They
have been taken over a wide territory from the rivers and streams of
the eastern half of the state, including the Black, White, Cache, St.
Francis, Ouachita, Saline and Dorcheat rivers, and in the valley of the
Arkansas. Following this were finds in Indian Territory, Missouri,
Georgia and Tennessee, the latter being the most prolific. The finest
pearls in Tennessee are found in the fluter, or lake shell, which is
the same as the mussel known on the Wabash as the washboard. A yellow
shell is found in the Clinch River similar to the mucket of Arkansas,
from which pearls are taken.
Unlike
the pearl oyster, the unio seems to be more prolific of pearls in the
shallows and riffles near the edges of the rivers. Most of the fine
pearls are found between the pallial line and the lip in the free
portion of the mantle. Those found within the pallial line, where the
mantle is attached to the shell, are seldom as lustrous or perfect.
Pearls
are found in many States besides those mentioned, but the fishing is
done quietly and in some cases the sources of supply are known to only
a few who in the marketing of their
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