288                                  Pearls. subjects in the world that would do as much for their sovereign.' "
	La Peregrina, 1579. Philip II. of Spain possessed this famous Pearl which is described as being as large as the biggest pigeon's egg, and weighing 134 grains. It was valued by the jewellers at 14,000 ducats, but pro­nounced beyond all valuation by the engraver, Freco. This remarkable Pearl was pear-shaped, and came from the Panama fisheries. The oyster from which this Pearl was derived had been found by a negro boy, but the shell was so small that the fishermen, regarding it as of no value, were about to throw it back into the sea, without opening it; second thoughts prevailed however, and to the surprise of all, this magnificent Pearl was discovered. The slave was rewarded with his liberty and his master with the post of alcalde of Panama. The Pearl was presented to Philip II, by Don Diego de Têmês. It was exhibited at Seville as an unparalleled curiosity.
	The Rudolf Pearl, 1609. Anseimus De Boot, a native of Antwerp, who was physician to Rudolf II., published in the year 1609, a learned treatise, entitled "De Gemmis et