Hi again,
 
What is the basic compound of Epson salts used, by chitons fans, to make
chitons "relaxed" while preparing them to be immersed in a glycerin/alcohol
mix? We don't have Epson salts here in Brazil, but obviously something
similar can be found in our drugstores.
 
Another shelling story. In my vacations I made a wreck dive (about 80ft
deep, with a nice story that I can tell it privately, to those who are
interested). Since I turn every rock found (yes, I turn them back to their
original position!!), I am usually followed by a school of fishes. They eat
everything available found under the turned rocks.
 
Under a rock I found two chitons about 1/2 inch large. Even not a chiton
collector, I was going to collect them for a German friend. I moved my face
to get my dive knife and, when I turned it back to look the rock, the
chitons were not there anymore.
 
I said to myself: "Eduardo, are you dreaming? Where are the chitons you
found?" Maybe they released themselves from the rock, but I was not able to
find them anywhere.
 
In the very next rock, other three chitons and, with the knife in my hand, I
saw three little, but faster than lightning, fishes eating "my" chitons.
Since the line with new customers, willing to eat more chitons was quite
long, I gave up the chiton collecting and started to look just for the good
ol' shells.
 
All the best,
 
Eduardo
Brasilia, Brazil