290 Natural and Economical History 
meee of roa roasting clams is tate ie followed by the white 
people to the present day, when they wish such a regale, a 
short distance above high water mark, under a shady tree 
fom the sha warm day. They are eaten by such parties hot 
e shells. 
Itis remarkable in the history of the clam, that the shells 
alone, particularly of the varieties 6, 7, and 8, have been fre- 
ia ae sold by the dealers for a higher price than they fetch- 
ed when entire and containing the animal. It is a constant 
practice in New York to open the clog alive by means of a 
strong knife, and to scoop ovt their bodies to ped fried, made 
into soup, and otherwise prepared for food, t number rs 
f the freshest ces finest shells are thereby i me | 
, or the colo t 
vonsume ers, "Wer um, Ii is a constant material of demand in 
the intereourse with them, and is accordingly sent to the facto- 
ries for making payment for peltries and skins, The quanti- 
ty sold, and the priceit bears, vary with the circumstances of 
the season. Wampum is employed as an ornament of 
est fashion. It can therefore be bought only when the hunt- 
ers have furs enough to purchase their necessaries, with a 
Surplus for luxuries ; in other wae when they are rich. 
On such occasions wampum brings a good price, But, when 
from laziness, wars, sickness, or Sad uck in the chase, the 
have Killed but little game, and are poor and ol eee 
wi is low, because they cannot afford to b This 
» for some cause, been the case for seyetsT'y years. The 
n-mongers have been under the necessity of throwing 
awif maily of their shells : and the women who are the es 
