wet sand by means of its enormous foot, it
no sooner strikes an unfortunate clam than the
head is stretched out, and the drill which it car-
ries in its trunk started on its errand of destruct-
ion. Its color is yellowish white ; spire, shcrt ;

HOKN-SHELLS. 27

form, spheroidal ; surface, sinoothish ; operculum,
horny ; umbilicus, large. It somewhat resembles
the similar species, Natica clausa, Brod. & Sby.,
which may be distinguished by its closed um-
bilicus and shelly operculum.

The black, corkscrew-like shell shown in Fig.
2, PI. VI, which we may call a Horn Shell, is
known by the name of Cerithidea saerata, Gld.
There are ten whorls, numerously ribbed, with a
deep suture between them. This shell contrasts
strangely with the moon-shell, the greater part
of that being the body whorl, while there is
little to this except the spire. The outside is
dull black ; the inside, glossy brown. Length,
one, to one and a half inches. Unlike the pre-
vious species, this one delights in the brackish
waters of bays and marshes. The writer gather-
ed them in great numbers on the muddy flats at
the head of Lake Meriitt, in Oakland, where
they seemed to be enjoying the fresh air, after
the tide had left them on the surface of the mud.
Some similar species in other countries spend so
much time in the air that they have been mis-
taken for land shells. Owing to their form,
they are very difficult to clean. After boiling,
as much of the soft parts as possible should be
removed, and the space plugged with cotton, to
which the horny, circular, multi-spiral opercu-
lum should be attached by a drop of glue.

Bittium filosum, Gld., Fig. 3, PI. VI, is a
little, brownish, spiral shell, living in the sea,
and marked by spiral grooves, without ribs. It
is a bout half an inch long, strong and solid.

28 CALIFORNIA SEA-SHELLS.

There are several other species of Bittium, mcst
of which have ribs.

Fig. 4, PL VI, represents a Scalaria or Stair-
case Shell, probably of tho species named crebri-
eostata, "close-ribbed," by P. P. Carpenter. It is
a beautiful, pure white shell, commonly smaller
than the figure, marked with about 15 sharp
ribs, which form a sort of crown at the suture.

Opalia borealis, Gld., Fig. 5, PL VI, is about
an inch long, white, strong, with fewer and
blunter ribs than Scalaria. It also differs from
it by not having a continuous peristome.

Upon the rocks, from the region of low tide
to the surface of cliffs washed by the highest
spray, may bo found great numbers of little,
dark colored shells, about the size of peas. They
belong to the genus Littorina, which obviously
means Shore-shell. Our English cousins call
them Periwinkles. The aperture to these shells
is entire, and the operculum is thin, horny, and
few-whorled. We have two common species,
both of which are nearly black, though many
specimens may be found which are spotted, strip-
ed, and even almost white.

Littorina planaxis, Nutt., Fig. 6, PI. VI, has
a short spire, round body whorl, and sharp out-
er lip ; it is distinguished however, as its name
indicates, by its flattened and scooped columella.
Its length is from three-fourths of an inch down-
ward ; the interior of the mouth is brown. The
other species, Littorina scutulata, Gld., Fig. 7,
PL VI, is generally smaller and more pointed.
The spire is as long as the aperture, the colum-
ella not excavated, and the interior of the aper-

PLATE VI.

I

PLATE Yll .

PERIWINKLES. 29

tare is purple. Both of these species are very
interesting for study. They can easily be ex-
amined in little tide pools, while in motion, and
their method of clinging to the rock when the
water has left them should he noted. A near
relative to the above is the little Lacuna unifas-
ciata, Cpr., or Chink-shell, represented in Fig.
I, PI. VII. It is a very lictle thing, about one-
sixth of an inch long, very few whorled, brown
and glossy, with the color sometimes broken into
dots on the keel of the body whorl. The aper-
ture is semi-lunar, and the columella flattened,
with an umbilical fissure, from which it takes
its generic name. It is worth looking for.
Lacuna solidula, Lov., is sometimes halt an
inch in length, but often of less size. It is
three whorled, strong, smooth, with small um-
bilicus, brown surface and white columella.

We have now come to the Trochidce or Top-
shells, one of the most prominent and numerous
families on the coast. They vary greatly in
many respects, but still have the family traits,
and family features. Some of them are the first
to greet you as you climb down the rocks to the
shore, others are rare and shy enough ; some
have little beauty, while others rival the rainbow
in their tints. They are mostly conical, with
entire apertures, and nacreous, or pearly, interi-
ors. When the outer coats are removed with
acids, the inner pearly layers appear. The ani-
mals feed on marine vegetation. We will begin
our description with the smallest species, Pliasi-
anella eornpta, Gld., Pheasant-shell, shown some-
what magnified in Fig. 3, PI. VII. It is BO small

30 CALIFORNIA SEA-SHELLS.

that it often escapes the collector, but when found
and examined by a glass, it shows its beauties.
Its color is white, with large zigzag stripes of
bright, cherry red.

Pachypoma gibberosum, Chern., Fig. 2, PI.
VII, is a strong, brick-red shell, often found
dead, and commonly somewhat broken. It is
broadly conical, its whorls roughened with nu-
merous coarse, short ribs, and its base marked by
five or six deep, concentric furrows. The opcr-
culum is oval, horny within, with a white shelly
bulge on the outside. Breadth of shell, from two
to three inches.

Fig. 4, PI. VII, represents the large wavy
Top-shell, Pomanlax undosus, Wood. It some-
times grows to a size much greater than the fig-
ure, and the large animal may be seen stretched
out upon the rocks, feeding. When perfect, the
whitish pearl shell is covered with a brown, fi-
brous epidermis. In form, it is flatly conical,
with a long, triangular aperture ; the outer lip is
thin, the whorls covered with undulating ribs,
and the base ornamented with beaded circles.
The opereulum is very striking, horny within,
and strengthened without, by two strong, curved,
shelly ribs, as shown in the figure. This species
abounds at Santa Barbara, and southward,
though it has been found at Monterey.

In Fig. 5, PI. VII, we can not fail to see a
model of the old friend who is so ready to greet
us as we step our feet on the rocky shore.
" Thousands of thousands " would hardly give us
a correct idea of the numbers of this Black
Turban, or Chlorostoma funebmle, A. Ad.

TURBAN SHELLS. 31

Firm and solid, well fitted to resist the buffer-
ings of the waves, it clings to the rocks which
are daily left bare. In the water, the little black
animal, with its short head and lively feelers, may
be seen crawling briskly along; while in the
air, it can wholly secrete itself within the strong
shell and close the door with its circular oper-
culum. The color is dark purple, almost black,
with white pearly layers within ; whorls, four,
often eroded at the apex ; body whorl, often
puckered near the suture ; umbilicus, nearly clos-
ed ; columclla, marked by two teeth near its base,
operculum, horny and rnultispiral

Its neighbor, Chl<yros1oma brunneum, Phil.,
Crown Turban, Fig. 6, PI. VI, is a finer species,
but is much less abundant. The best specimens
are got by hunting the kelp at low water, by
means of a boat or long rubber boots. It is of a
rich brown color, with a white mouth and very
oblique lines of growth, which give the shell a
fine striated appearance.

