138 



PKACTICAL TAXIDERMY. 



ing often modifies tlie color of the shell, any other process 

 is tedions. Still specimens for cabinet use should be 

 cleaned without boiling, and soft ones should be lightly 

 coated with linseed or kerosene oil. Dead shells, for or- 

 namental use, may be found on the sea-shore where the 

 waves have cast them. The tropical coasts are the rich- 

 est m shells, and most of the prettiest specimens are 

 brought from the Eastern Hemisphere. 



Star-fishes are usually found among rocks, or on sand- 

 bars near them. They should be placed in pickle to pre- 

 vent decomposition, and then arranged in position for 

 drying. When thoroughly dried, they lose their elas- 

 ticity, and become hard and stiff. 



Sea-urchins may be found about baits placed in the 

 water. They are readily gathered, and should be treated 

 like star-fishes. 



