In a message dated 6/24/98 5:20:52 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [log in to unmask]
writes:
 
<<     Its unfortunate that avid new or young shell collectors think they have
 something when they find a super-polished (blue/purple) cowrie, or carved
 shell.  Its a rite of passage and learning from it is the best policy.  In my
 younger (cone) days I had a shell with the most perfect lip, that I was
 naturally proud of...I later found out that lips could be filed, and this one
 was.  The same with painted Cypraea hirasei- I know I would be inconsolable.
  >>
 
If you are referring to my posting of my friend's Tiger Cowrie with the head
of a man on it I would like to make it clear that this specimen is completely
natural and not tampered with in any way.  I was skeptical myself until I saw
it.
 
Steve