I speak from experience when advising that, no matter what DO NOT
SUBMERSE THE COWRIES WITH THEIR SNAILS INTACT IN FRESH WATER FOR ANY
PERIOD OF TIME!   The cowry snails either decay or secrete fluids which
create an acid in the water that takes the shine right out of the
enamel.

Years ago I ruined an absolutely wonderful night's haul by making this
mistake.  And believe me, the shells do not need to spend much time in
such conditions to be affected.  This is one lesson that I will never
forget.

Scott



-----Original Message-----
From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Alex Sassi
Sent: Wednesday, April 06, 2005 8:17 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: How to best clean cowries while travelling internationally

Greetings fellow Conch-Lers,

I'ld be interested in getting some advice on how to clean cowries or
otherwise get them in a state that I can bring them back to the USA when
travelling internationally and staying in hotels.

Get a lot of ice and freeze-thaw multiple times and pour rubbing alcohol
(with baking soda?) into the aperture in case of remaining smell? Pack
in
salt (to dehydrate) in case of remaining flesh?

Thanks!
Alex

[log in to unmask]
Berkeley, CA

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