Chlorostoma aureotinctum, Fbs., is more flat-
tened than the last species, with rough ribs on
the sides, and distinct grooves on the base of the
body whorl. Fig. 1, PI. VIII, well illustrates
its form and size. Its color is dark olive, often
worn and faded ; the umbilicus is conspicuous,
and touched with bright orange, which gives
ri*e to its pretty name. This species is gener-
ally found to the south of Monterey Bay.

The next species, Omphalius fuscescens,~P\ri].,
shown in Fig. 6, PI. VIII, is also a southern va-
riety. The artist has given the basal view,
showing the large umbilicus, circular aperture,

32 CALIFORNIA SEA-SHELLS.

and concentric grooves. The low whorls are
marked by spiral, raised lines, broken into
numerous points, which give the shell a character-
istic appearance; rounded teeth also line the
lower part of the aperture. Its color varies,
from light to dark brcwn.

Three fine species ot Top-shells, which always
delight the heart of one who loves to study and
collect these graceful forms of nature, have the
common name Calliostoma. They are shown in
Figs. 2, 3, and 4, PI. VIII. They commonly
live outside the low water mark, upon the kelp,
where the rocks can not injure their delicate shells.

At times, they are very difficult to obtain, prob-
ably sinking to the bottom ; but it is said that
when the sun shines brightly they crawl up near
the surface, and can easily be captured by the
aid of a boat.

CMiostoma costatum, Mart., Fig. 2, PI. VIII,
is quite thick and strong. It has four whorls
rounded and marked with fine spiral ridges.
The thin, reddish brown, outer coat is easily
peeled off, showing the bright, pearly blue shell
underneath. The aperture of dead shells is often
inhabited by the White Slipper-shell, Crepidula
namcelloides.

Fig. 3, PL VIII, is,a fine picture of Calliosto-
ma annulatum, Mart., Banded Top-shell, It is
a very pretty shell-, thin and delicate, sharply
conical, marked by fine spiral lines, which are
cut into minute grains. Color, light brown, with
darker dots, and a spiral line of violet. The
aperture is nearly square, and the short columel-
la is pearly.

PLATE Yin .

1.

4

TOP - SHELLS. 33

Cattwstoma canaliculatum, Mart., Grooved
Top-shell, Fig. 4, PI. VIII, is upwards of an inch
in length and breadth. It is very thin and light,
conical in shape, and marked by very strong spi-
ral lines alternating with lesser ones, with a dis-
tinct suture between the five whorls. Exterior
color, light brown ; interior of aperture, brightly
iridescent.

Trochiscus Norrisii, Sby., Fig. 5, PI. VIII,
abundant southward, rare at Monterey, is alarge,
smooth, brownish shell, with low spire, rounded
whorls, very large umbilicus, and ample aperture,
which is closed by a mossy, circular operculum.
It is found on the rocks, like the Turbans. The
The last shell; No. 7, figured on plate VIII, is
Leptonyx sanguineus, Linn., alias Leptoihyra
sanguined. The figure shows the natural size,
though it sometimes grows larger. It is strong
and solid, few whorled, marked by regular spiral
stride. It may be distinguished from small spec-
imens of C. costatum, by its rounded whorls,
white interior, and white, shelly operculum. Its
color is red or purple. It may be found living
on the surface of rocks, at low water.

t^rr

CHAPTER IV.

DESCRIPTION OF ABALONES, LIMPETS AND CHITONS

largest and most beautiful of our native
I shells next claim our attention. In the East,
they are commonly called u California Shells,'"
and are much used as decorations for mantel
shelves, and bookcases. Our earliest recollection
of them carries us back to the parlor of a par-
sonage in New England, where, after the quar-
terly u children's meeting," the great shell was
passed around, and in it we deposited our big-
copper cents, which went to help establish
schools for heathen childrei:. Full well did we
admire its rich, pearlv lustre, and wonder at the
row of mysterious holes which perforated its side.
Such hallowed memories cling around the shell
illustrated in Fig. 2, PL IX. Here in California,
where they are so common, we are apt to lose
some of the idea of their exceeding beauty, but
in truth, they are crystallized rainbows, rich in
all the tints of the spectrum.

In a commercial point of view, these shells are
becoming of more and more value, vast quanti-
ties of them being worked into buttons, jewelry.
inlaid and ornamental work.

TIALIOTIS. 35

Ilaliotis Cmcherodii, Loach, commonly called
the Black Abalone, Fig. 1, PI. IX, isthe'snialler
and more abundant of tlie two species. It may
be found from one-fourth of an inch, to six inches
in length. The back is quite smooth, marked
only by lines of growth ; spire, very short ; aper-
ture, very large; holes, five to nine ; color, dark
greenish black without, pearly within. It may
easily be found clinging to the rocks by its broad
foot; and when examined alive, in the water, its
black fringed mantle, stalked eyes, and slender
tentacles are most interesting for study. Note
in the shell the strong central scar, showing
where the muscle of the foot was attached to the
shell.

The Red Abalone, Ilaliotis ntfescens, Swains ,
Fig. 2, PI. IX, sometimes grows to a length ot
nine inches. Outer coat, red, projecting over the
inner, pearly layers, and giving the shell a red edge.
Back, somewhat roughened, often overgrown
with vegetation ; holes, commonly three in num-
ber; muscular impression, prominent. Great
numbers of these shells in a partly decayed con-
dition, may be found in the Indian shell heaps
along the coast. These may be gathered and
pulverized to form the pearl powder used in or-
namenting boxes, and frames.

Ilaliotis splendens, Rve., is a more southern
species, found below tide, on rocks. It is more
flat, thin, and grooved, and beautifully lustrous
within. It has 4 — 7 holes. Ilaliotis corruf/ata,
Gray, also lives below tide. It is large, arched,
very rough and corrugated ; holes 3 — 5. Fishes

36 CALIFORNIA SEA-SHELLS.

eat the deep water species, and perfect shells may
sometimes be found in their stomachs.

The coast of California abounds in limpets ;
they may be found in countless numbers clinging
to the rocks, their cup-shaped shells protecting
their soft bodies from injury. They crawl along
the surface of the rock, and many of them, like
the famous birds, " come home to roost." Some
old ones may be found settled some little dis-
tance into that spot on the rock which has long
been their home ; sometimes the roost is on the
shell of another limpet, which becomes indent-
ed in the same manner. We will first note those
which have a hole in the shell, and are thus con-
nected with the preceding genus. Lucapina
crenulata^ Sby., Fig. 4, Pi. IX, is a )huge mol-
lusk, six inches or more in length. It is brick-
shaped, with a broad yellow foot, black mantle,
and has a shell on the back, largely concealed by
the folds of the mantle, This shell, shown in
the figure, is marked by radiating ribs, crenulat-
ed edge, oblong hole, and concentric lines of
growth. Internally, it is of a pure, glossy white,
with a thick rim of enamel around the hole.
This mollusk is not abundant.

