ALOHA,
This is the first time I have sent a message since I signed on several months
ago.
I guess I'm a lurker, but I have enjoyed listening and learning very  much.
Now, I have a question?  Whenever suggestions for cleaning shells are given,
it is
always for freezing or boiling.  Why is burying never suggested.   I have
buried all
all my shells with no problems.  The only drawback I suppose is that you have
no
animal to study, but then you also have no smell to contend  with.  I usually
buried
them several inches deep, then covered the spot  with a large board or rock,
for
two reasons.  1) so you don't lose track of where you buried them.(something I
learned the hard way), and 2). so animals won't dig them up, (again, something
I
learned the hard way).   Keep them buried for 1-2 wks.  Then, dig them up,
wash in
warm sudsy water, rinse with hose and check (by smell) for any remaining
animal.
Rebury, or use bleach or peroxide or whetever is appropreate to make the
shells presentable.  Also, when you bury them, put a piece of cardboard over
the shell, so that when you dig them up, you won't hit the shell and damage
it, and always keep the apature down, so the deacaying animal secretions won't
damage the shell.  This has always worked for me,  but I never see it
suggested.  Please let me know the pros and cons  of this method.  Mahalo
(thank-you).
 
Seastarr49,  aka Shirley Cole