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Shells bracelet
One published article advocated the collection of dead, beachworn and fossil shells only. Not only would such restrictions be
impractical but they would retard progress of science. Conchology in one way or another may continue to flourish, but
malacology and several related subjects of anatomical study of invertebrates would cease to exist. The pearling industry
would close down, no new species or genera would be discovered and natives depending on molluscan food would go without.
Curators would in time have no new collections to curate and the classification of beachworn shells would present a taxonomic
problem. Furthermore, the manufacture of drugs such as vincaleukoblastine derived from Littorinidae and used to combat the
cancerous disease choriocarcenoma would have to be suspended. Once restrictions are imposed, they should be applicable to all
and not only a chosen few. About 90% of recently described species have been collected by amateur collectors and made
available to professional malacologists for description; new genera have been established on the basis of anatomy and a
scientific treatise on the reproduction of prosobranch gastropods is in progress. Such valuable work has only been possible
through the generous cooperation of the field-collector with the malacologist, and should not be discouraged with the motto
"Look, but don't touch."
They were almost ready to return to shore when Frank spotted a coral head that, he thought, might produce live cowries. Also
this would be a new search technique to teach Dennis. While on the surface between trips to the bottom, Frank was giving a
running description on what to look for in the way of shells and their probable location within the coral head. One
particularly large piece of the coral formation broke off and Frank almost gulped a mouthful of ocean water down his snorkel.
Sitting at the base of the coral branch was an absolutely huge and perfect specimen of Cypraea vitellus. At least that is
what it appeared to be.
The shell was much darker brown than most other vitellus and the base, instead of being whitish or light tan color, was
mauve. The shell proved to be 84 mm in length (about 3.5 inches), 55 mm wide, and 40 mm high (see shell figured above).
Almost immediately after collecting the shell Frank attended a New Year's party. Since there were several shell collectors at
the party the newly found shell went along. It was agreed by all present that finding so beautiful a specimen of Cypraea
vitellus was an excellent way to end the old year and bring in the new.
It seems you never know what will happen when you take a neophyte shell collector to the beach to teach him how to look for
shells. This shell story also points out what we have all known for years, "New HMS members are more likely to find rare
shells than the old timers." Frank had been a member of the HMS a total of 55 days when he found his "shell of shells."
The reader will note, from the above story, that although Cypraea vitellus is a common shell in other parts of the Pacific
Ocean, it is rather rare in Philippines. It also may grow larger in our Islands than in any other area!
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