1 66 The Soverane Herbe 



with the sternness of this masculine age, and it has 

 now given place to the briar. 



Meerschaum, literally ' the foam of the sea,' is a 

 white mineral, composed of magnesia, silica, and 

 water. When first mined it is soft, though dry, and, 

 forming a lather, like soap, was used by the Tartars 

 in washing. It varies greatly in density, some lumps 

 floating and others sinking in water. That of 

 medium density forms the best pipes. It is its soft- 

 ness, lightness, purity, and power of absorption that 

 recommend it to smokers. 



Meerschaum is found in Italy and Spain, but the 

 best and largest quantities come from Eskishur and 

 Natolia in Asia Minor. It lies in lodes and veins, 

 and is dug from marl-pits at a depth of 50 or 60 feet. 

 The lumps vary in size from a pigeon's egg to that of a 

 quartern loaf, the largest blocks being worth over £20. 



When brought to the surface it is quite soft, but 

 soon assumes a stiffer consistency. It is packed in 

 boxes of about 50 pounds for export, the price vary- 

 ing from 2s. to i6s. a pound according to the size and 

 quality of the pieces. 



At the factory the pieces are first cut on a circular 

 saw into the rough size of pipes, each piece being 

 carefully planned out in order to utilize it to the best 

 advantage. After soaking in water, a workman takes 

 the block of meerschaum in hand, and carves it into 

 the approximate shape of a pipe-bowl. The bowl is 

 excavated, the stem drilled, and the whole turned on 

 the lathe. After drying in an oven the mouthpiece 

 is affixed, and the pipe is passed on to the polishers. 

 Glass-paper having removed all roughness, it is im- 



