INTRODUCTION 



No handbook of instructions for shell-collecting can speak with more 

 authority than this official publication of the American Malacological 

 Union, for it contains a wide variety of advice from the leading authorities 

 in this country. Both professional and outstanding private collectors, all 

 members of the society, have contributed the sum of their many years of 

 profitable collecting and preparation of shells. 



This booklet will stimulate the interest of the novice who is sometimes 

 plagued by problems of how to collect and how to clean shells, and many 

 students who consider themselves advanced in malacology will find them- 

 selves turning to one section or another for information. 



The hobby of seashells has no bounds, and the mollusk enthusiast need 

 only be careful that his "shell-shocked" condition does not become chronic. 

 Shells have a natural attraction as objects of beautiful design and exciting 

 colors, but they become even more fascinating if one wishes to sort and 

 identify the various species, or, if one is handy with the hands, make shell 

 jewelry. The studious type may wish to pursue the historical lore connected 

 with shells, and his studies may take him into the realm of archaeology, the 

 history of religion or ancient commerce. Those who have a natural bent 

 for biology and the mysterious ways of nature, will delight in learning 

 fascinating facts about the life history, manner of feeding and reproduction 

 of the common snails and clams. 



And do not think that living near the seashore, or limiting one's 

 interest to marine shells, is necessary to pursuing the hobby of the collection 

 or study of shells. Some weird and interesting shells await the observant 

 collector who searches in backyards, nearby woodlands and local ponds. 

 No matter where you turn, mollusks are not far away, and offer unlimited 

 horizons of entertainment. You need only read the late Dr. Frank C. 

 Baker's instructions concerning fresh-water shells to realize that seashells 

 are only half the story. 



A further word about the American Malacological Union — it is a sturdy 

 and ever-growing band of people who are interested in shells, and open to 

 anyone who seeks the elusive mollusk. Its membership includes zoologists 

 from leading universities and museums, and not a small number of begin- 

 ners. The annual meetings and the monthly sessions held by the several 

 local clubs in as many parts of the country afford an opportunity for shell 

 enthusiasts to exchange information on mollusks, to exchange shells and 

 to know each other. But whether or not you join, you will find its members 

 always willing to help you increase your case of "shell-shock." 



R. Tucker Abbott, 



Pihbry Chair of Malacology, Academy 



of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia 



(ii) 



