> ----------
> From:         Christine Szpaczek
> Reply To:     Conchologists of America List
> Sent:         17, October 2001 6:50 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      New Collector - Questions
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I am a very new collector, only been actively looking for shells for about
> 6
> months. I must say before I start that I have been passively participating
> on this list for about a month now and have found it very resourceful and
> interesting.
>
> I am at the point were I have quite a few piles of specimens that I have
> collected while beach walking (nothing fantastic - but have to start
> somewhere). I only collect dead shells from the beach or shallow waters
> when
> snorkelling. I mainly collect shells cause I love looking at their shapes
> and colours and then trying to identify them (all part of the fun).  I am
> in
> the process of creating a database to start organising my collection.
>
> Just wondering a few things. (Please remember I am new at this)
>
> Is it ok to display the shells in large glass jars?  Any reasons why I
> shouldn't?
>
> Have been reading some material on cleaning shells (eg bleach).  Are there
> any shells that I shouldn't clean in this? Or is there anything
> better/safer
> I should be using?
>
> What is the best product to bring up the shine in a shell? (have read a
> few
> varying ideas)
>
> Thanks in advance
> Christine
> (Australia)
>
>