v MODE iy. ALABASTRITE. 4(53 



layers, instead of forming re-entering courses, 

 describe straight lines, or slightly undulated ; 

 and as these layers are of lively marked colours, 

 such as the white and Ted, cameos may be made 

 of them, as they are of onyx-agates. 



" The onyx- alabaster of Sienna is of the ut- 

 most beauty : it presents layers of three bright 

 and distinct colours; yellow, red, which is opake, 

 and white, which is very transparent. 



" The other alabasters of Italy, which are 

 most valuable, are the agate-alabaster of Sienna, 

 which is nearly transparent, and of a fine uni- 

 form yellow. 



" The alabaster of Montanto, in Tuscany, 

 which is yellow, semi-transparent, with undu- 

 lated white veins. 



" The alabaster called Pecorino, which is 

 transparent, of a uniform fawn colour, or min- 

 gled with brown veins. 



" The isle of Malta also furnishes various ala- 

 basters, and particularly one of the colour of 

 wax, like the agate- alabaster of Sienna ; its paste 

 is of the greatest fineness, and of a beautiful 

 semi-transparency. In the Museum of Arts is 

 seen a statue of Minerva, nearly as large as life, 

 of a similar alabaster, which is much admired. 



" The name of oriental alabaster is given to 

 that which adds to a fine paste lively and distinct 



