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.

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6 comments:

  1. Ginger*:)8:34 AM

    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.

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  2. Anonymous11:03 AM

    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!

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  3. Anonymous3:57 AM

    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:>

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  4. valerie walsh11:34 AM

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

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  5. Anonymous6:54 AM

    what a lovely home for little creatures:)

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  6. studio lolo8:19 PM

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

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