290 Natural and Economical History 
It is reportedthat the Mohegans formerly paid a tribute 
of clams to the Iroquois. ‘These were prepared by roasting. 
For this operation an Indian bed (as it is called) was fixed by 
placing as many clams as it was intended to roast, close to- 
gether on the ground with their edges downward, and keep- 
ing them snug in their positions by a circle of stones. A fire 
is then kindled by means of dry brush, sticks, or stuff on their 
backs, and continued until they are completely cooked. 
They were then arranged on strings and dried for use. This 
method of roasting clams is frequently followed by the white 
people to the present day, when they wish sucha regale, a 
short distance above high water mark, under a shady tree 
during a warm day. ‘They are eaten by such parties hot 
from the shells. 
It is remarkable in the history of the clam, that the shells 
alone, particularly of the varieties 6, 7, and 8, have been fre- 
quently sold by the dealers for a higher price than they fetch- 
ed when entire and containing the animal. It is a constant 
practice in New York to open the clams alive by means of a 
strong knife, and to scoop ovt their bodies to be fried, made 
into soup, and otherwise prepared for food. Great numbers 
of the freshest and finest shells are thereby procured. For 
these shells, or the coloured parts of them, there is a steady 
demand by the persons in the neighbourhood, who manufac- 
ture the blue and purplish parts into an article called by the 
Indians and the fur traders, the former of whom are the chief 
consumers, Wampum. It is a constant material of demand in 
the intercourse with them, and is accordingly sent to the facto- 
ries for making payment for peltries and skins. ‘The quanti- 
ty sold, and the price it bears, vary with the circumstances of 
the season. Wampum ts employed as an ornament of the high- 
est fashion. It can therefore be bought only when the hunt- 
ers have furs enough to purchase their necessaries, witha 
‘surplus for luxuries ; in other words, when they are rich. 
On such occasions wampum brings a good price. But, when 
from laziness, wars, sickness, or bad luck in the chase, they 
have killed but little game, and are poor and empty-handed, 
wampum is low, because they cannot afford to buy it. This 
has, for some cause, been the case for several years. The 
clam-mongers have been under the necessity of throwing 
away many of their shells; and the women who are the prin- 
