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. 
