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CHAPTER II.
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Historical.
" The sea-born shell conceals the Unio round,
Called by that name, as always single'found, One in one shell, for
ne'er a larger race Within their pearly walls the valves embrace.
Marbodus.
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India.
Ν
the East, Pearls have always been highly prized, not only for personal
decoration, but for the trappings of elephants and the embellishment of
popular divinities. In very early times, Pearls ranked next to the most
valued gems, and took their place with ivory, precious metals and the
sweet smelling spices of Arabia. Pearls are frequently mentioned in
Indian mythology, where their discovery is attributed to the god
Vishnu, who is said to have searched the ocean for these jewels, and
then to have taken them to India as a
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