270 The Commercial Products of the Sea. 



for modern wampum or shell beads for the Indian trade. 

 The hyqiia or Dentalmm shells are employed in a similar 

 manner by the Indians of the Pacific coast. The shells 

 of Cyprcea, Rotella, Oliva, Ttcrretella, Pkasianella (Venetian 

 shells), etc., are mounted as buttons and jewellery. Com- 

 position shellwork for book-covers and frames is made by 

 glueing various shells in mosaics. Calcined shells are used 

 by dentrifice and porcelain makers. Cuttle-fish bone, from 

 Sepia officinalis, has various uses. The opercula of some 

 molluscs are used as " eye-stones," and polished and set for 

 jewellery. 



In considering the manufacturing and useful applica- 

 tions of shells, they might be conveniently ranged under 

 the following groups : — i. The nacreous shells used for 

 making pearl buttons and other useful and ornamental 

 articles. 2. The pearly and iridescent shells, for orna- 

 menting papier-mache work, making card-cases, folios, 

 jewel-cases, etc. 3. Various small shells used for making 

 shell flowers and different fancy articles of grouped shells, 

 and for ladies' bracelets, head-dresses, etc. 4. The shells 

 used for carving cameos to set in brooches, bracelets, neck- 

 laces, scarf-pins, for studs and sleeve-links, and other 

 articles of personal decoration. 5. Shells used for spoons, 

 drinking-vessels, lamps, handles for knives, and other pur- 

 poses of domestic economy ; for snuff-boxes, pipes, and 

 such like curiosities. 6. For making the purest kind of 

 lime when calcined ; for manure, in the form of shell sand 

 and shell marl; and for making pottery- ware and a glaze or 

 enamel, when crushed. 7. Shells are largely used for small 

 monetary payments in North America, India, and Africa, 

 and also as counters in games of chance. Lastly, they 

 serve as studies of design, form, and colour for the sculptor, 

 painter, and art manufacturer. 



