116 THE WORLD OF THE SEA. 
this is due to its physical nature. Now coral is used rather as an 
ornament than a remedy, being employed in jewellery, not only in 
Europe, but also in every part of the globe. 
The coral which is found on the French coast is perhaps more 
choice than that of any other country, its colour is more bright 
and clear; though the Italian coral is scarcely inferior. That from 
the shores of Barbary is not so fine, and much less brilliant. 
In the commercial world five varieties of coral are recognised. 
Rose-coloured coral is very rare, and therefore very valuable. 
The coral ornaments made by the Neapolitan artists are not as 
lisht and artistic as the work of the Marseilles jewellers. In the 
late exhibitions the work and the elegance of the coral ornaments 
were beyond all criticism. In the French Exhibition there was a 
set of coral chessmen representing armies of Saracens and the 
Crusaders, the value of which was £400. 
