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.
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New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15948, 19 June 1915, Page 5 (Supplement)
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162A QUEER CREATURE. New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15948, 19 June 1915, Page 5 (Supplement)
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