PRECIOUS CORAL 125 



tus is hauled in. Small boats manned with only three 

 or four men are employed in this fishery, for larger 

 boats are not required to carry the relatively light 

 fishing gear. 



The Grading and Working of Coral 



The rough coral taken by the fishermen is sorted 

 into four grades as follows: (1) dead or rotten coral, 

 which consists of the main stem and the disk-like foot 

 of the coral stock; (2) black coral; (S) red coral 

 of all kinds, with the exception of pieces of remark- 

 able size; (4) the unusual pieces of special size or 

 beauty, which are sold as selected coral. 



The working of coral is an important industry in 

 the Italian city of Torre del Greco, where thirty-two 

 hundred workers are employed in the workshops. 

 There are also many establishments in Genoa, 

 Naples, Leghorn, and Trapani. The Italian govern- 

 ment has established a school of engraving at Torre 

 del Greco known as the Royal School for Coral En- 

 graving. Instruction is given in the engraving of 

 coral and other materials, such as mother-of-pearl, 

 tortoise-shell, ivory, and hard woods. Clay modeling, 

 designing, inlaying, and other art subjects are also 

 taught. Many experts in carving have graduated 

 from this school, which has aided Italy to retain its 

 leadership in the working of coral. 



Many Japanese are also skilled in the carving of 

 coral. They are famous for their miniature human 

 and equestrian figures done in pink coral. The Mat- 

 sumae collection, which was sold in London recently, 

 was one of the most valuable ever gathered. Single 



