Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 215, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 September 1917 — IS CURIOUS ROCK DWELLER [ARTICLE]

IS CURIOUS ROCK DWELLER

Pholas, or Boring Clam, One of the Strangest Creatures That Are Known to Science. One of the strangest creatures known to science is the pholas, or boring clam. When still very minute the animal bores Into the sandstone ledges at extreme low water, by means of its sharp shell, which is replaced by secretions as it is worn away. It penetrates the! rock to a depth of 3ix or eight inches, and hollows opt its burrow as it increases in size. Shaped roughly like a top, it could not leave its rock dwelling even if it wished to do so. For food, it depends on the animalcules that float in sea water, which it seizes by its long siphon, or tongue. The pholas is in great demand at the seaside resorts along the Pacific coast, for its meat is very tender and makes excellent soup. The clams are dislodged In great numbers from the ledges hv the use of dynamite, although it Is possible to obtain them with a pick or crowbar. ' '