The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1900-06-20
FINE PIECES OF CORAL.
SENT FROrl MANILA TO THE
GEORGETOWN, COLLEGE.
Philippine Riches Displayed by
Speciments of Funerals and
Precious Stones.
Precious Stones.

IeSc anu WIS placed Oh eAllDlJlO0 tue
other day, says the Washington Post.
The Coleman museum, which is situat-
ed on the second floor Of the main
building, is at present overcrowded,
hence the northwest drawing room has.
been converted into a receptacle for
this overflow collection. A like collec-
ton, presented by the Jesuits to the
government, is now being prepared to
be transferred to the government. 1t
is in the course of cataloguing, accord
ing to scientific methods, and will be
placed in the National museum, where
it will be open to the public at an early
date.
The corals are some Of the rarest
specimens ever shown in the United
States. Perhaps the most beautiful
piece and one which is peculiar to the
Philippine Islands is q variety known
as the imperialis. IL Is as white as
snow and resembles tiny feathers. So
fine is the substance of this stone that
at first sight it is difficult to believe
that its texture is not soft and dOwny.
Like many others in the collection, this
stone comes from Mindanao, which the
Jesuit fathers say is one Of the richest
localities in the islands and, in fact, in
the world, for here are found not only
precious stones and minerals, but some
Of the finest pearls in the world.
Another exquisite coral is Of dove
colored gray, with mere and there little
riffs of a soft olive green. A still
more beautiful piece is large cluster
Of white and pale salmon pink. This,
like the pure white, has a feathery APP
'pearance and is crested with tiny star
shaped flowers which gliSten like gems,
a unique variety is that which resem-
bles lunches of many tiny corncobs
and which is true to nature not only in
color, but each particle Of the husk is
plainly visible. The dark brown and
white is perhaps the largest specimen
in the United States, as also is the
mouse colored gray. One specimen
bears a startling resemblance to a
large hornets nest. Attached to it is
large petrified sponge Clinging to the
sides Of this nest are many little flower
shaped particles.
Especially interesting is a petrifed
miniature tree, gnarled and knotted,
proof of its age. This fossil Is not
more than three feet in height, includ-
ing the rock on which it originally
grew. The daintiest ana perhaps the
garest coral in the collection is Of
white tipped with pale pink and blue,
These colored points stand out from
the base, which is pure white.
Aspergillum, known as Venus flower
basket, is the most superb of all these
treasures. 1t is appropriately named,
and one might well imagine the god
dess of beauty bearing her sea flowers
in this dainty basket. The fibers are
so delicately interviewer as to resem-
BILE the finest lace. Few Of these speci-
mems are in existence, and they are to
be found only on the coast of Cebu.
Their shipment to America required
the greatest care, so fragile is this lit
tie gem.
The museum has also collection Of
minerals from the Philippine archi
pelaco, many of which bear witness to
the great wealth to be found in the
islands. 1t includes almost every va.
rietv of minerals The opals from the
Philippines are especially beautiful,
refecting all the rainbow hues pecul'
lar 10 the best varieties Of this gem,
In another case in the room are eX-
nibited a large number of eXtraordi-
nary and valuable shells. These repre-
sent all colors from jet black to every
shade Of rose and from violet to purest
white. The multiplicity Of these beau
tiful shells would seem to open a new
industry in the far east. Much Of the
expensive pearl mosaic work which is
sought after so in Venice and Vienna
is made from the material furnished
by these shells. One Of the largest nat
surfaced shells resembles the mother
of pearl, excepting that it is finer and
more oDalescent. The largest she'll IL
the case is about two feet long and IS
Derfect in detail from tip to tip and IS
in the shane Of a hunting horn. 1t Is
of a highly polished surface, at the
larger end it is of a rich rose color,
shading in its spirals to delicate pink,
male lavender and deep violet at the
pointed end. 1t has no crusted sur
face, being entirely transparent. Ihis
Is perhaps one OF tile rarest shells in
existence. There are also many gnarl-
cd. pointed, crooked and thorny shells
in the group, which, with the minerals
completes one of the most perfect col
lections of the kind in the United
States.
Neglect is the short step so many
take from a cough or cold TO consump-
tion. The carly use OF One Minute
Cough Cure prevents consumption. 1t
is the only harmless remedy that gives
ir,mediate results. 1t cures all throat
and lung troubles. Children all like
II and mothers endorse it.
Financial Difficulties,
"pa what is financial difficulty"
Gwen. it is having so much money
Won don't know what to do with it or
having so little money that you can't