The next Key-hole Limpet, Fissurella volca-
no, Eve, Fig. 3, PL IX, has a very suggestive
name. It is of an oblong, conical form, smooth-
ish, about an inch in length, with red stripes
running from the fissure to the edge, resembling
streams of hot lava from a crater. It may occa
sionally be found living at very low water. Gly-
phis aspera, Esch., is larger, with a small, oval
hole; white, with some color rays; very rough and

SLIPPER - SHELL. 37

coarsely sculptured . Glyphis densidathrata,
Rve., is small, white, oval, with fine, close sculp-
turing. Gadiniaradiata, Cpr., has no hole. It
is circular, low conical, pure white, finely sculp-
tured, with radiating ribs, and concentric lines
of growth. Its breadth is one-half 'of an inch.

The Slipper-shells are provided with a shelly
partition, partly shutting off the ap(x from the
aperture. We haves two very common species,
the first of which is Crepidula adunca^ Sby.,
Hooked Slipper-shell, Fig. 5, PI. IX. The apex
is strongly recurved; the aperture is oval arid
variously distorted to fit the surface on which
the animal roosts. Its color is brown, sometimes
mottled, with a white partition inside. Its
length is from one half to a whole inch. It may
be found between tides, on rocks and shells.
The White Slipper-shell, Crepidul&navicelloides,
Nutt., is flattened, boat-shaped, with a deck
half way across. It is very variable in shape,
adapting ifself to circumstances. Small, smooth
specimens inhabit d^ad univalve shells, while
rough, large ones may be found on the rocks.
Color, white; length, same as last species.

Cruc'ibidum spinosum, Sby., '4 Cup and Sau-
cer Limpet," is a more southern species. The
saucer is limpet-shaped, brownish, set with
many points or spines. Within, instead of a
deck, as in the last species, is a little triangular
cup, fastened near the apex. Size, from half an
inch to an inch and a half.

IRpponyx cranioides, Cpr., Fig. 1, PI. X,
takes its name from its resemblance in shape to
a horse's hoof. The horse-shoe shaped muscular

33 CALIFORNIA SEA-SHELLS.

scar, within the shell, is very evident. This
species is thick and solid, white, more or less flat-
tened and distorted, with rough lines of growth
and indistinct radiations. 'Breadth, from one-
half to three-quarters of an inch. The members
of this genus build a shelly layer under the foot,
which also shows the peculiar muscle-scar.
There is a good deal of uncertainty respecting
the number of our California species, as they are
variable in appearance in the different stages of
growth, and different species appear to run into
each other. These doubtful questions present
a good iield for study.

Scwrriamtira, Esch., Fig. 2, PI. X, has a pure
white, conical shell, which is sometimes worn as
the drop of an ear-ring. It is said to live on the
roots of sea weeds. I found one living specimen
on a rock, at extreme low tide. It can easily be
distinguished from other shells, by its sharp con-
ical form, pure white color, and nearly circular
outline. Dead shells are common on the beach ;
common length, one inch.

Nacella incessa, Hds., Sea-weed Limpet, Fig.
3, PI. X, lives on sea-weeds. It is oblong, coni-
cal, horny in appearance, brown, thin, one-half
to three-fourths ot an inch in length.

Most of the limpets live near the shore, be-
tween high and low water marks. Almost all of
our species may be collected with moderate
pains; many of thorn are very pretty, and they
have one advantage for the collector, namely,
they are easily cleaned. They may be dislodged
from the rock by a sudden lift, with a broad blad-
ed knife, but if previously disturbed, they cling

LIMPETS. 39

with great force, and submit to have their shells
broken before they will yield. In some countries
they are eaten, and also vast numbers are gath-
ered as bait by the fishermen. Notice carefully
the broad foot, the mantle and gills, the short
head and tentacles, and the horse-shoe shaped
muscular impression, inside the shell.

Acmaa patina, Esch., Plate Limpet, Fig. 6.
PI. X, is oval, flattened, with the apex nearly
central, and more or less distinct, radiating striae.
Externally it is dark, often overgrown with moss
&c; internally, near the edge, there is a dark
rin<r; often broken into blocks, then a broad, blue-
white enameled space, and within the muscular
impression is a patch of brown. Length of shell,
one to two inches.

Acmtm pelta, Esch , Shield Limpet, Fig. 4,
PI. X, is more conical and pointed,, with about
25 blunt ribs, sometimes obsolete. The outside
is brownish or striped ; the inside white, with a
narrow, dark thread round the edge, and a brown
patch in the center. At Duxbury lieef, in Marin
Co., I found some old specimens, with very thick
shells, living in deep depressions which they had
made in the rock. A small, black, conical shell,
supposed by Carpenter to bean abnormal growth
of the young of this species, is now known as
Acmma Asmi, Midd.

Acmcea persona, Esch., Mask Limpet, Fig. 5,
PI. X, can easily be distinguished from the pre-
ceding species, by the posterior position of the
a}: ex. The ribs on the front of the. shell are
prominent, but rough and irregular. Its outside
color is brownish, or mottled; internally it resem-

4-0 CALIFORNIA SEA SHELLS.

lies A. pelta, with a wider border round the
margin. This shell seldom grows more than
an inch in .length, and is often smaller.

Acmcea spectrum, Nutt., Fig. 7, PL .X, is a
small species, frequently found growing on the
shells of other species. It is flattened, with very
strong, irregular n'bs, which project so as to give
it a serrate edge. It is of a gray color outside,
and the inner surface is irregularly marked with
black and white. --7

Loitia gigantea, Gray., Fig. 1, PI. IX, is a
fine species, dirty brown or spotted outside, but
within it is of a very dark and glossy brown,
with a distinct, long, horse-shoe shaped muscular
impression. The shell is long, and flattened,
with the apex near one end. Length, one to
three inches.

The Chitons are very strange animals, some-
what resembling limpets in shape, and like them
clinging to the rocks by a broad, flat foot.
Their shells, however, are not single, but com-
posed of eight plates, which overlap like the
scales on a coat of mail. These plates are sur-
rounded and partly covered by a muscular man-
tle, which is often fringed and ornamented. In
their early life the young chitons have little re-
semblance to the more adult forms, for then they
consist of only two parts, head and body. Grad-
ually the body becomes covered with seven
plates, and the head takes shape and developed
the eighth. Chitons are a very inoffensive class
of animals, and like to live in retired places,
especially under stones. Our species are quite
numerous, but we will mention cnly those which

PLATE X.

p

PLATE XI .

CHITONS. 41

are most lik' 1 y to be met with by those who
read this little book.

Ischnochiton Magdalensis, lids.. Fig. 3, PL
XT, Lean Chiton, isfvery common, and may be
found abundantly by turning over stones at low
tide. It is long and lean, as its name implies.
The valves are light colored, spotted without, and
wh'te within. The grayish mantle is set with
minute scales. It varies in length from one to
three incites.

Mopalia muscosa, Gld., Fig. 4, PI. XI, Mossy
Chiton, is common all along the* west coast of
the United States. It is more compact than the
last species and the plates are more highly sculp-
tured. The mantle is set with strong hairs or
points, like a chestnut bur. Outside, its color
is dark, but within the valves are of a light green.
Length, two inches.

