250 On the Economical Uses of some species of Testaced. 
XVI. Vouura cravis. (Linn.)—Chank. 
These shells form a considerable article of trade in Hindoostan, 
where they are in extensive demand all over the country. They 
are sawed into narrow rings, and are worn as ornaments for the arms, 
legs and fingers, by the Hindoo women. Many of them are like- 
wise buried with the bodies of rich and distinguished persons. ‘They 
are fished up by the pearl divers in the Gulf of Manaar, and else- 
where in India, in about two fathoms water. ‘The fishery is monopo- 
lized by government, who most commonly let the banks for as much 
as four thousand pounds sterling per annum, but the trade is free. 
When the Dutch held possession of Ceylon, the fishery was open to 
all, but the trade to Bengal was a monopoly in the hands of the Com- 
pany. A chank, opening to the right, called in Calcutta the right 
handed chank, is so highly prized as sometimes to sell for four hun- 
dred, five hundred, or even one prota rupees, or about five 
hundred dollars, American currency.* 
ae Cyprus Moneta. (Linn.)—Money Cowry. Hindoostanee 
- Kapardakas—Guinea Coast, Timbis. 
Tate shell is indigenous both to the East Indies and the 
western coast of Africa. In the former they are chiefly found on 
the shores of the Lacadive and Maldive islands, and are thence im- 
ported into Calcutta and Bombay. In both continents they are used 
as a circulating medium, and in India they pass current in the Brit- 
ish presidencies, but for very low values. In Calcutta two thousand 
five hundred and sixty cowries are worth one current rupee, or about 
fifty cents; but there are several intermediate and nominal coins, 
the lowest worth four of these shells. They are, however, quickly 
disappearing from commercial transactions where Europeans are 
settled. Previous to the abolition of the slave trade they were 
largely imported into England, to be subsequently used in Africa, 
and though the quantity is much diminished, they are still to be found 
in the price currents of London and Liverpool. In Peale’s museum 
at Philadelphia, there is a singular head dress of scarlet cloth, en- 
tirely studded with these shells, which is said to have been brought 
from China.t 
as gO ae 
. McCulloch's Commercial Dictionary, Article Cuanx. Diction. Univers. de 
par J. Peuchet, Art. Czyton. 
+ McCulloch's € Commercial Diction. Art. Cowrres and Cavcurra. Martyn’s 
Hist. of the British Colonies, Vol. i. p.357. Vol. iv. p. 589. Kelly’s Univ. Cam- 
bist, 2d Ed. Vol.i. pp. 88 and 166. 
