Art,

1. Sounds like an egg case from a Moon Snail (or Shark Eye). Polinices
duplicatus (Say, 1822)is the species in Texas.  They mix sand with a
secretion and form this ring around their bodies.  I don't know if the
ring is the actual egg case or if it is an aid in keeping the eggs under
control.  They are somewhat rubbery until they dry out.

2. The numbers are indeed an indication of the contents of the tanker.
The magic decoder ring is probably available from the Department of
Transportation.

Steven

-----Original Message-----
From: Conchologists of America List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of [log in to unmask]
Sent: Monday, August 11, 2003 7:22 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Questions

This is your beloved Question-Man. I have Two (count 'em) Two
questions---one of which may be shell related.
  1. There's this thing we find on the beach. It is shaped like a
doughnut with a bite taken out. It is about 6 inches across. Rubbery,
thin, dark green. The part toward the center is raised. There are lots
of them on South Carolina beaches. Egg cases? I don't think so. But I've
been wrong before.
   Ideas?
  2. Non-SR: Tank trucks have this diamond shaped thing on the back with
a number. "1203" stands for gasoline. But what do other numbers stand
for? I'd like to know the difference between a tanker carrying milk and
one carrying Sulphuric Acid. How does one find out? The library wasn't
very helpful. Why is it a secret?
    Q-Man

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