46 TESTUDINATA. CHELONIAD^. 



that he proposed to make it the principal orna- 

 ment of his triumph, as he did subsequently with 

 ivory, in his triumph at the close of the 

 African war. In the present day the demand 

 for it in the more costly sorts of cabinet work, 

 in inlaying, in articles of virtu, and especially 

 in the manufacture of combs, renders this sub- 

 stance an important article of commerce. 



The plates of the carapace in this species are 

 stronger, thicker, and clearer than in any other ; 

 they are nearly transparent, and most beauti- 

 fully variegated with yellow, red, and dark brown 

 clouds, often proceeding in radiations ; and, being 

 susceptible of a high polish, are well adapted for 

 ornamental purposes. The comparative value of 

 tortoise-shell is said to depend mainly on the 

 thickness and size of the scales, and, but in a 

 subordinate degree, on tlie clearness and brilliancy 

 of the varying hues. The Indian Archipelago, and 

 particularly the coasts of New Guinea, and the 

 Spice Islands, are reputed to afford the best and 

 finest specimens. A shell is considered of little 

 value, if the animal from which it is taken, does 

 not weigh at least a hundred and fifty pounds. 



The ancients were not aware of any mode by 

 which the layers of which the plates are composed 

 could be separated from each other ; they there- 

 fore had recourse to the tedious and wasteful 

 plan of sawing them into thin leaves or veneers. 

 A better method is now pursued ; the whole cara- 

 pace being taken from the animal, is filled with 

 live coals, or placed with the inner part down- 

 wards, over a fire ; when thoroughly heated, the 

 plates start from the bony shield, and the con- 

 stituent layers also gape apart at the edges, so as 



