48 



OKHAMANDAL MARINE ZOOLOGY REPORT 



Malay Archijx'lago.—Y ariom places in the Dutch Indies; North Borneo, notabl)^ 

 at Labuk Bay ; the Philippines ; also in Cochin China and Southern China. 



L)iving for Window-paiio Oystevs in Rami Bay, Okliamandal. 



ECONOMIC USES. 



The name window-pane oj'ster, which travellers in Southern China liaA'e given to 

 Fh.icuna placenta, indicates the use to which this shell has been, and is even yet, put 

 in some Eastern countries. 



During the days of Portuguese rule in India., when window-glass was a scarce and 

 costly commodity, these shells were extensivclj" used in the Portuguese settlements as a 

 sulistitute. Fryer recorded this in 1G75 ; the custom lingers in Goa to this day. Max 

 Wel)er, writing in 190G, states that this wiudow-glazing is still to be seen at jMenado 

 in the Dutch Indies and also in the Philippines. In C'anton and other districts of 

 Southern China, its use for the same purpose also continues ; lastly, quite recently 

 (1907) I saw a verandah at the Chiriese Clul) at llholon (Cochin China) roofed with these 

 shells, while in the adjacent stream which intersects this town Aunamite women were 

 Imsy soaking and cleaning such large (piantities of the valves as indicated consideral:)le 

 demand. 



The shells chosen for the purpose of glazing are half-grown individuals: I should 

 judge them to be eighteen months old. After soaking some time to eft'ect the decay of 

 the riesh, the shells are cleaned Ijy being tossed and shaken together ni baskets till all 

 dirt and roughness are removed and a translucent mica-like appearance is obtained. 



