Seastarr49 wrote:
>
> ALOHA,
> This is the first time I have sent a message since I signed on several months
> ago.
> I guess I'm a lurker, but I have enjoyed listening and learning very  much.
> Now, I have a question?  Whenever suggestions for cleaning shells are given,
> it is
> always for freezing or boiling.  Why is burying never suggested.   I have
> buried all
> all my shells with no problems.  The only drawback I suppose is that you have
> no
> animal to study, but then you also have no smell to contend  with.  I usually
> buried
> them several inches deep, then covered the spot  with a large board or rock,
> for
> two reasons.  1) so you don't lose track of where you buried them.(something I
> learned the hard way), and 2). so animals won't dig them up, (again, something
> I
> learned the hard way).   Keep them buried for 1-2 wks.  Then, dig them up,
> wash in
> warm sudsy water, rinse with hose and check (by smell) for any remaining
> animal.
> Rebury, or use bleach or peroxide or whetever is appropreate to make the
> shells presentable.  Also, when you bury them, put a piece of cardboard over
> the shell, so that when you dig them up, you won't hit the shell and damage
> it, and always keep the apature down, so the deacaying animal secretions won't
> damage the shell.  This has always worked for me,  but I never see it
> suggested.  Please let me know the pros and cons  of this method.  Mahalo
> (thank-you).
>
> Seastarr49,  aka Shirley Cole
When we come back from a shelling trip...we would have to dig up our
whole backyard!  We have tried burying.  Have not had too good of
success. Maybe it is our dirt...it really messes up the shell.
--
Jim & Bobbi Cordy
Specializing in Self-Collected
Caribbean & Florida Shells