D.
C, there is a very interesting collection of pearls and the mollusks
which bear them, including the Unio and the common conch, the common
clam, mussel and the Trigona crassatel-loides. The common mussel
(Mytilus edulis Linn.) secretes small pearlaceous bodies, somewhat
resembling those from the common oyster, but they have no value.
Trigona crassatelloides of Conrad also secretes small pearls possessing
neither lustre nor value.
Within
one year pearls were sent to the New York market from nearly every
State. In 1857 fully $15,000 worth, in 1858 about $2,000, in 1859 about
$2,000, in i860 about $1,500, in 1860-1863, only $1,500. The excitement
abated until about 1868, when there was a slight revival of interest,
and since then many Little Miami River pearls have been found. Since
1880, pearls have come from a comparatively new district, the supply
from which is apparently on the increase. At first, few were found, or
rather few were looked for, west of Ohio, but gradually the line has
extended, and now Kentucky, Tennessee, and Texas are the principal
pearl-producing States, and some pearls are sent North from Florida.
Of
single pearls, one from Montpelier, Vt., valued at $300; one from
Waynesville, Ohio, valued at $200; one from Boston, Tex., valued at
$250; one pink pearl, 19 1/2 grains, from Murfrees-borough, Tenn.,
valued at $80, another at $150; one from Llano, Tex., valued at $95,
have been sold in New York.
The production during recent years has been as follows -•
September, 1881, to 1882...........210 lots worth $7,500
September, 1882, to 1883........... 72 " " 5,000
September, 1883, to August, 1884___ 71 " " 5,000
That
so few American conchologists have paid attention to American pearls is
probably accounted for by the fact that the pearls are contained in
old, distorted, and diseased shells, which are not so desirable for
collections as the finer specimens. Collectors who have opened many
thousands of Unios have never observed a pearl of value. Pearls are
usually found either by farmers, who devote their spare time to this
industry, and, if no result is obtained, suffer no loss, or by per-
