TORTOISE-SHELL, or rather scales, a horny substance that covers the hard strong covering of a tiony contexture, which incloses the Testudo imbricate, Linn. The lamellae or plates of this tor toise are 13in number, and may be readi separated from the bony part by placing fire beneath the shell, whereby they start asunder. They very in thickness from one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch, ac cording to the age and size of the animal, and weigh from 5 to 25 pounds. The larger the animal, the better is the shell. This substance may be softened by the heat of boiling water ; and if compressed in this state by screws ist iron or brass moulds, it may be bent into anv shape. The moulds being then plunged in cold water, the shell becomes fixed in the form imparted by the mould. If the turnings or filings of tortoise-shell be subjected skilfully to gradually increased compression between moulds immersed in boiling water, compact objects of any desired ornamental figure or device may be produced. The soldering of two pieces
of scale is easily effected, by placing their edges together, after they are nicely filed to one bevel, and then squeezing them strongly between the long flat jaws of hot iron pincers. The pincers should be just hot enough to brown paper slightly, without burning it. They may be sol dered also by the heat of boiling. water, applied along the edges with skilful pres sure. But in whatever way this process is attempted, the surfaces to be united should be made very smooth, level, and clean ; the least foulness, even the touch of the finger, or breathing upon th6m, would prevent their coalescence.