soft and soapy and gives it the consistency of 
cheese, so that it is then easily shaped into the 
desired form which the pipe is to take. It is 
then dried and hardened again and on comple- 
tion the bowl is hollowed out and the stem 
drilled. If the pipe is a plain one without 
carving it is finished on a lathe and filed ready 
for polishing. It is also threaded for the mouth- 
piece. The pipe is then sent to the drying room 
for such time as is necessary to expel all mois- 
ture. The final treatment for the smoothing 
of the surface is done by fine sandpaper and 
other special substances, then immersing in 
melted white beeswax for three to five minutes 
and finally the giving of a high polish with 
precipitated chalk, cotton and flannel being the 
usual rubbing materials used. 
Meerschaum by its nature is particularly 
adapted for carving. The hand carving of such 
pipes requires artistic and dexterous craftsmen, 
who are experts in this particular class of work. 
There are various imitations of meerschaum. 
One is made from burnt gypsum soaked with 
lime in a solution of gum arabic. This forms a 
hard, creamy plaster and is capable of receiving 
a highly smooth and polished marble-like sur- 
face. 
Another form of imitation is made of a hard- 
ened plaster of Paris highly polished and tinted 
157 
