Jeanafton wrote:
>
> The intro letter to this list suggested I introduce myself and tell of my
> interest in shelling.
>
> I was raised on a cattle ranch in the west and didn't know a cowrie from a
> cone until we moved to Saipan, Mariana Is. in 1970.  I collected shells there
> for 5 years and have a rather nice collection which I have never fully
> unpacked in the last 20 years.
>
> My main interest in joining this group, truthfully, was to find out if the
> Strombus taurus is still considered rare.
>
> But already I am reviving my interest in shells, by just reading your posts.
> Hope to stay a while.
 
Dear Jean,  Welcome to Conch-L.  Strombus taurus are fairly common in a
limited area.  What is rare is a really good one without a bad back.
They are not common on the market, and like other shells, they show up
in spurts on lists, and then sorta disappear for awhile.  The operculum
is important, with good data of course.  If you want to trade for other
shells, please E-mail me personally.
 
Bob Lipe
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The Shell Store: http://theshellstore.com