Sea Shells - Collecting

Confirmed shell collectors fall into two groups: those who collect shells for their intrinsic beauty and rarity, and those who collect shellcraft materials. Members of the first group find pleasure in picking up their own shells on the seashores of their own and foreign lands. They collect shells wherever they go, buying and trading and bartering with other enthusiasts all over the world; they will travel vicariously and collect the most exotic shells from far-off lands through advertising and the mail. The second group will also enjoy collecting seashore shells themselves, but will be just as happy to buy them in craft shops and in bulk, with less regard for the perfections of individual shells. There are many places where you can buy shells in quantity at low rates; let your classified telephone book be your guide.

The shells-for-their-own sake collectors will probably start with a few casually acquired shells and then add to this nucleus with a small purchase from some reputable dealer. They will almost certainly want to read one or two books on shells, at first of an introductory nature and then more specialized as the interest grows. A basic identification handbook is a necessity. Your collection will gradually build up as your knowledge becomes greater. "Pure" shell collecting, though certainly not a difficult or demanding hobby, does require some knowledge and care. You will want to find out where and how to acquire certain shells, what their inhabitants were like and how to prepare them for preservation. Each shell should be kept in a cottoned box or a special case and labeled with all related data—its scientific name, and the date and place of discovery.

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