The text and paintings on The Trowbridge Chronicles are taken from the illustrated journal of Violet Trowbridge, a shrew that once lived in a village deep in the Olympic Rain Forest. Each new post will represent a portion of Mrs. Trowbridge’s journal.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

SOUTH SEA SHELL

Because shells aren't very heavy, we found evidence on our recent South Seas expedition that the shrews of old used large conch shells for portable or temporary housing. A group of shrews could move a conch shell for a short distance in order to move the "shelling" (shell dwelling) out of the hot sun or the torrential rain. This is one of several shell paintings that Mrs. Trowbridge created resulting from her many hours of research at the Huckleberry Hollow library.

6 comments:

Ginger*:) said...

This type of shell would make a castle for a shrew family of the South Seas. We also saw many such shells on Grand Cayman island. There were so many in fact that although we were tempted to take one away, we knew that they would become homes for the more fortunate creatures who found the empty ones just the right size for a growing family.

It isn't just the colors, but the incredible structure and fascinating texture that are so inviting.

Anonymous said...

hi bron, tnx for your kind comment...Trowbridge's most recent adventures in the south seas sounds enchanting to me
:)
I have a shell like this!

Anonymous said...

Conch shells are so intriquing and beautiful. I can imagine that one would mae a fine home for a family of tiny creatures like shrews:>

valerie walsh said...

I feel as though I could lift it up and shake out one of your characters Bron! Amazing and wonderful!

Anonymous said...

what a lovely home for little creatures:)

studio lolo said...

You should definately illustrate a nature journal of your own, inspired by Violet, of course!