>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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