2 
WHEN a live shell is found, it would soon 
become offensive, unless the animal were taken 
out. To perform this, nothing more is requi- 
site than to put the shell into a kettle of wa- 
ter, and let it heat gradually until it boils.— 
After a few minutes, the shell should be taken 
out, and put into a bucket of cold water; the 
animal will then shrink, and may generally 
be shaken from the shell; but if it should still 
adhere, it may be extracted with a crooked pin 
or hook, great care being taken not to injure 
the mouth, which is commonly the most ten- 
der: part *. 
* The animal is sometimes removed from the shell by bury- 
ing it in the earth, for two or three weeks : when this method 
is adopted, the shell should be carefully washed to destroy the 
offensive smell arising from the decomposition of the animal. 
