EAST COAST MARINE SHELLS 



Fig. 1 

 Trochophore stage in Pa- 

 tella, la Foot, lb Ve- 

 lum, Ic Flagellum, 

 Id Postanal cilia, 

 le Mouth 



of cilia, the ve- 

 lum in front of 

 the mouth) Fig. 2. 

 The velum is an 

 organ of locomo- 

 tion and helps in 

 the dispersal of 

 the specieS; as- 

 sisting the larva 

 to travel long 

 distances. It may 

 be that the Mol- 

 lusks. Annelids, 

 and other organ- 

 isms, which em- 

 ploy the trocho- 

 phore stage, have 

 descended from a 

 common ancestor. 



Fig. 2 

 Vellger stage, 130 hours old, in Patella. 

 2a Velum, 2b Shell, 2c Operculum, 2d Rudi- 

 mentary foot 



Where to Collect 



Almost every individual has the 

 desire to explore the unknown and discover 

 for himself at least a few of the remain- 

 ing hidden things upon the universe. In 

 this quest the greatest satisfaction comes 

 in sharing the knowledge gained with others. 

 Thus the great scientists faithfully de- 

 scribe and record the results of their la- 



bors. So too the beginner among shell col- 

 lectors may, by the observance of certain 

 rules, contribute definite knowledge to the 

 subject. The beach searcher may at first 

 be attracted by flashing colors or spectac- 

 ular forms but many humble creatures should 

 also be carefully observed. Possibly some 

 of the latter have never been reported from 

 the particular places to which the collec- 

 tor has access. Here is an opportunity for 

 definite service, simply putting the spe- 

 cies on record. 



The opportunity for travel to dis- 

 tant places is denied to many but that need 

 not deter the student of shells for often 

 they are to be found within a few miles 

 from home. It may be upon the shores of 

 some muddy bay in Florida, a sandy stretch 

 of beach on Long Island or upon the rock- 

 bound coast of Maine. 



It must be admitted that, for vari- 

 ous reasons, there are limitations put upon 

 individuals with respect to the amount of 

 truth and beauty which they may have time 

 to observe. Obviously it is better to 

 train faculties upon objects close at hand 

 rather than to strain vision In attempting 

 to discern characters far away upon the 

 horizon. Familiarity with humble beings 

 living near-by will immeasurably enrich life. 

 Long journeys afield are often too hurried 

 to accomplish much in the way of collecting 

 when the time factor must be reckoned with. 

 It is often best to select one good local- 

 ity and concentrate there. A single base 

 from which short excursions can be made in 

 various directions will be found more lucra- 

 tive and satisfactory than a series of brief 

 halts. 



To examine shells, even superficial- 

 ly, from the viewpoint of architect, engi- 

 neer, or artist is fascinating in itself. 

 When the breathing animal, be it active or 

 sluggish, is also observed both wonder and 

 satisfaction are increased. The casual ob- 

 server cannot but admire the dexterity of a 

 minute organism as seen under a lens, or 

 held in the hand after being removed from a 

 bit of coral, rock, or sand. 



The present revival of interest in 

 collecting shells has led to certain abuses 

 which already have had a profound effect in 

 Florida. The beautiful Liguus, or tree 

 snails, are already doomed to destruction. 

 Forest fires have taken their toll in de- 

 stroying the hammock lands where the snails 

 live. Many of the few survivors have been 



