ON THE METHOD OF FEEDING OF FOUR PELECYPODS

¹ From the William G. Kerckhoff Marine Laboratory of the California Institute of Technology, Corona del Mar, California

1. Openings were made through the valve and mantle of four species of pelecypods. These were made in various positions in the valves of many individuals so that ultimately all outer portions of the feeding mechanisms could be observed. These openings were covered with pieces of cover-glass cemented in place so as to form windows through which the feeding activities could be watched.

2. The feeding activities were observed through a binocular without in any way disturbing the animals.

3. Evidence is given to show that when a pelecypod is feeding a sheet of mucus covers the gills, and it is this mucus which strains the food material from the water, the cilia affording mechanical means for its transportation.

4. While the pelecypod is feeding this mucus is constantly being secreted and is carried to the food grooves bordering the gills, along which it is transported to the mouth as strings of food-laden mucus.

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