The large chiton shown in Fig. 5, PI. XI, was
named Katherina Doglasice by Dr. Gray of the
British Museum, in honor of Lady Khtherine
Douglass, who first sent a specimen to that in-
stitution. It is now called Katherina tunicata,
Sby., an older specific name having been discov-
ered and applied. If we were to put her lady-
ship's rather lengthy name into familiar Erglish,
we could do no better, perhaps, than to call this
famous mollusk, the Black Katy. Its form is
well shown in the figure, long and oval. The
mantle is black .and heavy,*nearly covering the
white shell-plates ; the foot is reddish ; common
length, two to three inches. If may bp found
on the rocks at the entrance to the Golden Gate,
when the tide is low, but its peculiar home is

42 CALIFORNIA SEA-SHELLS.

farther northward, on the Oregon coast, and
even about Sitka. And here we may say that
a large number of the descriptions contained in
this little book apply as well to the shells of Or-
egon and Washington Ty., as to California. Some
of the species are much finer on the northern
coasts, than on our own. Tonicia lineata, Wood,
Painted Chiton, (not figured), is a small species,
about an inch in length, with smooth and naked
mantle, and eight polished valves, beautifully
striped and painted. The chief color is orange,
and the markings are white and dark reddish
brown. Within, the valves are white, shaded
with orange. Living specirners are found at
very low water, but single red valves are often
washed ashore.

White, butterfly - shaped shelly plates may
often be picked up among the rocks, from one to
two inches in length ; and from their singular
appearance they have been called " Butterfly
Shells." They are, really, single valves washed
from the dead body of the Giant Chiton, Cryp-
lochiton Stelleri, Midd., a huge mollusk some-
times found entire. It is six inches in length,
and three in breadth ; the white valves are
wholly concealed beneath the reddish brown,
hard, gritty mantle, which covers the whole
back of the animal. Thus the mystery of the
" Butterfly Shells " is explained, and they be-
come of more interest, since we know their true
origin.

The little shell shown in Fig. 2, PI. XI, be-
longs to the sub-class which also includes the
Bubble-shells, and the Sea-slugs, or naked mol-

BUBBLE - SHELL. 43

lusks. Some of the latter may be caught at low
water, and they show very fine colors and paint-
ing. This species is named Tornatella punctocce-
lata, Cpr., and from its peculiar stripes is com-
monly called the Barrel-shell. It is about one
half an inch in length, oval, very few whorled,
with a fold on the columella, pure white, with
two series of fine, black, spiral bands.

Bulla nebidosa, Gld., Clouded Bubble-shell,
Fig. 6, PI. XI, is a large, thin, globular shell,
abounding in southern waters. Its color is
brown, mottled with black and yellow clouds.
The spire is depressed, leaving a hole ; length,
one to two inches.

Haminea vesicula, Gld., White Bubble-shell,
resembles the last in form, but is smaller, nearly
white, very thin and delicate. This species
lives in slimy mud, and eats animal substances.

With this shell we must take leave of the Gas-
teropods and turn our attention to the less
highly organized, but equally interesting La-
mellibranchs.

THE OYSTER. 45

olivaceous, and sometimes stained with purple.
The Eastern Oyster, Ostrea virginiana, is the
common exotic species. They are brought here
by the car load, when young, and planted in the
shallow waters of San Francisco Bay. They
mature in from one to three years, and though
they thrive in our bays ; very few of their ova
develop, probably on account of the coldness of
the water.

Somewhat resembling the oyster, is the cu-
rious genus of which we have one representa-
tive, Anomia lampey Gray. The shells are thin
and translucent, silvery or golden. The lower
valve is Hat and pierced by a hole; the upper
valve is arched and marked by several muscular
impressions. This species is generally found in
southern waters and on the coast of Mexico, but
I found one living specimen at -Monterey. The
shells are somewhat circular in form, about an
inch and a half in diameter. A more northern
species belonging to this family is Placuanomia
macroschisma, Desh., Fig. 1, PI. XII, gives an
internal view of the upper valve of one speci-
men, showing the curious star-shaped muscular
impression, with a smaller one below it. The
form of the shell varies very greatly, though its
normal shape is circular. The under valve is
pierced, and both of them are strong, pearly
within, and of a greenish white color. It some-
times grows to the size of a large oyster. It can
always be recognized by the muscular impress-
ion, which looks like the imprint of a se#l.

Of the pretty Comb-shells or Scallops, there
is a good deal of variety in form and color. We

46 CALIFORNIA SEA SHELLS.

venture however to illustrate two species, trust-
ing that the student will carefully notice the ine-
quality of the ears of the shell, and especially
the little notch beneath one ear, through which
the animal moors itself at times, by a series of
threads, called byssus,

Pecten cequisulcatus, Cpr., Fig. 2, PI. XII, is
an inch or two in diameter, strong, full, brown-
ish, and marked by about twenty equal ribs.

Pecten latiauritus, Conr., Fig. 3, PI. XII, is
very thin and delicate, having about iii'teen
rounded ribs. The ears are broad and unequal,
the shells but little arched, while the color is
brown, variously mottled with white like the
feathers of a hen ; size, from one-half to one inch
in diameter. These little shells live attached to
sea-weed ; occasionally a storm tears up the weed
and washes it ashore, thickly studded with these
little beauties.

Pecten hastatus, Sby., is a much larger and
stronger shell, elongated, with very unequal ears,
many line, and a lew prominent ribs. Color,
pinkish.

We now come to a notable California species,
Ilinnites giganteus, Gray, Fig. 4, PI. XII, some-
times called the Rock-oyster. In its early life
it has a free, symmetrical shell looking like a
Pecten. It is then distinguished by its very un-
equal ears, and the twelve prominent, serrate ribs
on the upper valve. It soon settles down for
life in some convenient and sheltered spot, such
as the inside of an old Haliotis shell, fastens its
lower valve to this support, and yields itself up

MUSSELS.

to circumstances. It soon looses its regularity
of form, and becomes oyster-shaped ; sometimes
developing one valve and sometimes the other,
as opportunity offers ; twisting itself to the right
or left, and becoming so distorted that it seems
to have wholly forgotten its youthful grace. In
color, it varies from yellow to brown, on the out-
side; while within, it is pure white, with a rich
purple area at the hinge line. This purple color
is very permanent, and fragments of shells may
often be found, still showing it; the ligament is in-
ternal, in a deep, narrow pit ; the muscular im-
pression is smooth, and very large. This species
sometimes grows to the size of a large oyster ; it
is occasionally cast up alive from ctaep water,
but dead shells are much more common.

The last shell of this group which we shall
mention is Lima orientalis, Ad. & Eve., File-
shell, an inside view of which is shown in Fig.
5, PI. XII. This little shell is pure white, and
is thrown up from the sea attached to sea-weed.
The valves are obliquely oval, thin, gaping, and
sculptured like a file ; length, three-fourths of an
inch.

Mytilus edulis. Linn., is the common mussel,
known to every one. Spinning its strong, horny
byssus, it attaches itself to rocks, posts, and
wharves, in countless numbers. Its smooth, dark
purple shell and orange colored soft parts are
too well known to need description. The com-
mon length is two inches.

