ORIGIN OF THE AMERICAN NEGRO. 
143 
and cracks, and sometimes the core is filled with pieces of stone and 
chunks of iron by the tricky natives and no less tricky dealers. 
When at last the tusk reaches the manufacturer of billiard balls 
it is again examined very carefully for flaws, and even if the small¬ 
est crack is perceptible, the ivory is used for some other purpose. 
If the tusk is found to be perfect and of about the right size—a 
little larger in diameter than the ball is to be—it is sent out to the 
workroom. Here workmen measure the tusk into the proper dis¬ 
tances to be cut into blocks. It is then sawed into lengths of two 
and a half to three inches, according to the size of balls to be made, 
and the turners take the blocks in hand. 
In order to save the corners of the blocks the turner cuts a ring 
at each end and slowly deepens it until a rough ring drops off. This 
is subsequently finished into a martingale ring like those used on 
expensive harness. Two rings come from each billiard ball block. 
The remaining ivory is now almost round, and after a few more 
shavings are taken off it is laid aside to dry for. about six months, 
for ''green” ivory is rather soft, and there is always a likelihood of 
some shrinkage. 
^ AN ADDITIONAL WEALTH IN ECONOMY. 
When it has been seasoned it goes to the workman again, and 
with still more delicate chisels he pares it down smooth and exactly 
round, a task requiring much skill and care. Then the ball is 
roughly polished by means of an ingenious little machine, after 
which it is treated to a rubbing with chalk and chamois skin, and 
finally with plain, soft leather. It is now bright, shiny, and to one 
who doesn’t know about such things, perfectly smooth. But a 
workman spends much time rubbing it with the palms of his hands, 
the best of all devices. 
Every particle of sawdust and shavings from an ivory shop is 
scrupulously saved. By a wonderful process these are treated with 
chemicals, submitted to enormous hydraulic pressure, and molded 
into various small articles so perfect in every particular that only 
an expert can tell them from solid ivory. Worn-out billiard balls 
are cut into various small articles. 
