Clam

Clam is the common name for bivalves of the genus Chama (q.v.) and some other allied genera. The common clam, or soft clam of northern waters, is the Mya arenaria, or Chama arenaria; it is found especially in gravelly mud, sand, and other soft bottoms, especially between high and low water mark. They are largely used for bait, and in New England are a much relished article of food. Some kinds of clams rival oysters in popularity in New York. The hard clam, or Quahaug, is the Venus mercenaria. The Giant Clam, the Tridacna gigas, found in East Indian waters, in lagoons, and on coral islands, is of enormous size, the animal (which is edible) without the shell weighing 20 lb., while with the shell it may weigh 500 lb. The shells are used as ornaments for grottoes and fountains, and as bénitiers in Catholic churches.—The BEAR'S PAW CLAM is the Hippopus maculatus, a bivalve mollusc of the Indian Ocean, of the family Tridacnidae. The shell is one of the most beautiful of bivalves, alike in form, texture, and colour. It is a favourite shell for ornamental purposes. The margins of the valves are locked together by closely fitting teeth. It is 6 by 10 inches in length, broad in proportion, and transversely by ribs which are roughened by scale-like inequalities. The general colour is white, but there are beautiful spots of purplish-red.