CONSTANTINOPLE. 155 
upwards, if carefully covered with its own chap. 
raspings : they then work it into tobacco-pipes, 
beads, and soiicoupes " for coffee; the first being 
the chief and most profitable branch of trade in 
which it is employed. After it has been 
wrought, it becomes desiccated, and contracts 
that degree of hardness under which it appears 
when sold for tobacco-pipes ; but even then, 
when heated, it is easily penetrated by any 
sharp instrument, and may be scratched by the 
nail. Either owing to its abundance, or to the 
unskilfulness of those employed in collecting it, 
a great waste takes place in its manufacture : 
no use v/hatsoever is made of the chips at Eski 
Shehr ; but it seems the Jeius have of late 
exported a certain quantity, which gives rise to 
a conjecture, either that they have converted, 
or that they are endeavouring to convert it to 
some useful purpose*. And there is no doubt 
that if this substance was found nearer to our 
(3) The form of Xh&soucoupe in Turkey is not tbat oi a. patera, like 
our saucer: it is Titerally 2,11 under- cup ! and sometimes oi gold, or 
silver, richly ornamented with gems. 
(3) Perhaps for supplying the baths, where it has been used in 
cleansing the hair of the women, (See Vol. II. of these Travels, p, 282. 
Octavo edit.) In a subseqxieut letter to Mr. Hawkins, dated also from 
Brusa, it is stated, by Mr. Pisani, tbat " a great number of cart- 
loads 
