Democratic Sentinel, Volume 3, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 November 1879 — Silk from the Sea. [ARTICLE]

Silk from the Sea.

The sea yields many precious things —coral, amber and pearls—but it is not generally known that in some parts of the Mediterranean a species of mussel is found of which the shells contain one of the most beautiful textile materials known. These shells are about seven inches long and three inches broad, and each of them contains a hank or byssus of the fiber, weighing half a drachm, and at first it presents nothing particular to the eye, being soiled with mud and the remains of marine plants. But, when washed and combed the fibers are seen to be extremely lustrous, glistening in the sunshine in shades varying from a golden yellow to olive brovn. Spun and woven in the ordinary manner, stockings, gloves, neckties and similar articles can be manufactured from them, and they are likewise suited for making the finest lace. At present the production of these fibers hardly exceeds 200 kilogrammes (3 cwt. 3 qrs.) a year. Specimens of these curious mussels and their finished products were exhibited at the recent Paris Exhibition, but they appear tojhave been overlooked.

The most novel joint-stock company yet formed is at Chester, Pa., where fifteen stockholders own ah animal said to be the best ’coon dog in the country.