118 INTRODUCTION TO CONCHOLOGY. 



deliglited with the splendid effect produced by this new 

 colour,, that he forbade the use of it to any of his subjects. 



Such are the different traditions respecting the origin of 

 the pui'ple dye^ which is involved in the same obscurity as 

 pervades the discovery of every art connected with the ordi- 

 nary wants and necessities of man; — they have generally 

 originated in times beyond the reach of authentic history or 

 tradition, and have been the offspring of his natural faculties, 

 directed by the great primitive wants of food, shelter, and 

 raiment. 



But though neither history nor tradition have preserved 

 any authentic information with regard to the origin of this 

 interesting art, yet, from analogy, as well as observation of 

 the practice of barbarous nations at the present day, we can 

 readily credit the fables of the latter with regard to the rude 

 beginnings from w^hich the art has sprung. The rich and 

 gaudy plumage of birds, the finely-spotted skins of animals, 

 coloured shells, stones, and such other substances as nature 

 herself supplies, afford the first materials for savage finery, 

 and indeed suggest the idea of imitating them. 



Such was the case in Otaheite, before the light of 

 Christianity arose on that benighted country ; and Pomare, 

 in abjuring her idols, renounced also the savage customs of 



