Agnes now saw several shells lying scattered about, but she scarcely condescended to look at them, till at last, one appeared so curious that she could not help calling her mamma’s attention to it. It was a long narrow shell, something resembling the handle of a pocket knife. What she picked up, however, was only the half of what was evidently a bivalve-shell, and to Agnes’s great annoyance, it was by no means perfect. Mrs. Merton, however, told her that it was what was called a Solen, or Razor-shell, or, sometimes, a Sheath-shell, from its resemblance to the handle, or sheath of a razor. She also showed her the hinge that united the two valves together, and which, though very slight, was curiously formed.
While Mrs. Merton was speaking, Agnes saw another shell nearly similar to the first, but smaller and prettier, and the little girl ran with great delight to pick it up. Just before she reached it, however, she saw it raise itself on one end, and then instantly disappear in the sand.
Fig. 29.
Truncated Gaper.
Solen, or Razor-shell.
Common Cockle.
