Introduction.                              21
	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