Descriptions

Enlarged drawing of a common British scallop (Aequipecten opercularis), with the valves of the shell partly open showing the eyes which shine like precious stones when they catch the light as the shell gapes. The filaments forming the mantle fringe are very sensitive organs of touch. This drawing is similar to the scallop depicted on plate 2 of PH Gosse’s book ‘A year at the shore’.

This object is not on display.

Inscription

lower right typed label inscribed Enlarged drawing of a common British Scallop (pecten opercularis), with the valves of the shell partly open showing the eyes and fringed edge of the mantle. The eyes shine like precious stones, and are placed along the edges of the mantle so as to catch the light when the shell gapes, and the filaments forming the mantle fringe are very sensitive organs of touch. Drawing by the late Philip Henry Gosse FRS.

lower centre white chalk inscribed pecten operc.

verso pencil inscribed in Gosse’s hand Bottom lift 5 N3