88 4 



The National Geographic Magazine 



Photo by Herbert West 



MALAYS IN NATIVE COSTUME: SINGAPORE 



next with 1,100 to 1,300 pounds, while 

 the average yield of the fin-back and 

 hump-back is only about two hundred 

 and fifty pounds from each animal, and 

 of little value because of the poor quality 

 and insufficient length. 



The economic value of whalebone is 

 due to its combined qualities of light- 

 ness, elasticity, and flexibility, even when 

 split into very thin strips. It has also 

 the property of permanently retaining 

 any shape that may be given to it when 

 it is heated, and then cooled under com- 

 pression. It is therefore unrivaled as 

 material for use in whips, corsets, for 

 dress stays and similar purposes. 



The cutting of whalebone — that is, 



changing the rough slabs into the forms 

 and sizes suitable to the different uses — 

 is carried on principally in New York 

 City and Boston. 



After delivery at the factory, in bun- 

 dles containing 15 to 25 long single slabs 

 which have been roughly cleaned, the 

 first operation consists in cutting off the 

 hair or fringe along the edge with a 

 knife or a pair of shears. This hair ranges 

 in length from two to eighteen inches, 

 and is sold to brushmakers, who com- 

 bine it with other bristle materials and 

 use it in the manufacture of clothes- 

 brushes. 



Years ago whalebone was extensively 

 used in making ribs for umbrellas and 



