sea. In size it varies from the size of a pea to 
lumps as large as an orange. When first dug 
up it is usually of a pale yellow color, but this 
becomes darker on exposure. The manufacture 
of commercial amber is a government monopoly 
in Prussia. The pieces are all melted down at a 
temperature of about 550° F., and then after 
purification it is cast into slabs about 7% inch 
to 15@ inches thick and four inches to eight 
inches long, in which form it is sold to dealers. 
There are two qualities, opaque and transpar- 
ent, the opaque being the tougher. The cost 
varies considerably, the inferior kinds being 
sold for $2.00 per pound, and the finest speci- 
mens cost up to $60.00 per pound. 
By far the largest quantity of amber used for 
ordinary pipes is imitation amber. The manu- 
facture of this is a trade secret. It is so good 
and fulfills its purpose so well that only experts 
can distinguish it from genuine amber. There 
are many substitutes for amber. 
Good vulcanite, except for the matter of ap- 
pearance is little inferior to amber as mouth- 
piece material. Cut vulcanite is cool and 
smooth, but moulded vulcanite is liable to be 
rough to the lips and should be avoided. Vul- 
canite mouthpieces are usually sold already 
finished direct to the pipe makers. 
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