COLLECTING MARINE SHELLS 



Shell collecting is an inevitability once one beholds the treasures of a beach studded 

 with shell gems. Young and old alike are captivated. 



We started with beach-worn shells, beautiful to the finder, and these trophies 

 were carefully transported a thousand miles to bring marveling pleasure to those 

 who had yet to experience their first trip to a tropical sea. These beach-worn shells 

 were just the threshold to an exciting adventure into beauty as we discovered the 

 amazing varieties in color and form to be found in the world of shells. 



The purpose of this album is to identify the new shells on the post cards ; and to 

 encourage the .neophyte collector to emerge from the early stages as quickly as pos- 

 sible to begin an intelligent perusal of a vitally interesting study which will enrich 

 body, mind and soul. 



Few hobbies are as invigorating in outdoor exercise. Mentally there is a keen chal- 

 lenge to investigate deeper into the habits and characteristics of these fascinating 

 creatures. Spiritually we learn the truth that "The Heavens declare the glory of 

 God and the firmament showeth His handiwork." Our souls stir within us in awe of 

 the marvelous works of our Creator ; "In whom we have our redemption through His 

 blood, even the forgiveness of sins : . . . For by Him were all things created, that are 

 in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, ... all things were created 

 by Him and for Him and He is before all things and by Him all things consist." 

 Collosians 1:14-16. 



WHEN TO COLLECT SHELLS 



The best time to collect shells is at low tide or after a heavy blow. On the Gulf of 

 Mexico extremely low tides occur starting two days before new and full moon. 

 Wind has its influence on the tide. Low tides expose areas otherwise inaccessible. 



WHERE SHELLS ARE FOUND 



Shelling centers of the Florida coast are: St. Augustine, Jupiter Inlet, Lake Worth, 

 Biscayne Bay, Florida Keys, Key West, Marco, Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort 

 Myers Beach, Sanibel, Captiva, Punta Gorda, Sarasota, St. Petersbnurg and Tampa 

 Bay. 



Inspect debris left at high tide on sandy beaches, particularly following a blow. On 

 the Gulf search the sponge for Pecten Muscosus ; wood for Martesia ; Atrinia for 

 Chama and Murex. From Daytona south investigate the seaweed for Spirula and 

 Janthina. These are just a few of the hundreds of species to be found. Midway be- 

 tween high and low tide try digging. Wash the sand through a sieve at different 

 depths and note the variety of mollusks at each level. There will be such bivalves as 

 Donax and Venus ; such univalves as Oliva, Busycon and Natica. 