Mytilus Calif ornianus, Conr., Fig* 6, PI.
XII, is found covering the rocks over which the
breakers dash the wildest. Moored by its strong

48 CALIFORNIA SEA SHELLS.

anchor, it enjoys the rush of air and water, arid
fears no danger. This species can easily be dis-
tinguished from the last by its brown, glossy
epidermis and conspicuous ribs. The shell is
purple, but more or less whitish. Some old
specimens, with nearly obsolete ribs, grow to a
length of eight or ten inches. The soft p?,rts
are orange colored, and are frequently eaten.

Resembling the mussels are the Modiolas,
several species of which are found on the coast.
The shells are bulged near the hinge line, and
extend beyond the umbo on one side. Modiola
capax, Conr., is covered with a glossy, brown
epidermis, mossy in parts. The animal binds
itself by a strong byssus, and seems to seek se-
cluded places under stones, where it can be found
at low tide. Modiola recta, Conr., is " long,
thin, narrow and angular, with chafi-like hairs."

Among the difficult things to explain is the
fact that a mollusk, with a thin, flexible shell,
can bore a deep hole into hard rock. That this
is done, however, can be proved bv any one who
will examine the work of the Pea-pod Shell,
Adula falcata, Old., Fi<r. I, PL XIII. The
shell is long, narrow and slightly curved ; the in-
side is white and pearly, while the outside is cov-
ered with a dark chestnut epidermis, which has
numerous transverse wrinkles. I found the rocks
of Duxbury Raef, at Bolinas, almost alive with
this and other borers. The deep, narrow holes
are curved to fit the shell, and the animal also
spins a byssus, which it attaches to the sides of
its burrow ; length, two inches. Adula stylina,

PLATE XIII.

m

l! I

Or J-ji>

CITAMA. 49

Cpr., probably a variety of this species, is shorter
and broader, with a glossy epidermis. It may
be found near the entrance to the Golden Gate.

Another mussel-like shell, shown in Fig. 2, PI,
XIII, is Septifer bifurcatus. Eve. Its generic
name, " partition bearer," was given from the
fact that a little, internal, shelly partition
stretches across each valve at the apex ; while
the specific name, " two-forked," refers to the ex-
ternal ribs by which the shell is marked, which
often divide into two. It is strong, white and
nacreous within, and covered with a dark epi-
dermis without ; the average length is one inch.
It may be found, at low tide, attached to the
rocks by a byssus.

The next species, Chama pellucida, Sby., an
internal view of which is shown in Fig. 3, PL
XIII, might easily be overlooked when it is firm-
ly fastened to a rock. The outer surface is gray
or greenish, sometimes dashed with rosy red,
very rough, and marked by many close frills,
which are translucent, like chalcedony. The
hinge tooth is very strong, and the inside is lined
with a white, opaque layer, beautifully crenulated
at the edge. It grows from one to two inches in
diameter, and may be found at low tide, firmly
grown to the rocks, which must be broken to get
the entire shell. The name " Chama," is very
old, having been mentioned by Pliny.

Quite unlike the Cham as are the Cockles, or
Heart-shells. Beautiful in outline, regular in
growth, and free to move, they but little resem-
ble their irregular, Imp-hazard, stationary neigh-
bors. The animal has a remarkably long foot,

50 CALIFORNIA SEA-SHELLS.

with which it can dig or jump. Their siphons
are short, so they live near the surface ; they pre-
fer sandy bays, with shallow water. Cardium
corbis, Mart., Fig. 4, PI. XIII, is occasionally
found in San Francisco markets. It is very full
and round, and varies from one to three inches in
length. The ribs are slightly scaly, and number
about thirty. There is a sharp cardinal tooth,
and two laterals quite distant from the umbo.
Muscular impressions, two ; no pallial sinus ;
edge, strongly toothed ; color, whitish or light
brown. Large broken shells are often found on
the beach near the Cliff House.

Liocardium substriatum, Conr., is a smooth
little Heart-shell from the southern part of the
State. It is half an inch long, of a light drab
color, dotted with yellow. Very fine lines of
growth may be observed with a glass, from which
circumstance it takes its name. It very much
resembles a sparrow's egg. Liocardium datum,
Sby., is a very large, smooth, yellowish Cockle
from the region of San Diego.

A pure white shell, regularly marked by fine,
concentric lines is shown in Fig. 5, PI. XIII,
and is known as Lucina Californica, Conr. In
shape it is nearly circular, and varies from the
size of a dime to that of a half dollar ; the car-
dinal teeth are small, while the lateral ones are
strong. The ligament is external, and the small
lunule belongs wholly to the right valve. The
anterior muscular impression is long and narrow,
and the pallial line is entire. The pure white-
ness, symmetrical form, and regular markings
make this a very pleasing shell. It can often be

TRIANGLE - SHELL. 5 1

found on the beach, thrown up by the waves.

The Kelly-shell, Kellia Laperousii, Desh.,
shown in Fig. 6, PI. XIII, belongs to a little
mollusk which shelters itself in clefts and holes,
as the shell is thin and delicate. It has been
mistaken for a borer, and it frequently lives in
the empty holes of boring mollusks. The shell
is smooth, oval, and light brown in color. It
has one lateral and two cardinal hinge teeth,
with a ligament between them.

A pretty little shell, not half an inch long,
may sometimes be found fastened to the rocks
in concealed places. An enlarged figure of it is
shown in Fig. 7, PI. XIII ; it is called La-
zaria subquadrata, Cpr. It is strong, full, and
marked by fifteen strong, rounded ribs, radiating
from one angle ot the four-sided shell. Its color
is white, variously marked with brown spots. It
is used in ornamenting shell frames.

Chione simillima, Sby., is found in the south-
ern part of the State. Its length is two inches,
and its breadth is nearly the same. The valves
are very stiong and thick, finely sculptured in
two directions ; the radial lines are rounded, and
the concentric ones are thin and sharp. Heart-
shaped lunule, conspicuous ; ligament, external,
at the base of a broad depression ; cardinal teeth,
strong, three in number ; pallial lines, entire ;
color, brownish white, deeply stained inside with
purple ; edge, slightly crenulated.

•

31

A

52

CHAPTER VI.

DESCKirTION OF ^BIVALVE SHELLS, CONCLUDED.

Pachydesma (Trigona) crassatelloides, Conr..
Triangle-shell, Fig. 1, PI XIV, has a ponderous
shell, sometimes growing to £reat size. The
pair of valves from which the figure was drawn
are five and one half inches in length, and weigh
over a pound. They are very thick and solid,
beautifully white internally, with purple muscu-
lar impressions. The outside is yellowish white,
partly covered by a glossy epidermis, and some-
times marked by radiating stripes. The edges of
the shell are smooth and rounded; the hinge
teeth are very strong, consisting of three cardin-
al and one lateral ; the ligament is external and
bulged ; the pallial sinus, small. This great
moll u sk is sometimes dug up from its home and
used for focd.

Another strong, thick shell, though not so
large as the last, is Saxidomus Nuttallii, Conr.,
Fig. 2, PI. XIV, NuttalPs Rock-clam. It some-
times grows to a length of four inches. The out-
side is of a dirty white, and is marked by
numerous irregular, concentric, ridges. The in-
terior is white, and the thick part below the
external ligament is translucent like agate. The

PLATE XIV.

