Kevin wrote,
> Boston area collecting isn't the most productive, particularly in the
summer months.  I live on the south side of the city so I know that area
more intimately than the north.  If heading north, you can try Revere Beach
but it is my understanding that Revere Beach is primarily only productive
after storms (pref. winter).  I find Wollaston Beach just south of Boston in
Quincy (still reachable by the Subway), is the best Boston Harbor
collecting.  I've collected about 35 species over the years.  The highlights
for this beach are particularly large Mulina lateralis (Dwarf Surf Clams) up
to 29mm, and Large and sometimes pink hued Macoma balthica (some over 40mm).
This is also a good place to find the European Oyster (Crassostrea edulis)
which must have been introduced from European ships entering the harbor (or
perhaps with seeding efforts?).  Other species you will most likely find in
the drift: Mya arenaria, Ensis directus, Tellina agilis, Petricola
pholadiformis, Crepidula fornica, plana, and convexa, Littorina littorea.
Not quite the stunning Florida type assemblege, but typical Boston Harbor.
If you are constrained to collect right in Boston, places like Carson Beach
and Castle Island in South Boston will offer some of the species listed
above, but I find in inferior quality and quantity. If you had the chance to
go out to the Cape or north of Boston, your collecting possibilities would
increase greatly.  If you do have such an opportunity, feel free to contact
me directly.  I would be happy to share my top recommendations for these
areas. -Kevin Dorchester, Massachusetts

When the sea gives you lemons, make lemonade.

Although it will never be possible to amass a Boston collection that matches
a Florida collection in diversity of species, it is certainly possible for a
long-term resident to build a local collection of high interest almost
anywhere. For example:

1. Try collecting geographic variants of a single common species and
correlate its distribution with environmental conditions. Do the shells get
smaller up the creeks, or in muddier water, or in more polluted water, or in
warmer water? Or do geographic variants represent genetic differences of
long standing?

2. Try collecting epibionts, the plants and animals that live on oysters and
other animals. Which ones live only on living substrates? What accounts for
their distribution?

3. Compare your collections with older ones in local museums or the
literature. Which species have become locally extinct, and when? Which are,
or were, gathered for food? Do local archaeological museums have ancient
midden seashells they want identified? When did introduced species arrive
and how long did it take for them to spread?

You can probably think of other ideas. These collections may not be as
beautiful as a tropical display, but they can make good educational exhibits
-- and can be highly practical in evaluating the local environment.

Andrew K. Rindsberg
Geological Survey of Alabama

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