Greetings Conch-Lers,

How about this for an unusual request? Umm, first off, let me point out
that if you didn't know, dogs love operculums. I guess they're the snail
equivalent of rawhide chewsticks. Okay, so I had this big chank from
Eleuthera with the operculum set in all nicely, but then as I walked past
the cabinet where the shell is on display, I noticed that oh-so-familar
odor of "eau de notso clean." Hmm, I had obviously left a bit of snail
inside. I carefully removed the operculum and placed it on the kitchen
counter, then took the shell outside to flush with a power nozzle. Sure
enough, out popped a last smelly bit of Turbinella angulata -- success! I
carried the shell back inside to dry it and replace the 'perc but wait:
Where did that 'perc go? It was here ten minutes ago. I looked to see where
our three dogs were, only to see one of them (I won't name names here)
spitting out a mouthful of cotton.

Se here's my request/question: Anybody out there got an extra operculum
from a big chank laying around? I know it won't be the correct "door" for
this shell, but I figure it's just on display for my viewing pleasure and
not going into a museum somewhere. If anyone might have one, I am willing
to send them a nice Scaphella junonia in exchange. You have to agree, this
is one of the more unusual postings lately.

Operculum-less in Tallahassee (where it's still in the 20s tonight),
Jim

Jim Miller
Tallahassee, Florida
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