1

CABPET-SHELL 53

pallial sinus is very deep, and the posterior end
of the shell is slightly gaping.

In all the markets of San Francisco may be
found excellent specimens of the next species,
Tapes staminea^ Conr., Carpet-shell, shown in
Fig. 3, PI. XIV. It is known among the market
men as- the u Hard-shelled Clam." Tomales Bay
furnishes a good part of the supply, bulb it abounds
all along the coast. The valves are rounded,
full, strong, and marked by numerous narrow ra-
diating ribs, which are cut by successive lines
of growth. It has three strongly locked cardi-
nal hinge-teeth and an external ligament ; the
pallaial sinus reaches to the middle of the shell.
The outside of some varieties is very prettily
marked by reddish brown chevrons ; others are
nearly pure white. These mollusks burrow in
stony places, and can be dug out when the tide
is low. Length, one to three inches.

Fig. 5, PI. XIY, represents one of the most
graceful of our bivalve shells, named Amiantis
eallosa, Conr., It is pure white, full in the center
but quite thin at the edges. Its sculpturing con-
sists of many re uncled, concentric lines, equal in
size to the intervening grooves. There are no
radial markings whatever. The lunule is small,
set beneath the prominent umbones. Ligament,
external ; pallial sinus, moderate ; hinge, with
complicated cardinal and strong, short, lateral
teeth. This species is found to the south, and
sometimes is several inches long ; common length,
twro inches.

Petricola car dito ides, Conr., is a Rock-shell,

54 CALIFORNIA SEA SHELLS.

as its name indicates. It would be impossible
to give a figure which would illustrate all its
phases, for it is exceedingly variable. Normally,
it is an oval little shell, with regular sculpturing.
But it has a habit of getting into a hole in the
recks and growing to fit the premises ; so it fre-
quently is much distorted, generally growir.g
long and narrow. The ligament is external ; the
hinge teeth often become nearly obsolete, as well
as the sculpturing, and the shell becomes thick
and rough. Color, white ; breadth, from one-
half to three-fourths oi an inch ; length, one to
two inches.

Tapes tenerrima, Cpr., Fig. 2, PI. I, is often
four or five inches in length. It is thin, flat, and
marked by innumerable fine radiating lines, and
many small concentric ridges. The cardinal hinge
teeth are near the anterior extremity of the shell ;
the ligament is long and external ; the pallial
sinus is very deep. : " This species is sometimes
thrown up from deep water, by storms. Its color
is white, somewhat yellowish in places.

Rupellaria lamellifera, Conr,, Fig. 4, PI. XIV,
is a nestler among rocks. It has a strong, white
shell about an inch in length, and may be easily
known by the ten or twelve large, thin, concen-
tric laminae, which mark its sides. It has no ra-
dial lines, and can thus be distinguished from
the variety ruderata, Desh., of Tapes s'.aminea.

The largest of all that class of mollusks com-
monly called clams, is known by the name Schi-
zothozrus N^lttall^^, Conr., though by some it is
called by the more simple term, " Washington
Clam." It is a huge, burrowing mollusk, some-

WASHINGTON CLAM. 55

times living two feet below the surface of the
mud. For such a situation it is provided with
an enormous siphonal tube through which it
pumps water from above. This species is used for
food, and a few of them are sufficient for an ex-
cellent chowder. The shell is oblong, bulged,
rather thin, and gapes widely where the siphons
pass. The hinge teeth are small ; the ligament
is large, internal, and lodged in a triangular pit.
The pallial sinus is very broad and deep, the
lower- part of it joining the ventral line. Exter-
nally the shell shows only rough lines of growth,
and is sometimes covered with an epidermis. It
delights in muddy bays, and sometimes grows
to a length of ten inches.

The Bodega Tellen, Tellina Bodegensis, Hinds,
Fig. 1, PL XV, is a very pretty sand-loving
shell, smooth, thick, and heavy, and is about two
inches long. The surface is polished, of a
Creamy white color, and marked with fine con-
centric lines. The posterior extremity of the
shell is narrow, and somewhat bent to one side.
The ligament is external, the hinge teeth are *'ery
small, but the pallial sinus is long and narrow.
Old specimens show a tendency to thicken the
shell from the inside.

Fig. 2, PL XV, represents the little shell so
often found in the sand near the Cliff House,
named Macoma inconspicua, Br. & Sby. It is
a thin, flat, pinkish little shell, about half an
inch long. A variety is white and larger.

Macoma secta, Conr., has a very thin, white,
plossy shell, sometimes faintly marked with red.
The ligament is short and strong placed just

56 CALIFORNIA SEA SHELLS.

back of the umbo. The hinge teeth are very,
small, and the pallial sinus extends nearly the
whole length of the shell. Behind the ligament,
the shell narrows into a short, brownish wing.
The length varies from two to four inches.

Macoma nasuta, Conr., PI. XV, Fig. 3, is a
very common species, reaching from Kamtschatka
to Mexico. It is abundant in Sari Francisco Bay,
and some of the large shell-mounds of the aborig-
inies, on the shores of that bay, are largely com-
posed of the valves of this species. It inliabi's
muddy flats, burrowing quite deeply, and
reaches the water by its two, small, red siphons.
The shell is smooth and thin ; the posterior part
is narrowed and twisted to one side. The hinge
teeth are small, the ligament is external, and the
pallial sinus reaches to the forward muscular
scar. The common length is two inches.

The Red-lined Sand-shell, Psarnmobia rubro-
radiata, JSTutt., is a fine shell, represented in Fig,
4, PI. XV. The figure was drawn from a shell
found at Monterey, which measures two and one
half* inches in length. The outside of the shell
is smooth and whitish, marked with broad, radi-
ating, red bands, much resembling the rays of
the setting sun. The inside is of a fine, glos.-y
white, like choice porcelain. Hinge teeth, small ;
ligament, external ; sinus, large.

Sanguinolaria NuMallii, Conr., is a southern
species. The shell is thin, rounded and flatten-
ed, covered with a glossy, dark brown epidermis,
beneath which may bo seen radiating bands of
color. Ligament, lar^e and external ; pallial
length, three inchos.

PLATE XV.

—

RAZOR - SHELLS. 57

Donax Calif ornicus, Conr., the well-known
Wedge shell, is shown in Fig. 5, PI. XV. It is
short and stumpy, being less than an inch in
length. It varies much in color, sometimes
being nearly white, and again, striped with
bright tints. It is smooth, marked with narrow
radiations, and has a finely crenulated edge. It
abounds on the sandy beaches in the southern
part of the State.

The true Solens, or Razor-shells, are not very
numerous on the coast of California, but are
found more abundantly in the vicinity of Puget
Sound. Solen sicarius, Old., is our best repre-
sentative of this curious group of mollusks. The
shell of this species is about two inches long,
nearly straight, and gapes widely at both ends ;
it is thin and delicate, and is covered with a
glossy, light brown epidermis. The hinge-teeth
and ligament are very near one end of the shell.
The Solens are active burrowers, and not easily
surprised. A variety, rosaceus, of this species is
longer, more slender, and of a pinkish color.

