British Snail-Watching Society
The British Snail-Watching Society was founded in 1945 by Peter Henniker Heaton. It was an organization "dedicated to the theory that man, harassed by the mounting tempo of modern life, has something to learn from contemplating the snail."
The snail watchers spent much of their time watching snail races, but they also tried to promote interest in snails and were enthusiastic supporters of conchophilately (the collection of pieces of mail damaged by snails that had invaded mailboxes).
Life magazine ran a feature about the society in its Dec 2, 1946 issue.
The snail watchers spent much of their time watching snail races, but they also tried to promote interest in snails and were enthusiastic supporters of conchophilately (the collection of pieces of mail damaged by snails that had invaded mailboxes).
Life magazine ran a feature about the society in its Dec 2, 1946 issue.
Image via Google Cultural Institute
Snail-damaged letter
Comments
Snail mail damaged by snails? Wonder what this group thought of escargot.
Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 09/19/15 at 10:03 AM
The Greeks have been collecting snails for decades (centuries? millenia?) They're usually served in a spicy red sauce that is quite tasty. Unlike escargot which you have to go rooting around in the shell for σαλιγκάρια have already been evicted. In fact, you don't even need one of those spring loaded jobber-dobbers* that can flip the snail across the room!
*jobber-dobbers: Many folks from the coasts of the US have been known to confuse a jobber-dobber with a thing-a-ma-jig, and even a whatsit occasionally. We should not show disdain when their ignorance shows through but, rather wait until they're out of earshot before allowing the eruption of mirth to burst forth.
*jobber-dobbers: Many folks from the coasts of the US have been known to confuse a jobber-dobber with a thing-a-ma-jig, and even a whatsit occasionally. We should not show disdain when their ignorance shows through but, rather wait until they're out of earshot before allowing the eruption of mirth to burst forth.
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 09/19/15 at 10:33 AM
Confusing jobber-dobbers, thing-a-ma-jigs, and whatsits? It might be a do-hickey. But it's all Greek to me!
Posted by muddyvalley on 09/19/15 at 12:22 PM
Many snail videos available for snail-watchers today.
https://youtu.be/sSwymr71ANY
30-sec vid. SLOW-MO of snail.
Might as well be a photo.
Noticed there is also Snail Fruit Tart Recipe video. Didn't watch that...
https://youtu.be/sSwymr71ANY
30-sec vid. SLOW-MO of snail.
Might as well be a photo.
Noticed there is also Snail Fruit Tart Recipe video. Didn't watch that...
Posted by mindful webworker on 09/19/15 at 08:33 PM
For the snails to eat right, not with snails in it???
Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 09/19/15 at 10:05 PM
Still another reason for the decline and fall of the British Empire.
Tree snail poaching was, and probably is, still very popular in the Great Swamp, The Everglades. The shells are very colorful and unique in each tree hammock.
Tree snail poaching was, and probably is, still very popular in the Great Swamp, The Everglades. The shells are very colorful and unique in each tree hammock.
Posted by Gator Guy on 09/20/15 at 02:25 PM
Snail Watching - Just one notch above watching paint dry and watching grass grow on the excitement-o-meter.
I do have to admit taking some time to watch snails when I was young, but that was more of a curiosity thing. I liked how their feelers would retract when touched and slowly return to extension.
I do have to admit taking some time to watch snails when I was young, but that was more of a curiosity thing. I liked how their feelers would retract when touched and slowly return to extension.
Posted by GFnKS on 09/21/15 at 09:45 AM
You just reminded me of Carlin's description of watching golf on tv (paraphrasing)-
Watching golf on tv is like watching flies
f#%k.
Watching golf on tv is like watching flies
f#%k.
Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 09/21/15 at 02:56 PM
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Category: Clubs, Fraternities and Other Self-selecting Organizations