Ross For smaller species (<15mm) definitely alcohol for a few days and then dry out thoroughly. Larger shells can be a challenge especially with the more fragile ones. Alcohol works as above - even things likr Vodka when youre travelling but you do need to remove the body at some stage. Recently I have found drowning in water, with a crystal of menthol(from local pharmacist) to anaesthetise, and leave for 24 hours is effective. This seems to relax the animal and sometimes makes getting it out easier. Can be a little smelly and messy but I guess this goes with the territory. Needless to say dont leave them soaking for too long. For transport - calico or similar fabric bags that do not sweat, otherwise you may get a smelly lump of dead tissue. Particularly good for desert/drier area species that aestivate as you can take them with you and sort at leisure Geoff >From: "J. Ross Mayhew" <[log in to unmask]> >Reply-To: Conchologists List <[log in to unmask]> >To: [log in to unmask] >Subject: Cleaning landsnails - what are the best ways? >Date: Thu, 11 May 2006 01:32:23 -0300 > >Would anyone like to share with the list, the best ways to clean land >snails in various settings and climates? Is there a book which covers >this topic? > >From soggy, cool New Scotland, >ross m. > >---------------------------------------------------------------------- >[log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs >To leave this list, click on the following web link: >http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1 >Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and >click leave the list. >---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs To leave this list, click on the following web link: http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1 Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and click leave the list. ----------------------------------------------------------------------