ferreter wrote:
>
> You wrote:I've been asked for my answer about why we should keep our
> collections, I'll share it with those interested (or can't
> get to the 'DELETE' button fast enough).
>
> One word -- HOPE. Our knowledge is lacking now but we hope that
> our collection, with it data, will become valuable when the
> foundation of knowledge has grown enough to extract relevant
> information from what we have -- HOPEfully, in our lifetimes, so that
> some degree of gratification will be achieved.
>
> So, hang in there, collectors. There is Hope.
>
> Aloha,
>
> Bob Dayle
>
> Yes and you are absolutely right . All collections are valuable as long as
> the eventual goal of the collection is to educate. A collection that is
> only for fondling is a waste of shells, a collection that is brought out
> and exhibited is the most valuable.
> With the destruction of shell habitat {this topic has been thoroughly
> dragged out} even a common shell will become desirable. In anticipation of
> this epoch I have learned several technics of repairing shells in such a
> way that the repair is virtually undetectable. Of course I indicate when a
> shell has been doctored.
> About a year back my collection was a hodge podge of shells, basically my
> guidelines were anything that crawls. I have found focus as now {with a few
> small exceptions}my collection is only conus. I do miss my cypraea maculata
> and angaria victordani though. My plan is to build a great collection of
> conus and eventually donate them to a worthy institution, preferably a
> large one in Washington. I hope to create something that will outlast me
> and go one to educate and further our cause
 
I agree..after visiting the Sanibel Shell Museum, I went from a mildly
interested beach collector to a very interested, sensitive collector.
As most of you have politely pointed out I need to study my latin.  My
main disgust is watching people fill buckets with live animals.  I even
feel bad with myself when I collect more than I need for future trading
etc.  Maybe I'm going soft but they are beautiful when they are living
also.  I still collect and hope mine will be in a museum for children
one day or in Sanibel.  Michael Huggins  of Marcie and Michael Huggins,
Bay Harbor FL