CHELONIAIMBRICATA. 53 



animals; fifteen pounds is the most obtained even from animals of the largest size; 

 yet this substance is so valuable that the Chelonia imbricata of the same dimen- 

 sions with a Green Turtle would sell for ten times as much. The lamina, when 

 separated, are delicate and easily broken, yet by certain management they can 

 be made to take on any desired form, which is done by immersing them for a 

 time in hot water, and then placing them in moulds of iron or wood; many por- 

 tions may be joined together by cutting or scraping the edges thin; placing them 

 in accurate contact, in which position they must be retained, and kept in boiling 

 water till softened, then removed and suddenly cooled; and thus can a continuous 

 surface of great extent be produced, even sufficient to cover pillars and doors, 

 as practised by the ancients, with whom it was held in great estimation. For 

 information as to the procedure of arranging this substance for different purposes, 

 as well as for the various uses to which it is applied, we may refer to those works 

 of art that treat on the subject. 



