126 CONCHOLOGIST’S COMPANION. 
nature herself supplies, afford the first materials for 
savage finery, and indeed suggest the idea of imita- 
ting them. 
Such was the case in Otaheite, before the light of 
Christianity arose on that benighted country; and 
Pomarre, in abjuring his idols, renounced also the 
savage customs of his ancestors. The caps and 
mantles of the chiefs were almost wholly composed 
of feathers, richly coloured, and decorated with the 
most beautiful shells. Of these a considerable num- 
ber were the native productions of the country ; 
others derived their lustre from the juices of herbs 
and flowers. 
The high antiquity of the Tyrian purple is con- 
firmed by Homer, who ascribes the wearing of purple 
ornaments and robes to the heroes of Greece and 
Rome, and assigns the preparing of them to queens 
and princesses. 
This beautiful colour was held in such esteem by 
the ancients, that it was, at one period especially, 
consecrated to the service of the Deity. Moses used 
purple stuffs for the works of the tabernacle, as well 
as for the habits of the high priest; and among the 
presents which the Israelites made to Gideon, the 
Scriptures notice purple habits as some of the spoils 
of the kings of Midian. 
It is not easy to give a clear and concise idea of 
