ornamental turning produces balls not only of the most perfect
spherical form, but accurately corresponding in size and weight even
to a single grain.

The ivory miniature tablets so much in use, and which are so
invaluable to the artist from the exquisitely delicate texture of the
material, are now produced by means of a very beautiful and highly
interesting chemical process. Phosphoric acid of the usual specific
gravity renders ivory soft and nearly plastic. The plates are cut from
the circumference of the tusk, somewhat after the manner of paring a
cucumber, and then softened by means of the acid. When washed with
water, pressed, and dried, the ivory regains its former consistency,
and even its microscopic structure is not affected by the process.
Plates thirty inches square have been formed in this way, and a great
reduction in price has thus been effected. Painting on ivory, we may
add, was practised among the ancients.

Mr M'Culloch and other statistical writers predict the speedy
extinction of the elephant, from the enormous consumption of its
teeth; and curious calculations of the number of these animals
annually extirpated to supply the English market alone are now getting
somewhat popular. For example: 'in 1827 the customs-duty on ivory
(20s. per cwt.--since reduced to 1s.) amounted to L.3257. The average
weight of the elephant's tusk is 60 lbs.; and therefore 3040 elephants
have been killed to supply this quantity of ivory.' But these
calculations are in many respects quite fallacious. In the first
place, the average weight of our imported tusks is _not_ 60 lbs.: we
have the authority of one of the first ivory-merchants in London for
stating that 20 lbs. will be a much closer approximation. This at once
involves a threefold ratio of destruction. In place of 3040, we should