PEARLS AND PEARL SHELLS. 453 



to give a more pearly effect. They are quaintly carved into brooches and bracelets. 

 In the Manufactures Building- was exhibited a line crucifix several feet in height, and 

 other interesting objects. . 



Leitner and Saloman showed a large quantity of mother-of-pearl shells and a 

 series of works in engraved mother-of-pearl — handles, paper-cutters, and like objects — 

 from Australia. 



In the Anthropological Building, forming part of the Ward collection of mollusks, 

 were fine examples of Pinnas from the various parts of the world; four specimens of 

 the pearl oyster, Avicula (Meleagrina ) margaritifera Linn., from the Indian Ocean, which 

 are remarkable examples of carving by hand, aud some beautifully carved examples 

 of Avicula macroptera Lam., enriched with a circular disc-like ornamentation; also 

 fine examples of Avicula hirundo and Avicula sterna Gould. 



In the building of the French colony of New Caledonia were shown fine examples 

 of engraving of mother-of-pearl shells, the relief being obtained by filling in the 

 cutting with printers' ink. The subjects were in the style of steel engravings, the 

 reproductions of famous paintings. The artist who made them was an unfortunate 

 steel -plate engraver, who for some forgery was sent to New Caledonia, and when not 

 pardoned as soon as he expected, took his own life. His pearl engraving was the 

 finest that it has been my fortune to see anywhere. 



Another mode of shell ornamentation, of a type related to cameo work, may nere 

 be referred to, viz, the carving of Nautilus shells by some of the Pacific Islanders. 

 The outer colored layer is removed down to a surface of uniform dead white, somewhat 

 creamy in tint. In this, patterns are cut down further to the pearly layers below, and 

 when finished the entire shell is thus covered with elaborately carved designs, flowers, 

 scroll work, arabesques, etc., raised in the cream-white upon a ground of pearl in a 

 very beautiful manner. This is also frequently done by etching with acids. 



One of the finest collections illustrating the utilization of the mother-of-pearl, 

 abalone, and other shells, was an exhibit prepared by the Smithsonian Institution. 

 Among these may be mentioned a series illustrating the evolution of pearl buttons, 

 breastpins, earrings, inlaid cane-handles, umbrella handles, cardcases, and boxes, made 

 of the shells of Haliot is cracherodii, and of the true mother-of-pearl shell, Meleagrina 

 margaritifera, and of other shells. 



An interesting exhibit illustrating the mother-of-pearl industry in Austria was 

 that of Carl Storck's successor, at Vienna. This consisted of beautiful carved mother- 

 of-pearl shells, among which may be mentioned a very interesting frame made of the 

 mother-of-pearl and conch shell, and a large series of buttons and other carved orna- 

 ments. The Royal Imperial Austrian Museum of Arts and Industries, of Vienna, 

 exhibited some remarkable shell objects, one a pearl casket, 13 by 10 by 10 inches, 

 made of white and greenish-black mother-of-pearl, a superb piece of workmanship 

 designed by Prof. J. Storck and executed by K. Krehan, of Vienna. Worthy of men- 

 tion in the same exhibit were a collarette and brooch made of elongated and acorn- 

 shaped beads of yellow-greenish-tinted mother of-pearl, the necklace and brooch being 

 of gold and silver, designed by Storck and made by Backer & Son, of Vienna. 



Probably the most superb piece of pearl work in the Fair was a platter, 20 by 15 

 inches aud 1 inches deep, representing the Danube in silver gilt, and embellished 

 with carved figures made of successive layers and pieces of mother-of-pearl, yellow, 

 pink, and other colors of conch, abalone. etc. The central figure is the Danube, and 



