16 CALIFORNIA SEA-SHELLS. 



most instantly coagulates the albumen, and loos- 

 ens the connection between the mantle and the 

 shell. The soft parts can then be removed with 

 a little wire hook or a bent pin. If possible, 

 they should be wholly removed, but if it cannot 

 be done, and the shell is particularly desireable, 

 it may be plugged with cotton. The operculum 

 should be fastened to the cotton by a drop of 

 mucilage. The operculum should be preserved 

 in like manner, in all cases where a perfect 

 shell is required. Bivalves gape after boiling, 

 so when the flesh has been removed, the shells 

 should be closed with a string. Chitons are 

 hard to preserve in proper shape; it may be done. 

 however, by tying them flat to a shingle with 

 candle wicking, and placing them in fresh water. 

 After they are dead, and the muscular mantle 

 has lost its contractile power, they must be loosen- 

 ed from the shingle and the viscera removed 

 with a. sharp knife. 



