ORIGIN OF THE AMERICAN NEGRO. 143 



and cracks, and sometimes the core is filled with pieces of stone and 

 chunks of iron by the tricky natives and no less tricky dealers. 



When at last the tusk reaches the manufacturer of billiard balls 

 it is again examined very carefully for flaws, and even if the small- 

 est crack is perceptible, the ivory is used for some other purpose. 

 If the tusk is found to be perfect and of about the right size — a 

 little larger in diameter than the ball is to be — it is sent out to the 

 workroom. Here workmen measure the tusk into the proper dis- 

 tances to be cut into blocks. It is then sawed into lengths of two 

 and a half to three inches, according to the size of balls to be made, 

 and the turners take the blocks in hand. 



In order to save the corners of the blocks the turner cuts a ring 

 at each end and slowly deepens it until a rough ring drops off. This 

 is subsequently finished into a martingale ring like those used on 

 expensive harness. Two rings come from each billiard ball block. 

 The remaining ivory is now almost round, and after a few more 

 shavings are taken off it is laid aside to dry for about six months, 

 for "green" ivory is rather soft, and there is always a likelihood of 

 some shrinkage. 



AN ADDITIONAL WEALTH IN* ECONOMY. 



When it has been seasoned it goes to the workman again, and 

 with still more delicate chisels he pares it down smooth and exactly 

 round, a task requiring much skill and care. Then the ball is 

 roughly polished by means of an ingenious little machine, after 

 which it is treated to a rubbing with chalk and chamois skin, and 

 finally with plain, soft leather. It is now bright, shiny, and to one 

 who doesn't know about such things, perfectly smooth. But a 

 workman spends much time rubbing it with the palms of his hands, 

 the best of all devices. 



Every particle of sawdust and shavings from an ivory shop is 

 scrupulously saved. By a wonderful process these are treated with 

 chemicals, submitted to enormous hydraulic pressure, and molded 

 into various small articles so perfect in every particular that only 

 an expert can tell them from solid ivory. Worn-out billiard balls 

 are cut into various small articles. 



