Razor Shell
a genus of lamellibranchiate mollusca, forming the type of the family Solenidæ. They are common on both sides of the Atlantic; the shells are sub-cylindrical in shape; the hingeteeth number two on each valve; and the ligament for opening the shells is long and external in position. The mantle is open in front, to give exit to the powerful muscular "foot," used by these mollusks for burrowing swiftly into the REACTION curious mollusks always live buried in the sand in an upright position, leaving only an opening shaped like a keyhole, which corresponds with the two siphon tubes. They are generally found at a depth of one or two feet, and when they make their burrows, as they are often in the habit of doing, among the rocks, not even the hooked iron can draw them from their retreat. The familiar species are the Solen siliqua, S. ensis, S. vagina, S. marginatus, and S. pellucidus.
RÉ, ÎLE DE, a small, low-lying island off the coast of the French department of Charente-Inférieure, opposite the city of La Rochelle, from which it is separated by the Pertuis Breton. It is about 18 miles long and 3 broad, measures 28 square miles, and its inhabitants are chiefly engaged in the preparation of salt. Oyster farming has of late become an important branch of industry. Wine is made and exported. Pop. about 15,000.