Next to the true Solens, comes Soleciirtus Col-
ifornianus, Conr., or the Short Razor -shell,
shown in Fig. 1, PI, XVI, natural size. The
epidermis of this species is not so glossy as that
of the last, and the hinge is in the middle of the
shell, instead of being at one end. The wrild
ducks love to find a colony of these mollusks,
and greatly enjoy the rich feast.

Resembling the former species, but much
larger, is the beautiful shell shown in Fig/ 6, PI.
X V , known as Mach&ra patula, Dixon., Flat
Razor-shell. It grows to a length of four or five

58 CALIFORNIA SEA SHELLS.

inches, arid is covered with a glossy, rich brown
epidermis, which shields the thin and delicate
shell. The hinge area is strengthened by a stout
rib, which runs nearly across the shell. This
brace presents a inoct evident mark of design, for
it exactly lits its purpose. This species abounds
in the north, and is considered delicious food.
Broken shells may often be picked up near the
Cliff House, in San Francisco.

Mya arenaria, Linn., well kno\vn in the mar-
kets of San Francisco, as the " Soft-shelled
Clam," is not a native of this fine country, but,
like the Argonauts of 1849, it came, enjoyed,
settled, and multiplied. We find no trace of its
shells in the old Indian mounds, and the first of
the species were doubtless brought with Eastern
oysters, and planted in San Francisco Bay. Un-
like the oysters, however, the Mya has reproduc-
ed its kind with startling rapidity, and though
it is only seven years since the first specimens
were discovered in our waters, they might now
be gathered by the million. Their holes may be
seen all over the muddy flats, when the tide is
out, and they can easily be captured by digging
one or two feet deep. Although to us a soli-
tary position in the depths of black mud would
seem the acme of all disagreeable situations, our
friend, M. arenaria, thrives in it remarkably,
and is, no doubt, " as happy as a clam."

The shell is oblong, thin and brittle, gaping,
whitish, and covered near the edge with a gray
epidermis. Its most conspicuous peculiarity is
the flat, spoon-shaped hinge-tooth, in the bowl of
which is the ligament.

LYONSIA. £9

Closely resembling My a is Platyodon cancel-
latus, Conr., Fig. 2, PL XVI. This genus is
named fr^iri its broad h in ore-tooth, which is not
equal, however, to that of Mya. The hinge is
near the posterior extremity of the shell, which
is bulged near the um bo. Concentric markings
are very plain, but radial lines are faint. It is
found abundantly in Bolinas Bay. Its color is
white.

Lyonsia Cal!/ornica, Conr., is a delicate little
shell, an inch long, which is sometimes found
washed up on the shores of San Francisco Bay,
as well as at other local ites up and down the
coast. It is oblong, bulged at one end, and
pearly within. The outer coat, which shows
many concentric striae, is easily rubbed off,
showing the pearly layers.

We come, lastly, to the boring shells, or Pid-
docks. These mollusks have the power of bor-
ing holes in rocks and hardened clay. In the
cabinet of the California Academy of Sciences,
may be seen a piece of brick pierced by one of
thesa borers. This shows their operations are
mechanical, and not chemical. It is now pretty
satisfactorily ascertained that the Piddock bores
his hole by turning his shell back and forth, by
means of his strong foot. The many little
points and ridges en the front of the shell act
like the teeth of a tile, and gradually wear away
the hard rock.

First, we mention a small but common borer,
Pholadidea penita, Conr., Fig. 3, PI. XVI. It
is seldom more than an inch and a half in length.
When young, the part of the shell in front ol the

60 CALIFORNIA SEA-SHELLS.

file is absent, leaving the foot exposed, and in a
good condition for pressing against the side of
the burrow. In time, the shell forms a rounded
end, probably after most of the hard work of bor-
ing has been accomplished, and the animal has
a secure home. This species has curious uin-
bonal reflexions, which adhere closely to the
shell. They do not work to no purpose, for
thousands of them are now engaged in t filing
away dangerous reefs, along the coast.

Zirphceacrispata,) Linn., Rough Piddock, Fig.
4, PI. XVI, is a widely distributed species. It
bores in the hardest blue clay by means of its
sharp, rasp-like teeth, which are ranged in rows
on the forward part of the shell. Within the
umbo is a curious, spoon-shaped plate or tooth.
A little supplemental plate covers the hinge area.
The shell is white, thin and brittle, and it gapes
widely at both ends ; its common length is two
or three inches.

The last species which we will mention is the
Great California Piddock, Parapholas Calif or-
nica, Conr., shown in Fig. 5, PI. XVI. This
noble species is some three or four inches in
length. The anterior portion is rounded and
full, while the posterior parts taper to small di-
mensions, and end in brown flaps of epidermis,
which project beyond the shell. The rocky
dust which the animal excavates is utilized in
building up a strong, thick, conical chimney,
which protects the siphons.

I

THE END.

PLATE XVI .

INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS.

PLATE I.

L

Purpura crispata. The

1. Com

p a r t s of a univalve

2. Drill

shell.

3. Drill

2.

Tapes tenerrima. The in-

ern

terior of the left valve,

4. Lupc

showing the parts of the

5. Triv

shell.

6. Erat

PLATE II.

7. Erat

1.

Pteronotus festivus. On

rocks.

1. Lum

2.

Ranella Californica.

beg

8.

Chrysodomus dims. Mos-

2. Cerit

sy rocks.

of

4.

Purpura saxicola. Rocks

3. Bitti

between tides.

4. Seal*

5.

Purpura canaliculata.

5. Opal

Deeper water.

6. Littc

G.

Purpira crispata. Rocks.

Ro

PLATE III.

7. Littc

1.

Monoceros lapilloides.

Ab

Surface of rocks.

2.

Chorus Belcheri. Very

1. Lacu

large. Southern.

Ro<

3.

Monoceros engonatum.

2. Phac

Rocks.

Des

4.

A m p h i s s a corrugata.

3. P h a

Dead, on beach.

Sar

5.

Amycla carinata.

ing

6.

C e r o s t o m a foliatum.

4. Pom

Rocks ; rare.

Ril

PLATE IV.

5. Chlo

1.

Cerostoma Nuttallii.

Vei

2.

Nassa fossata.

6. Chlo

3.

Nassa perpinguis.

Kel

4.

Nasea mendica.

5.

Nassa Cooper i.

1. Choi

6.

Olivella biplicata. Bur-

tun

rowing in sand.

2. Calli

7.

Olivella baetica.

LOT

PLATE V.

Con us Californicus.

•rosa. Beach.
Drillia penicillata. South-
ern.

Luponia spadicea.
Trivia Californica. Beach.

ellina. Beach.
Erato col umbel la.
PLATE VI.
Lunatia Lewisii. Sandy

?.
Cerithidea sacrata. Mud

of salt marshes.
Bittium filosum. Sand,
Scalaria crebricostata.
Opalia borealis.
Littor ina planaxis.

scutulata.
Abundant on rocks.

PLATE VII.
Lacuna unifasciata.

Rocks and sand.
Phachypoma gibberosum.

Dead, on beach.
Phasianella compta.
Sand. Very rich color-
ing on shell.

s undosus.
Ribbed operculum.
Chlorostoma fun ebrale.
Very abundant on rocks.
Chlorostoma brunneum.
!p.

