theories, many of .them fanciful and poetic, have been advanced to account for their production.
In
the following pages, an attempt will be made to submit some of these
theories to the reader, together with such fragments of history as will
tend to show what an important part these "unostentatious little
globules" have sometimes played in the progress of the world and the
development of civilization. We have endeavoured to rescue the Pearl,
if possible, from the superstition and confusion in which its origin
has frequently been enveloped, and to set its true nature in a clearer
light ; to specify the conditions under which Pearls are produced, and
the different species of mollusc producing them ; to offer a few
observations on their value and importance ; and finally to describe
those Pearl fisheries, which have been more recently opened up, and
give some idea of the modes employed in pursuing this fascinating
industry. Upon these subjects the author has had exceptional
opportunities of obtaining the most accurate, and recent information.
In addition to his experience gained in the Ceylon fisheries, he
equipped and sent out in January, 1882, an expedition to examine and
report upon the Mother-of-pearl, and Pearl fisheries of the Sooloo
Archipelago, and of Australia. This expedition was commanded by the
late Mr. E. C. Chippendale, R.N., and Mr. T. H. Haynes, who were
