PREPARING SHELLS FOR DISPLAY 



The beauty of a shell is rarely evident when taken from the water. In addition to 

 the epidermis there are often barnacles and other calcareous structures adhered to 

 its surface. 



To remove the animal place the shell in boiling water. The mollusk will die instantly. 

 The size will determine the length of time necessary to loosen the creature from the 

 shell. Two minutes will be sufficient for most univalves, however large specimens 

 will take longer. Cool sufficiently to handle. Using a hooked wire or 

 crochet needle gently pull and twist the animal from the shell. Occasionally the tip 

 will remain in the apex. If it is loose an ear syringe will flush it out, otherwise it 

 will be necessary to soak the shell in a covered container of salt water until the ani- 

 mal matter decays ; or it can be proped, apex down, and a small quantity of alcohol 

 poured in shell and allowed to remain for several days. Then dry in the shade. One 

 other method is to use peroxide instead of alcohol and permit the tissue to work 

 out. The animal should be removed from the shell immediately after boiling. Care- 

 fully detach the operculum (trap door) . Bivalves will open soon after being placed 

 in boiling water. Avoid crazing porcelaneous surfaces by excessive heat. Do not 

 boil over two minutes. Macrocallistra is an exception which cannot be boiled or 

 color will be sacrificed. 



To remove periostracum (epidermis) submerge in commercial bleach. Length of 

 time will be determined by the amount of calcareous encrustation. The bleach will 

 completely dissolve the periostracum and soften the barnacles, etc. A pointed metal 

 instrument can then be used to remove the remaining calcified deposits. If there 

 is any stain left beneath the barnacles, return to the bleach. Pedalion and Atrinia 

 are exceptions that will completely dissolve in bleach. 



Wash and brush on baby oil. This will enhance the color and preserve the shell. 

 Now glue the operculum to cotto.n and return to natural position in the univalve. 

 Oil the operculum. The shell is now ready for your catalog number. 



The use of muriatic acid on specimens is inadvisable because it removes some of the 

 sculpture and natural luster of the shell. Baby oil will penetrate and preserve the 

 shell. 



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