The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1892-05-13
CARLOADS OF CORAL
WHERE THE FINEST SPECIMENS
COME FROM.
Remarkable Ceral Statues In the Vatican
The Superstition That 1t Keeps
on the Evil Eye-ItaIians
Fond Of 1t.

world The little port of Torre-del-
Greco is the home of colony of coral
fishers, who make an humble living
by despoiling the bright homes of the
industrious little sea dwellers.
In Naples coral carving gives en-
ployment to number of people. The
work is done by a series of small
knives from designs laid before the
artist. Oftentimes the natural or
rather the unnatural shape OF the
coral affords opportunity for carving
the most curious and bizarre forms,
All the gods and goddesses from
queenly Venus to the most insidious
Bacchanalian imp. are nodded into
shape by the carver's TOOLS
/ wonder that coral is not more
worn in America, says writer in the
jewelers. Review. Mounted in gold
in skillful manner it makes most
artistic and l don't mind saying,
tasteful ornament
The Italians wear coral by the
wagon load. There is scarcely wo-
man in all Italy, from the proud queen
of society TO the humblest contadina
who does not possess one or moro ar
ticles OF this curious product.
Considerable superstition exists in
this country, even in the ripe civiliza-
ton Of the present day in regard to
the wearing OF coral. 1t is supposed
to be potent against the influence of
the Evil Eye The ancients also be-
leved that coral possessed certain
medicinal virtues. The mixture COM
pounded was not appetizing, as it con-
sisted OF calcined and pulverized coral
together with the remains OF a dried
toad This delicate mixture was con-
sidered panacea for collie and an
antidote against poison.
Three hundred years ago, when a
Neapohtan naturalist advanced the
theory that coral belonged to the ami
NAL rather than the vegetable king
dom, he was regarded as a saltwater
crank, but the observant man lived to
prove to his critics that their so called
vegetable growth was nothing more
than the stony frame to little animals.
The coral zoophite not only produces
Eggs and young like other animals
but buds like other plants. These
buds develop like cactus. and form
the shape of the mass while the ami
NAL part OF the double natured sea
product works to fortify the walls of
its castle
Coral is found in all oceans, but
abounds more particularly in the Pa
cific and in the Mediterranean Sea. 1t
grows at various depths. and in shall
low water forms compact foundation
for the making of islands Rose coral
Is peculiar to the Italian coast and is
considered more valuable than the
dark red that comes from Africa. The
rarest of all shades, a delicate sal
mon, is found on the coast of Sardinia.
There are three species of coral
prain, which is sometimes twelve feet
In Misunderstanding and branching.
That used in jewelry is known as
precious coral and is considered
worthy of being set in the company
of diamonds. The Empress Eugene
was the proud possessor of q necklace
OF coral and diamonds that showed off
her white neck to perfection.
Some beautiful statueLtes are now in
the vatican collection in which the
artist has skillfully avaled himself of
the twists and turns OF the branches
TO form the limbs Of his subjects.
priced necklace in the jewelry
shop OF an aristocratic furnisher to the
queen that was made of coral beads as
large as ordinary marbles. They were
of that pale salmon shade so up-
common in this substance and were
valued at $500. The price rather
astonished me after having seen. such
q quantity of cheap coral as the
smaller merchants offered for sale.
Jewellers have for long time been
using choice pieces of coral under the
name of coraline and these in the
company OF precious stones make
some of the most tasteful bracelets
and rings that are put upon tie
market.
In Italy the smallest bits of coral
are brought into service in necklaces,
and many hundreds Of these minute
particles strung together give more
charming effect than the regularly
turned beads
Coral is so cheap in Italy that 1t
does not pay to initiate it At present
trade is not brisk and merchants are
overloaded with stock / stepped into
a shop in the Corso recently to ask
a few questions on the subject in hand
and barely escaped.
The merchant insisting upon thrust
ing into my hand every article that
glanced at and all but going into my
pocket for the pay. An assistant
stood by with wrapping paper. and
gave himself the trouble OF envelopiug
every thing that he hoped / would
take. When declined these atten-
tions the worthy proprietor few into
q rage, but was no moro cowed than
coerced into buying what l did not
want and withdrew, feeling that my
polite adieu was wasted on the bias
phemous air