The
Pelegrina was found off the small island of Santa Margareta, about one
hundred miles distant from San Domingo. Pearl-fishing, as then carried
on by the natives, was a simple affair, although at the same time
rather dangerous. The method was as follows :
The
negroes having proceeded in their fragile canoes to the rocky beds
inhabited by the oysters, the divers then attached heavy stones to
their feet to expedite their sinking. Carrying a basket, a knife, and a
sponge dipped in oil, they plunged into the sea holding fast to the
rope which was to bring them to the surface again. Their noses and ears
were stuffed with wool, but the pressure of the water frequently caused
apoplexy, while sharks abounded in the vicinity. However, if the diver
escaped both these perils, he proceeded as fast as possible to scrape
off the shells with his knife and to put them into his basket.
Occasionally he put the sponge to his mouth and sucked a little air
from it, while the oil prevented him from swal-
