not
an uncommon thing, when such orders are not insisted upon, that under
the pretence of chewing the betel, they adroitly slip into the mouth
any rare Pearl, and effectually hide it from the owner; indeed, cases
have been known in which the more adventurous have swallowed several
Pearls. However, such precautions were taken that the chance of their
so cunningly disposing of the gems could only occur on any occasional
absence or slight inattention of the overseers.
Considering
the magnitude of the undertaking, it was impossible to entirely control
the thievish propensities of the native coolies, who have a very low
standard of morality. Robbery is considered by no means a disgrace, or
even a wrong, unless detected. Nevertheless a satisfactory result was
obtained as regards the actual net receipt of Pearls. It is true that
not many large or fine gems were found, but the quantity of small
ordinary Pearls was very good, and reached a total of some thousands of
grains. The largest Pearls, which attained an average weight of about 9
or ten grains each, were very round and well-shaped, but unfortunately
were not of the best colour.
The most unfortunate condition of the Pearl fishery was the avarice of the government, who in