PLATE VIII.
Cholorostoma aureotinc-

tum. Rocks/
Calliostoma costatum.
Low water.

INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS.

3. Calliostoma annulatum.

Attached to kelp.

4. Calliostoma canalicula-

tum. Thin ; on kelp.

5. Trochiscus Norrissii.

Rocks.

6. Omphalius fusees c e n s.

Basal view.

7. Lept ony x sanguineus.

Rocks. Shelly opercu-
lum.

PLATE IX.

1. Haliotis Cr ach er odii.

Rocks.

2. Haliotis rufescens. Rocks.

3. Fissurella volcano.

4. Lucapina crenulata.

5. Crepidula adunca. Shells.

PLATE X.

1. Hipponyx cranioides.

2. Scurria mitra. Roots of

sea weeds.

3. Nacella iucessa. Sea-

weed.

4. Acmsea pelta. Rocks.

5. Acma3a persona. Rocks.

6. Acmaea patina. Rocks.

7. Acmsea spectrum. Shells.

PLATE XI.

1 . Lottia gigantea. Rocks.

2. TornatelJa punctocselata.

3. Ischnochiton Magdalen-

sis. Under stones.

4. Mopalia muscosa.

5. Katherina tunicata.

Rocks.

6. Bulla nebulosa.

PLATE XII.

1. Placuanomia macroschis-

ma.

2. Pecten sequisulcatus.

3. Pecten latiauritus. kSea-

weed.

4. Hinnites giganteus Deep

water.

5. Lima orientalis. S e a -

weed.

M y t i 1 u s Californianus.
Rocks.

PLATE XIII.

1. Adula falcata. In rocks.

2. Septifer bif urea tug.

3. Chama pellucida. Rocks.

4. Cardium corbis.

5. Lucina Californica.

6. Kellia Laperousii. Holes

in rocks.

7. Lazaria subquadrata.

PLATE XIV.

Pachydesma crassatelloi-
des.

2. Saxidomus Nuttallii.

3. Tapes staminea Gravel.

4. Rupellaria lamellifera.

5. Amiantis callosa.

PLATE XV.

1. Tellina Bodegensis.

2. Macoma i nconspi c ua.

Sand.

3. Macoma nasuta. Mud.

4. Psammobia rubroradiata.

5. Donax Californicus.

6. Machaera patula.

PLATE XVI.

1. Solerurtus Californicus.

Mud.

2. Platyodon cancella t u s.

3. Pholadidea penita. In

rocks.

4. Zirphoea crispata. Hard

clay.

5. Parapholas Californica.

In rocks.

INDEX

Abalone . .3 >

Acmaea Asmi 39

patina 39

pelta 39

persona 39

spectrum. ... . . .40

Adula falcata 48

Amphissa corrugata 20

Amycla carinata 21

Amiantis callosa 53

Anomia lampe 45

Barrel-shell 43

Basket-shell 22

Bivalve, description ot.. . . .10

Bittium filosum 27

Bubble-shells 43

Bulla nebulosa 43

Calliostoma annulatum. . .32

canaliculatum33

costatum 32

Cardium corbis 50

Carpet-shell 53

Cerithidea sacrata 27

Cerostoma foliatum 21

Nuttallii ... .22

Chama pellucida 49

Chione simillima 51

Chitons 40, 42

Chlorostoma aureotintcum.31

brunneum... .31

funebrale 30

Chorus Belcheri 20

Chrysodomus dirus 17

Cockles 49

Comb-shell 45

Conus Californicus 24

Cowry, Nut-brown 24

Crepidula adunca £7

navicelloidee.32, 37

Cryptochiton Stelleri 42

Cup and Saucer, Limpet. ..37

Cypreea Californica 24

Donax Californicus 57

Drillia penicillata. 24

torosa 24

Erato columbella 26

vitelliua 26

File-shell ...47

Fissurella volcano 36

Frog-shell 17

Gadinia radiata 37

Gly phis aspera 36

densiclathrata . . . 37

Haliotis corrugata 35

Cracherodii 35

rufescens 35

— splendens 35

Haminea vesicula 43

Heart-shells 49

Hinnites giganteus 46

Hipponyx cranioides 37

Hoof-shell 37

Horn-mouth 21, 22

Horn-shell 27

Ischnochiton Magdalensis..41

Katherina tunicata 41

Kelly-shell 51

Kellia Laperousii 51

Key -hole Limpet 36

Lacuna solidula 29

- unifasciata 29

Lazaria subquodrata .... 51

Leptonyx sanguinea 33

sanguineus. ... 33

Lima orientalis 47

Limpets S6, 40

Liocardium elatum ..50

subst via turn. .50

Littoiina planaxis 28

— scutulata'. 28

Lottia gigantea 40

Luctna Californica 50

IXDEX.

Lunatia Lewisii. . . ..... .26

Lucapina crenulata 36

Luponia spadicea 24

Lyonsia Californica 59

Macoma incouspicua. ... 55

nasnta 56

Machara patula 57

Martrinella Jewettii 26

Modiola capax 48

modiolus 25

recta 43

Monoceros engonatum. . . .20

lapilluides. ... 19

Moon she] 1 26

Mopalia muscosa 41

Mussel 4~

Mya arenaria 58

My tikis Californianus. . . .47

edulis .., .. ...47

Nacella incessa 88

Nassa Cooped 23

fossa ta 22

mendica 23

perpinguis 22

Natica clausa 27

Olive 23

Olivella biplicata 23

baBtica 24

Opalia borealis 28

Omplialius fuscescens ... .31
Pachydesraa crassatelloides52
Pachypoma gibberosum. . .30

Parapholas Californica 60

Periwinkle 28

^ecten aequisulcatus 46

bastatus 46

latiauritus 46

Petricola carditoides 53

Pbasianella compta 29

Pheasant-shell 29

Pholadidca penita 59

Piddock 59

Placuanomia macroschisma45

Pomaulax undosus 30

Pc-ammobia rubro-radiata.56

Pteronotus festivus 17

Purples 18, 19

Purpura canaliculata 18

crispata... 19

saxicola 18

Ranella Californica 17

Razor-shell 57

Rock-clam 52

Rupellaria lamellifera. . . .54

Sand shell 56

Sanoruinolaria Nuttallii.. 56
Scalar ia crebricostata. . . .28

Scallop 45

Schizothserus Nuttallii - . 54

Scurria mitra 38

Septifer bifurcatus 49

Slipper-shell 37

Solecurtus Californianus. .57

Solen rosaceus 57

sicarius 57

Spindle shell 17

Tapes staminea 53

tenerrima. . ..... .54

Tellina Bode^ensis 55

Tellen 55

Tonicia lirieata 42

Top-shells 29, 33

Tornatella punctocselata. .43

Triangle-shell 52

Trivia Californica 25

Trochiscus Norrisii . . . .33

Turban 31

Trigona 52

Univalve, description of.. .9

Washington clam 54

Wedge-shell 57

Zirphaea crispata 60

ERRATA.

Page 6, line 19 ; for " in," read is. Pa^e 8, line 6 ; for "0~<?rdw
read op:rculum. Page 24, line 3.2 ; for *" Cypraca" read Cypraea.

* A

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