|
THE PEARL
|
||
|
|
||
|
enormous
profits. In consequence, the average of 1859 went up to $22.50, the
oysters bringing at one time during the season as much as $42.00; i860
realized an average of $66.00, the highest price paid during the season
being $90.00.
The
fishery of 1863 though it realized more for the government on account
of the large catch, brought an average of $33.50 per thouÂsand only. In
1874 the oysters brought about $40.00 per thousand.- Of late years the
average has been less, ranging from $12.00 to $14.00 though at times
double that price has been paid.
The
pearls found in the oysters came quickly into the hands of Hindu
merchants who assorted them and shipped a large part to Europe at
prices much less than those which rule in the United States, though
they usually made a good profit over cost. With the leasing of the
Ceylon fisheries much of this speculative business will undoubtedly be
eliminated and the pearls marketed at more regular, prices.
At fisheries where mother-of-pearl is the chief factor of the industry, it is difficult to get
290
|
||
|
|
||