130 



Shells, when encrusted with extraneous matter, should be allowed to 

 steep for some time in warm water, both for the sake of moistening the sub- 

 stances, and to extract, as much as possible,. the marine salts ; they may be allowe d 

 to remain fifteen minutes without injury. After this, brush them well, observing 

 that the brush for fine shells should not be too hard. If that proves insufficient 

 to clean them, rub or brush them again with tripoli, (rotten stone) or emery and 

 fine oil; but I have generally found that strong soap and water answers best: 

 a ley of pearl-ashes may be used. When clean, finish with a brush and fine 

 emery. But if the extraneous substance on the shell is found exceedingly 

 difficult to remove, a weak acid may be used for the space of a minute, dip- 

 ping into cold water immediately after. The acid may not be more than 

 from one sixth to one tenth of the liquid (muriatic acid.) 



The epidermis, in some instances, may be so thick that it must be taken off 

 before the shell can be polished. In that case, it is absolutely necessary to 

 use the acid, as stated, and as often repeated as is found to be wanted to take 

 off the coating of lime, &c. When acid is used, particular care should be 

 taken that it acts only on the coat; and therefore it is found convenient, in 

 some instances, to coat the orifices or mouth with bees-wax. Change the 

 situation of the shell often, so that every part may be equally noticed 

 and cleansed. Wipe off the effervescence with a feather dipped in 

 water, when you perceive the shell free from the epidermis; then take it out 

 of the water, and wash away the acid; after which, rub it with fine emery 

 powder until it is perfectly clean. 



If it is only a pellicle and not a thick epidermis, it is sufficient to steep the 

 shell in warm water, or vinegar, until the coat peels off, or is corroded away. 



HABITATS. 



The West Indies do not produce many rare shells. In Demerara, there 

 are many land and fresh water shells. The land shells and muscles, which 

 may be found over the whole of the vast territories of Surinam and Cayenne, 

 are very desirable. In the interior of Buenos Ayres, there are many fine 

 shells. From Pernambuco to Bahia and Rio de Janeiro, the land and fresh 

 water shells are quite as interesting, if not more so, than those which are 

 found on the coast. To the southward of Rio, near the isle of St. Sebastian, 



