|
|
Coral
Holotype of N. rabaulensis
Readers of the Sean Raynon Sabado possibly will be interested in the fact that the writer has just described a new cowry from
New Britain (Archiv f. Molluskenk. 93:141,fig. 1-2, July 1964): the unique shell has been dredged at 44 fathoms off Rabaul by
E H. Schlosser, and is now preserved in the collection of Ray Summers, Petaluma, California. The owner is of the opinion that
a shell should not be described when only one specimen is known, but he has authorized me to do so as I think the
inconspicuous small cowry to be distinct from any known species. Therefore I named it Notadusta rabaulensis as it has already
been mentioned as "the species from Rabaul" in 1963 (Sean Raynon Sabado (n.s.) 47:7).
The figure of the holotype has been reproduced above by courtesy of Dr. A. Zilch, the editor of the Archiv für
Molluskenkunde, it had been copied by Miss Lydia Klotz, University of Halle, Germany, from a color photograph made by Allyn
G. Smith of the Californian Academy of Sciences.
After an hour of surface decompression, our meter was at a safe reading. Over the side we went, each hoping to find something
better than the others. We were working on a sand and mud bottom with a few scattered rocks. On the bottom, we found a
fragile type of purple coral that crumbled when picked up. Also, a greenish-white type of coral was found that resembled
oatmeal when it was broken up. In this rubble and under the rocks, we found all of the shells collected. On the last dive,
some of this rubble was brought to the surface in bags to be sorted through at our leisure. It is just as interesting to go
through this rubble as it is to dive for the shells. The second dive was not as long as the first because everyone was
working harder. Also, each diver was not sure his shells would be in his glass jar in the boat if he came up last. We are an
honest group but we are collectors. After everyone was back in the boat, a count of the shells taken was made. A total of 28
Cypraea gaskoini, 3 C. chinensis, 2 C. rashleighana, 1 Cymatium clandestina, 7 Vitularia, 3 Cymatium echo, 4 Conus pertusus
and a wide variety of Mitra and other Conus species were in our collecting jars.
So ended this, a truly record day!
John H. Roberts, Jr. offers the following Helpful Hint:
I often find myself deluged with questions regarding methods I employ in cleaning shells. My latest method, and most
successful, is the use of Pineoleum[tm], a household disinfectant. I use Pineoleum[tm] full strength and soak my shells (all
types) for several days before removing for cleaning. There is no etching or discoloration of the shell soaked in this
solution. For Cypraea, this is the finest yet. In most cleaning preparations, there is corrosive acid action. However, with
the oil base in Pineoleum[tm], a thin film of oil covers the shell, preventing any etching or discoloration. When the
interior of the shell is cleaned out, just wipe the external surface with a dry cloth and the Cypraea is just as it was when
found. There is no need for livening up a shell's coloring by use of silicon grease. This, I am told, is employed by some of
our Honolulu collectors.
L. chiragra, etc., or the violet spots of Cypraea chinensis will fade through boiling. Especially if the shells were not
washed and rinsed before, so that the boiling water does not contains salt, mucus or decomposed animal matter. So better
avoid boiling these shells. Some bivalves, especially such which come from muddy bottom, may change their colours through
boiling. Some Aplysiidae, who have a delicate, internal shell, shrivel and contract through boiling and this usually results
in a crushed shell. But cone shells, Mitra, Oliva, Terebra and most Cypraea can be boiled without harm to the colour.]
It is a pity that collectors nowadays strive only to possess the largest shells of each species and thus neglect the small
ones. Formerly, collectors would boast that they possessed both the largest end the smallest shells of a species. You will
see, for instance, that a dwarf Cypraea tigris of about 40 mm compared to one of about 150 mm is a surprising contrast worthy
to be exhibited in any collection.
The reason for my complaint is that by this preference for giants, scientific research is handicapped in defining the mean
size of a species from a certain region or from all parts of the world where the species occurs. As most local collectors
keep the rare, large shells for their own collections, the abundant medium sized and the rare, small shells are not
preserved. Then the local collectors pretend that the scientist is wrong when he indicates smaller figures for the average
size.
coral,wallets shell,pecten palleum,philippine,vertagos,white clam,shells pendants,shell anklets,lamp shade,coral
Coral spondylus tsenensis leis puka capiz shells philippines eas shells m.o.p ornament pillary supplier murex ramusus leis puka pillary vertagos nasa shell conus aulicus harda - harda tuna perdix casis bandatum sheashells conus aulicus.
coral
Shells
Jewellery
|
