Geographical Distribution of ike SJiell-Purple Inditstry. 29 



real, and are due rather to lack of precise information, 

 than to an entire absence of the art in certain places. 



I have been unable so far to trace any indication of 

 this industry in the numerous islands of the Pacific. '" 



Judging from the presence in these islands of other 

 associated elements of culture, such as shell-trumpets and 

 pearls, acquired by direct or indirect contact with the 

 Eastern Mediterranean, it seems possible that the art of 

 dyeing by means of shell-fish also spread in this direction. 

 Various circumstances, however, may have prevented the 

 adoption of so curious a custom. 



'It must be remembered that particular kinds of shell- 

 fish were necessarx' for the production of the purple, and 

 much would depend on the presence of one or other of 

 these forms in the seas round the islands of the Pacific. 

 Mnrex and Purpura certainl)' occur in their neighbour- 

 hood, but they are totally unlike the purple-yielding shell- 

 fish of the Mediterranean — a fact that may have led to 

 their being disregarded by the bearers of the particular 

 culture. It is only when we reach the American coast 



that we find a form of shell-fish analogous to that used by 



— \ 

 Tyrian dyers of ancient times. 



°- Tlie reference to its use in New Zealand", given in Manrh. JMnn., 

 Vol. 60, 1915, No. I, \). 36, is founded on a misunderstanding. 



