jumping
into the sea to the depth of twenty fathoms, bring up two shells at a
time." Then follows a fanciful story about the influence of
thunderstorms on the breeding of Pearls ; and much importance is
attached to the depth at which the Pearl-producing mollusc lives, as a
factor in determining the character of its secretion. " The pinna of
the deep water produces the most lustrous and clear and large Pearl ;
that which swims near the surface, is spoilt by the rays of the sun,
and gives those of bad colour and smaller size."
An
interesting account of the Pearl-fisheries of the Persian Gulf, as
carried on two centuries ago, may be found in a curious anonymous work,
entitled "The History of Jewels," printed at the sign of "The Ship," in
the Upper Walk of the New Exchange, A.D. 1671 :—
"
Before we speak of the manner how they fish for Pearl, and of their
different qualities" says our unknown author, " we must make report of
the divers places of the world where they are found.
"
First of all they have discovered four fishing places for Pearl in the
East, the most considerable is performed in the isle of Bahren, in the
Persian Gulph ; the which appertains to the Sophy of Persia, who
receives thence a great revenue.
