468 The Commercial Products of the Sea. 



Four steam-dredges are employed for the collection of the 

 amber, as well as a considerable number of dredges worked 

 by hand. The amber is found almost uniformly in separate 

 nodules, with lignite, disseminated in the sand, at a depth 

 of from 10 to 12 feet. The dredging is carried on day and 

 night, by "shifts" of men, working eight hours each. About 

 400 persons are so employed, and their wages are, on the 

 average, 2s. 6d. per shift. The quantity of amber collected 

 is considerable, amounting to about 288 Ibs. per shift, and 

 for six days' work 51,184 Ibs. The sand, after being 

 dredged up, is sent on shore, where it is washed, in order to 

 find the amber. 



The method of obtaining amber from its ocean place 

 of deposit in other parts is much on the principle of the 

 ordinary submarine diving-dress. A woollen garment 

 covers the entire body of the diver. This is again encom- 

 passed by an india-rubber dress, made in one piece, but 

 differing in shape from the old-fashioned diving-dress, and 

 allowing the diver to lie at full length. The helmet, also, 

 is of a novel construction. Firmly fastened to it, and rest- 

 ing on the shoulders, is a small air-chest, made of sheet- 

 iron. This last is connected with the air-pump in the boat 

 above by an india-rubber tubing, 40 feet long, and with the 

 diver's lungs by another india-rubber tube, the mouthpiece 

 of which is held by the diver between his teeth ; the whole 

 apparatus being scientifically arranged so as to admit a 

 sufficient supply of pure air from above, and means of exit 

 for the expired breath. The helmet is provided with three 

 openings, covered with glass and protected by wire, for the 

 use of the eyes and mouth. When this contrivance has been 

 screwed on to the person of the diver, a rope tied round his 

 waist, and half a hundred-weight of lead attached to his feet, 

 shoulders, and helmet, he is ready for his plunge. Down, 



