Rensselaer Republican, Volume 28, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 September 1895 — Where Tortoise Shell Comes From. [ARTICLE]

Where Tortoise Shell Comes From.

The finest tortoise shell comes from the Indian archipelago, and is shipped from Singapore, and much of it is obtained on the Florida coast. There are three rows of plates on the back, called “blades” by the fishermen. In the central row are five plates, and in each of the others four plates, the latter containing the bes* material. Besides these there are twenty-five small plates round the edges of the shell, known as “feet” or “noses.” The biggest turtle does not furnish more than sixteen pounds of tortoise shell. Formerly the under shell was thrown away, being considered worthless, but atj present it Is very highly valued for its delicacy of coloring. Nowadays, a very beautiful Imitation of tortoise shell is made of cows’ horns. Henry Clay knew personally and remenfoered the names of thousands of his constituents. It was his strong point during a canvass.