2. Genus Hippopus. Pl. [VIII].

Animal. As above.

Shell. More elongated and inequilateral than in the Tridacna, the anterior side being longer than the posterior; the posterior slope closed with a dentated margin. Inhabits the Indian seas. One species.

FAMILY XVI.
Mytilacea. Three genera.

1. Genus Mytilus. Pl. [VIII].

Animal. Body oval, somewhat inflated; mantle open in its inferior half only, and terminated posteriorly by an oval cleft with fringed edges; a linguiform, canaliculated, abdominal appendage, with a byssus at its base behind, and several pairs of retractile muscles; mouth with simple lips; two contractile muscles, of which the anterior is very small.

Shell. Of a serrated tissue, elongated, more or less oval, sometimes subtriangular, equivalve, summits anterior, more or less curved, sloping inferiorly in a slight degree; hinge toothless, or with two very small rudiments; ligament dorsal, linear, subinterior, inserted in a narrow and very long furrow; two muscular impressions, of which the anterior is very small, besides those of the retractile muscles. Inhabits the British and American seas. Forty-two species.