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Date: | Sat, 10 Jun 2000 13:15:02 -0500 |
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>We have heard a lot recently about the best way to clean shells, but all
>advice seems to be what can be done in the home, with access to water
>piks, ultrasonic cleaners, etc, etc.
>
>What is the best way to deal with shells away from all these facilities -
>i.e. where they are collected? When on holiday it is usual to stay in
>hotels or bed & breaskfast often without access even to an ice chamber to
>freeze shells. How do the regular collectors clean shells suffiently to
>get them home without smelling out the customs inspectors? I am not
>talking about the very small shells which can be put in alcohol, but the
>larger shells.
Tom,
I take along a small coffeepot and a current adaptor. Middle-sized shells
can be boiled in the pot (don't put in too much water - it makes a mess).
However, cones still won't come out and cowries and strombs shouldn't be
boiled (it crazes the shiny shell). For larger shells I often beg the cook
to boil them for me- or put them in the freezer.
You can make an adaptor to fit on an outside garden hose by buying a 1/2"
male hose bib and a 1/2" female-to-1/4" (or smaller) compression fitting
plus a length of plastic aquarium hose. This concentrates the water from
the hose into the small aquarium hose creating a hard jet of water which
will help blow the animal out (after it's dead). I'll bring some to COA to
show off.
Peggy
Visit my website at http://www.shelltrips.com
Peggy Williams
Shell Elegant
PO Box 575
Tallevast FL 34270
(941) 355-2291
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