of the Eatable Clam of New York. 291 
cipal manufacturers of wampum, have experienced rather a 
decline of their business. © 
The coloured portion of the clam shell is ground into ob 
long pieces, varying from one quarter of an inch, usually, to 
three quarters of an inch in length, and of the diameter of a 
crow’s quill. Each piece is bored through lengthwise, 
whereby it becomes a hollow cylinder. The pieces are then 
strung like beads to the number of about two dozen and a half 
to pore dozen on a string. This is called a stint of Wam- 
PDiakaas 3 its ent for the — of dress and dine 
coration, a — wampum is a denomination of value. 
ce'of a horse, a peek of beay er, or an thing 
ee can be stiles oe in anaes and pee b neg 
strings are held. 
A white wampum is prepared from the shell of the iia, 
ma conch or strombus. The pieces of this are of about. the 
same diameter with the preceding, but longer, and from the 
—— are prepared white ornaments for the ears of the 
» about two inches long, and as thickas a prone 
re cheaper than the other 4 
“Petes of “Wlia ptt are. ae and. connected a 
manner for solemn purposes, as to what is 
It is believed the Indians adapt and arrat 
manner as to be significant like wetge: Be 
are therefore mostly delivered at treaties and i 
of “amp 
t : 
occasions. But whether they convey a meaning or record of 
the transaction or not, they indicate a generous spirit on the 
ch of the donor as being valuable presents. Blue is a fa- 
te colour in the Indian taste and ornament. Through 
the wae range of Polynesian islands, situated between Ame- 
rica and Asia, blue beads of glass are in the highest estima- 
sion ; and a string of them will go very far in the purchase of 
provisions or any thing else the natives haye to sell,. The 
