I wonder how much "preaching to the choir" is going on in this thread.

My question is how many people who say shell collecting is wrong used to be serious shell collectors - not picked up one or two here and there - but seriously pursued shells and had a collection, then gave it up?

I have not encountered any such person when being challenged that what I do is against their belief.

It is sometimes easier to criticize that which does not effect you or require personal examination.  

Of course temper this with responsible collecting already outlined.  I'm speaking to the hard liners.

John Timmerman
Wilmington, North Carolina 

-------------- Original message from "Martin H. Eastburn" <[log in to unmask]>: --------------


> The toughest one my mother went through was standing on the reef at low tide
> and watching a native walk ahead of her and pluck out a fist size Golden
> Cowrie.
> She knew the law - if they found it first - they do what they want. He
> cracked
> it in half long wise and slurped down the snail and continued north on
> the reef
> towards home. Such is life.
>
> Let's not forget the French and the favorite pre meal snack. Imported
> into the USA
> and elsewhere as they immigrated and served world wide.
>
> Martin
>
>
> Ellen Bulger wrote:
> > Gastropods NOT food? What about them pulmonate that folks roast in
> > their shells with garlic butter? What about those abalone that I
> > haven't even gotten a chance to try yet? What about cracked conch,
> > conch fritters, conch cakes, stewed conch, conch salad and those
> > dreamy conch fingers all done up in a coconut batter (best washed down
> > with a frosty Kalik) at that dockside bar and grill in Hopetown in the
> > Abacos?
> >
> > Not food?
> >
> > Ambrosia!
> >
> > Ellen
> > (a practicing and enthusiastic omnivore)
>
> --
> Martin H. Eastburn
> @ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net
> TSRA, Life; NRA LOH & Patron Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal.
> NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Founder
> IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member.
> http://lufkinced.com/
>
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