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62 American Seash ells
must rightfully dispose of specimens which have no data and are therefore
of no scientific value. Large and beautiful collections representing much
time and cost would have been of inestimable value to science had someone
only taken the time to record where each specimen was collected. "Aus-
tralia," "Hawaii" or "California" is not enough. An example of good data
would be: "North end of Captiva Island, Lee County, Florida. Leo Burry,
collector. July 4, 1952." Many careful collectors add interesting notes con-
cerning the depth of water, type of bottom, abundance, and so forth. A rare
shell in perfect condition, correctly identified and with accurate data, is
almost worth its weight in gold.
PREPARING SHELLS FOR THE COLLECTION
The beauty and value of a collection depends largely on the manner in
which specimens are cleaned and the methods in which the shells are arranged
and housed. The majority of snails and clams, whether they be marine, land
or fresh-water, may be cleaned of their animal soft parts by merely boiling
in fresh or salt water for about five minutes. The meat may be extracted
with a bent safety pin or icepick, depending on the size of the specimen.
Shells which have a highly glossed or enameled finish, such as the cowries
and olives, should never be thrown directly into boiling water. Start them
in warm water, bring slowly to a boil, and then let cool gradually. Any rapid
change in temperature will crack or check the polished surface. Save the
horny operculum or trapdoor of those species that have them. When the
shell is dry, a plug of cotton will hold the operculum in the aperture.
Many species are difficult to clean even when the boiling system is used.
Usually the tip end of the animal's body remains in the shell of such genera
as Terebra, Vasum and Xenophora. Vigorous shaking or syringing with a
powerful blast of tap water will get most out. Filling the shell half full of
water and setting it out in the shade for a day or so with an occasional syring-
ing will help. If odors still persist a few drops of formaldehyde introduced
into the shells, plus a cotton stopper, will eliminate the objections.
In the Pacific Islands most collectors bury their shells alive a few inches
under soft, dry sand. In a few weeks the specimens are dug up and washed.
The sand must be sifted for smaller shells and the opercula. Some people
who do not object to flies set their shells upside down in the sand and allow
blowfly larvae or maggots to clean out the meat in a week or so. Vigorous
rinsing of the shell is all that is necessary.
Many delicate snails, including most land species and small fragile clams,
may be placed in fresh water overnight and then syringed or picked clean.
This system works well with Dentalium, Janthina, Marginella, OHvella, Trivia
and Cyphoma, although the last four genera may require a two-day soak. Bi-