Not on the specific subject of mollusks, but on the related subject of taxonomy - a small article in our local paper this morning - the Texas Audubon Society is holding an auction today. What is being put up for bids is the right to have a newly discovered species of Brazilian bird named after yourself (or after anyone of your choosing). The required opening bid is $200,000.00. The proceeds will go to bird conservation projects. How do our taxonomists feel about this new twist on naming of species? Paul Monfils Rhode Island, U.S.A. "Think how much deeper the ocean would be if sponges didn't live there"