of the Eatable Clam of New York. 203 
1. Blue wampum of the first quality, from the clam. 
2, Blue wampum of the second rate, from the same. 
3. White wampum from the conch; and_- 
4, White ear ornaments in imitation of the dentalium shell, 
from the same. 
Allof which are manufactured at this day for the Indian » 
trade. : 
Clams not uncommonly contain pearls. These are co- 
loured as the shells themselves are; that is, white, blue, pur- 
plish, violet, and mixed; but they are seldom beautiful 
enough for jewellers’ use. Their shapes are various, being 
spherical, oval, orange-shaped, andirregular. I have a pur- 
plish one that weighs sixty-nine grams, which surpasses all 
that I have heard of. ‘To forman opinion of the frequency of 
their occurrence, I may mention a circumstance that happen- 
edon Long Island. A man desirous of making a collection of 
clam pearls, gave notice ‘hrough the neighbourhood that he 
would pay a quarter of a dollar each for those of proper size ; 
and in ‘the course of a few months he received two dozen. 
The clam-mongers in the city save the pearls they find on 
opening the animals alive, and sell them to persons who come 
to the stallsin the market to purchase them. 
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your last, 
and to renew the assurance of my good will. 
SAMUEL L, MITCHILL, 
