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Dentalium, wampum (both cylinder and disk) and other shell speci- 
mens should be soaked in the celluloid solution. They are quite often highly 
porous, especially the wampum, and require careful handling. Contained 
salts should be removed and the celluloid used to strengthen the shell. 
In some cases shells from kitchen-middens will pulverize when dry. 
They should be kept damp by shipping them in wet moss. The shells, 
without being cleaned, are dropped in a 5 per cent solution of clear gelatin 
in water, and while in this bath dirt may be removed with a soft brush. 
If much dirt is present, they should be transferred to a second gelatin bath 
of the same strength after cleaning. They are then removed directly to a 
bath of formaldehyde. This has the effect of hardening the gelatin and 
forming an insoluble substance that will preserve the shell indefinitely. 
They should be allowed to dry slowly after removal from the formaldehyde. 
Sinew 
Lashings and braided sinew cords become very stiff and dry in storage. 
They should be moistened with water before any attempt is made to 
tighten lashings or to retie fastenings of this kind. In some cases it is 
advisable to hold a lashing in place with a dab of celluloid cement and then 
coat the whole lashing with a celluloid varnish. 
Sinew is subject to attack by insects and should be inspected with 
this in mind. 
Turtleshell 
Turtleshell rattles from the eastern woodlands may be cleaned with 
soap and warm water and a stiff brush. After drying, a very little vaseline 
well rubbed in will restore the gloss, but too much vaseline will collect 
dust. Care should be taken that the interior of the shell is as free as possible 
from desiccated animal matter as this would attract insect pests. 
Wool 
In a general way, wool may be treated as any other textile, but deserves 
separate mention on account of the great attraction it has for moths. Large 
specimens, such as the mountain goat wool blankets from the west coast, 
should be laid out on a lawn in bright sunlight and lightly beaten to free 
them from dust and dirt, each side being treated in turn. In storage they 
should be rolled or folded with layers of naphthalene in the folds. Smaller 
specimens, which are in a fragile condition, may be sprayed with a very 
thin solution of celluloid in acetone, or laid on a piece of wire netting and 
immersed in the solution. The solution must be very thin, or the spaces 
between the warp and the weft elements will be filled up and the appear- 
ance of the specimen ruined. 
Very small fragments of woollen textiles, such as are occasionally 
removed in excavation, often charred, may be mounted in Canada balsam 
on glass in the same way that slides are prepared for the microscope. This 
secures the specimen from damage and permits its ready examination 
either in the hand or with a lens. The number of the specimen may be 
painted or scratched on the glass itself. 
