Note 389 — Chapter XIV

Cowries may be remarked in the musket stocks. According to Mr. Duncan (vol. i. p. 261), they are an honourable distinction, given as medals to civilized armies. The stock is repeatedly smeared with the victim’s blood, coat after coat, till the thickness is sufficient to form a setting for the shell, around which it soon dries. Although only one cowrie is given per head, some old soldiers have their weapons entirely covered over with them. This custom, of course, stimulates murder, and excites perpetual jealousies in the service. I have heard the same said of a certain modern English decoration.