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46 that he proposed to make it the principal ornament of his triumph, as he did subsequently with ivory, in his triumph at the close of the African war. In the present day the demand for it in the more costly sorts of cabinet work, in inlaying, in articles of virtù, and especially in the manufacture of combs, renders this substance an important article of commerce.

The plates of the carapace in this species are stronger, thicker, and clearer than in any other; they are nearly transparent, and most beautifully variegated with yellow, red, and dark brown clouds, often proceeding in radiations; and, being susceptible of a high polish, are well adapted for ornamental purposes. The comparative value of tortoise-shell is said to depend mainly on the thickness and size of the scales, and, but in a subordinate degree, on the clearness and brilliancy of the varying hues. The Indian Archipelago, and particularly the coasts of New Guinea, and the Spice Islands, are reputed to afford the best and finest specimens. A shell is considered of little value, if the animal from which it is taken, does not weigh at least a hundred and fifty pounds.

The ancients were not aware of any mode by which the layers of which the plates are composed could be separated from each other; they therefore had recourse to the tedious and wasteful plan of sawing them into thin leaves or veneers. A better method is now pursued; the whole carapace being taken from the animal, is filled with live coals, or placed with the inner part downwards, over a fire; when thoroughly heated, the plates start from the bony shield, and the constituent layers also gape apart at the edges, so as