A QUEER CREATURE.
One of the strangest creatures known to science is the pholas, or boring dam. 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 six or eight- inches, and hollows out 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 animalcule 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 excel lent soup. The clams are dislodged in great numbers from the ledges by the use of dynamite, although it is possible to obtain them with a pick or crowbar.
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150619.2.200
Bibliographic details
New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15948, 19 June 1915, Page 5 (Supplement)
Word Count
162A QUEER CREATURE. New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15948, 19 June 1915, Page 5 (Supplement)
Using This Item
NZME is the copyright owner for the New Zealand Herald. You can reproduce in-copyright material from this newspaper for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons New Zealand BY-NC-SA licence . This newspaper is not available for commercial use without the consent of NZME. For advice on reproduction of out-of-copyright material from this newspaper, please refer to the Copyright guide.
Acknowledgements
This newspaper was digitised in partnership with Auckland Libraries and NZME.