1922] MADRAS PEARL FISHERIES 63 



and smaller animals may well be left for detailed examination at 

 a subsequent period. 



The programme of investigation which I mapped out before 

 leaving Ceylon consisted of three main lines — 



(a) The examination of the sea-bottom in the pearl-bank 

 region on the Indian side of the Gulf of Mannar, for the purpose of 

 the institution of both physical and biological comparisons between 

 these banks and those with which I am now so intimately acquain- 

 ted on the Ceylon side. 



(b) An inquiry into the present methods in use for the 

 inspection of the banks, and the means, if considered necessary, 

 requisite to render the work of inspection adequately effective. 



(c) A critical examination of the historical evidence available, 

 inspection and fishery reports in particular, in order to ascertain 

 what localities the past records demonstrate to be more favourably 

 situated than others for bringing pearl oysters to maturity. 



The present section deals almost entirely with the first men- 

 tioned of these lines of enquiry ; the historical evidence gleaned 

 during the trip is incorporated with other data in another section. 



The Ceylon pearl fishery closed by reason of unfavourable fish- 

 ing weather on April 22nd this year (1934^ but in the hope that the 

 Indian coast might enjoy sufficient shelter to permit of useful work 

 being done ere the monsoon came on in full fury, I telegraphed my 

 preparedness to Captain Carlyon, the Port Officer of Tuticorin. 

 Accordingly on the morning of the 26th, the S.S. "Margarita" 

 arrived at Marichchukadde under the command of Captain Carlyon 

 who also acts as Superintendent of the Indian Pearl Banks. Some 

 hours were occupied in the transfer of baggage and by nightfall we 

 proceeded for Pamban, having in tow three of the Ceylon inspec- 

 tion whale boats. 



A heavy sea prevailed during the passage, rendering it one of 

 much discomfort. On arrival at Pamban the next morning, it was 

 decided to make Tuticorin by the sheltered passage formed by the 

 string of islands that skirt the coast for the greater part of the 

 distance between these two ports. 



Anxious to see the important Muhammadan diving community 

 of Lebbais* settled at Kilakarai we put in there on the afternoon 

 of April 27th. Accompanied by Captain Carlyon I went ashore 



In Ceylon these men are known as " Moormen." 



