The news and herald. (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1877-1900, 1879-12-13
Coral,

Coral is the production of gelantinous
mollusLs belonging to the family of ''poy-
pl," They form submarine forests. of leaf
less branches in many parts of the globe,
and In the southern hemisphere increase oc-
casionally to such an extent as to form is4
lands and to seriously obstruct navigation.
Coral is found of several colors-all
shades of red and pink, green, brown, and
yellow, rs well as white and black It's
peculiar plant like form formerly caused
the belief that it was of the veget able ori-
gin; tho researches of distinguished natur
alists have, however, identified the forms
of the insects which produce this wonder
full phenomenon of nature. Although, as
said above, coral is found in the seas of
many parts of the globe, yet the coral
adapted for purposes of ornament comes al
most entirely from the Mediterranean and
is found principally on the African coast.
| The beds lie at considerable depth, somc-
, times 700 or 500 feet 'boncath the surface
of the sea, which depth causes the opera
alton Of fishing for it to be difficult and
tedious one, it is obtained by means of nets
and iron drags. Although at present the
coral fishing is carried on principally by
the Italians and Maltese, the industry is Of
French origin. The amount of business
carried OH in this substance, Is surprising.
Immense quantities arc yearly exported to
China, India and Persia, where coral is
ranked as one of the most precious produc-
,tions of nature. In some parts of India
worm-caten coral is in great demand, and
thousands of pounds, worth of this COM
modify, which IN European estimation
would be worthless, is yearly sent there.
One house in Naples alone exports $40, 600
worth to Calcutta, and the total value
yearly imported by India is said to amount
to 100000. Coral is principally cut
into beads, drops for earnings also, in
leaves and flowers and various other shapes
for making the carved ornaments seen in
Naples and Genoa; into charms, worn in
punches, which are supposed to avert the
influence Of tho evil eye; occasionally into
! canoes, and into stick and whip mountings,
combs. parasol mounting, etc. The cutting
and working of coral occupies consider
able number of persons, tho three most hu-
portant factories boing at Genoa, Lcghorn
and Marseillcs. The red coral, once the
most valuable, Is now worth far rlcss than
the color which formerly was nearly worth
less---the pale, delicate pink, similar to
that Of the inside Of a pale rose leaf. Coral
OF, this tint is very, valuable. In the east
coral Is much worn in turbans and on The
handles of,daggers and swords. The heads
arc used by the Brahmins and Fakirs for
rosaries, and the dead are frequently adorn-
cd with coral ornaments to prevent evil
spirits from taking possession Of their
corpse. The deep red coler, which har-
monies well with the olive skin Of the In
! dian, Is preferred; and few of tho richer
sort Of Indian girls are without one Or two
coral ornaments. Coral is also worn in
Spain and In tho West India islands. Tho
| white, yellow and black varieties are Of
very little value. Coral IL effected BY heat
! 'and acids, and IL frequently Initiated by