kinds,
according to the preponderance of one, two, or all of their three vital
properties—air, bile, and cold : consequently there are several kinds
of Pearls in this class.
Pearls which originate in the crest of Serpents, are
beautifully round, and are enbosomed in a blue halo of surpassing
glory, like the flash of a polished sword. These, persons void of merit
are denied the privilege of even looking at ; the serpents who bear
them are the descendants of Vâsuki, sovereign of the snakes, are not
born everywhere, and are rarely seen by men in some sacred ground.
These Pearls are divided into four classes, called after the names of
the principal castes, while as regards their great value, we are told
that, " The power which is attained by virtuous people, through the
possession of innumerable gems and great wealth, through ordinary
prosperity or through regal good fortune, is obtained by wearing one
serpent-begotten Pearl."
The Pearls which originate in water - drops falling upon Oysters when
the sun rests upon the Swâti star, are flawless and bright, and i ι
size are in strict concomitance with the size of the water-drops. In
one particular oyster, which is very rare, the Pearls are white,
transparent, and large as
