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THE PEARL
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number go direct to Bombay and are not reported, this does not fairly represent the extent of the industry.
The
beds vary in depth, thirty to forty feet being the maximum depth
fished. Naked native diving is the rule, but the Italian government
has lately farmed out concessions at Dahlak and Farsan where they are
experimenting with helmets. The fishing season is from the beginning
of March to the end of May.
The
arm of the Arabian sea lying between Arabia and Persia known as the
Persian Gulf, has always been rich in pearl-oysters and is a prolific
source of supply to-day. These banks are fished chiefly for the pearls.
The shell, though larger than the Ceylon, is of the "Lingah" class as
it is called, and is of little value for mother-of-pearl.
Though
pearl-oysters are found all along the coast of Arabia, the most
productive shoals are between the Islands of Halool and Katar. These
shoals commence at the Island of Bahrein immediately off the Arab coast
near the centre of the gulf and continue east and south along the
district of Katar for nearly two hundred
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