2 JUNE 1866, Page 3

There is going to be a scarcity of ivory. The

demand for Sheffield alone, it is said, now kills 20,000 elephants a year, the supply is limited, and the animal does not multiply very fast. An American firm has offered a reward of 1,0001. for an effective -substitute, especially for billiard balls, and it is possible that one may be found, though the toughness and durability of ivory are -qualities it is difficult to communicate. Civilization would not lose much if the supply ceased, but sat would.