Page:Guide to the Bohemian section and to the Kingdom of Bohemia - 1906.djvu/136

110 wise harsh granular material of which the shell is formed, a beautifully smooth surface. This secretion is laid in extremely thin semi-transparent films, which, in consequence of such an arrangement, have generally a beautiful iridescence, and form in certain species, a sufficient thickness to be cut into useful and ornamental articles. The material itself in its hardened condition is called „nacre“ by zoologists, and by dealers „mother of pearl“.

Articles of mother of pearl appear in a multiplicity of forms, from the humble and neccessary button to all kinds of beautiful things for personal adornment; literally they are used „from head to foot“ for they appear in the pretty head-dresses of the ladies, on their waist-belts and as buckles on their dainty shoes. We also find it worked into parts of fine furniture, inlaid work handels etc.

We shall now confine ourselves to the giving of a few particulars concerning the most useful of the articles produced by our workers in mother of pearl, „buttons“!

These are made in the districts of Čáslav, Kolín, Králové Hradec, Pardubice and Poděbrady, the centre of the industry being Žírovnice a town in the hilly borderland, and Moravia where the trade has rapidly developed since 1865. The buttons are turned on a lathe, the operation being performed with great rapidity.

According to the class of work, a particular shell is used; for they are of various kinds and imported from different parts of the world. In continuation of his work, the operator removes the rough outer layer by grinding, the surface is polished, disc perforated and the finished buttons sewn upon a card.

It would require more space than we can afford, to name all the varieties of this useful article to which all people are more or less attached.

The wares go principally to Vienna and Germany, and from these cities, the chief export trade is done with many foreign countries.

The earnings of men in this trade, of course vary and run from 5—13 s 4 d to 1—3 d.

It may be interesting to know, that in this branch of the carried on Žírovnice, they use 180 tons of shells in