Walker Lake bulletin. (Hawthorne, Nev.) 1883-1926, 1895-07-03

flaws. and if even the smallest crack is
peroeptible the lowry 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 number of aproned
workmen = and marvelously skilled
they are, too-measure the tusk into
the proper distances to be cut into
blocks. 1t is then sawed into lengths
of two and half TO three inches, ao-
cording to the size of balls to be made,
and the turner's take the blocks in
hand. All the lathes used are of ex-
quisitely delicate workmanship, for
ivory is u precious material and
mistake is always expensive. 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 martingale ring like those used
on expensive harness. Two rings come
from each billiard ball block. The
remaining ivory is low almost round,
and after 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 lik-
lihood of some shrinkage.
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 re-
quiring much skill and care. Then
the ball is roughly polished by means
of an ingenious little machine, after
which it is treated to rubbing with
chalk and chamois skin, and finally
with plan, soft leather. 1t is now
bright, shiny. and to one who
doesn't know about such things, per-
fectly smooth. But workman spends
much time ON it rubbing with the
palms of his hands-the best of all
polishing devices.
Ivory is extremely sensitive to atmos-
pherio and climatic changes. and some
apparently perfect balls will begin to
crack and chip almost at once, while
Others will remain in good condition for
years. superficial check. however.
does not materially impair the value of
billiard ball.
ivory, all the enamel on the ouside of
the tusk having been removed before
turning. In she second grade some
enamel has been left, which impairs
the appearance of the ball, but does
not seriously affect its usefulness
The third class includes the balls which
show small surface cracks.
Ivory is extremely susceptible to
color, probably ON account of it's porous
quality, and the red and vari-colored
balls are made by using aniline.
Usually the part enamel balls Or the
cracked balls are used colored because
their defects are thus concealed. In
order to preserve billiard ball it
should be oiled little flom time to
time.
Every particle of sawdust and shaw
ings from an ivory shop is scrupulously
saved. By wonderful process these
are treated with chemicals. submitted
to enormously hydraulic pressure and
nodded 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.
The carving of ivory is one of the
Oldest arts in the world. Excellent
bas-reliefs and images are found in an
cient ruins. and when they are affected
by time and weather they are partially
restored by boiling in gelatine. The
most expert carvers are the Japanese
and Chinese, who spend years on a
single piece, making it exquisitely
beautiful.
Many attempts have been made to
produce artificial ivory, but thus far
they have not been very successful.
the elephant still retaining monopoly
of the business.
Ivory is growing more costly and
more rare from year to year, and it if
only a question of time when the
sources of supply will fall.
Some circus managers cut back the
tusks of their elephants every eight ol
ten years and the pieces of ivory thus
obta ned are salable at good prices. =
Chicago Record.