Ceylon Pearl Fisheries. 203
found
in the hinge of the oyster, often imbedded in the decayed matter, and
required some effort to dislodge them. In a few instances they Were
slightly adhering to the shell and almost required cutting away, but as
a rule, the Pearl was so loosely fixed in the oyster itself, that it
fell out readily as the mollusc was washed. The greater number of
Pearls, however, were discovered lying amongst the sandy deposit at the
bottom of the tub, mixed with shining portions of broken shell. As fast
as each lot was inspected, the Pearls that were found were bottled and
carefully sealed preparatory to their final washing and cleaning in
rice, which effectually prepared them for the London Market.
During
the time of washing, large bonfires were kept continually burning; but
notwithstanding all precautions it was impossible to prevent disastrous
effects on some of the men employed, especially the Europeans : the
coolies alone seemed able to endure the horrible surroundings.
Every
possible care was, of course, taken to guard against robbery. Orders
had been issued that every man engaged in the washing was to be
stripped, with the exception of the scantiest loin cloth. Moreover, the
chewing of betel and other masticatories commonly used by the natives
was prohibited while they were at this work, for it is
