IQ22] MADRAS PEARL FISHERIES 79 



approximately at lV 2 years. They had the appearance of having 

 been dead several years. 



A few chanks were found on the sand outside the eastern 

 margin of the pars, where the sand is fine and largely calcareous 

 in composition. 



From 9-30 to 1 1-1 5 a.m. an oily calm prevailed, the surface of 

 the sea covered as far as the eye could see with a brown scum 

 composed of Trichodesmium erythraum. Its appearance and to 

 some extent its effects were such as a thin film of oil produces when 

 spread upon water. 



We remained at anchor till the next morning near the middle 

 of the Cruxian Par. A strong southerly swell prevailed the whole 

 night and as a land wind blew with some force from the N.W. the 

 ship rolled heavily making sleep practically impossible. 



At 7 a.m. on May Ilth we proceeded northwards after casting 

 off the four inspection boats, which were ordered to examine the 

 ground lying between the Cruxian Par and the most southerly of 

 the next group to be examined —the Marikan Par group — and then 

 to pass northwards over the whole extent of the latter pars. 



The steamer led the way dropping a mark buoy on what was 

 believed to be the south side of the Padutta Marikan Tundu Par, 

 as a guide to the following boats. We then headed north and 

 anchored on the Devi Par. 



The boats reported continuous sand after passing the northern 

 edge of the Cruxian Par, both between the two groups and along 

 the line which should have led them over the Marikan Par group 

 of banks-- an unsatisfactory result due either to the plotting of the 

 cross-bearings being incorrect or to the pars being incorrectly 

 placed upon the chart. I incline to believe that the former explana- 

 tion is the true one, seeing that the Inspector, although the shore- 

 marks are distinct and clearly visible, has not the position of these 

 marks indicated upon his chart. Rough and inexact work is the 

 inevitable consequence. 



VAIPPAR KaRAI PAR. — The next day, May nth, after ascertain- 

 ing that the ground in 6% fathoms, two miles east of outer Challai 

 Island, consisted of fine sand mixed with a considerable amount of 

 mud, we proceeded towards the south-east and anchored upon 

 Vaippar Karai Par in 6% fathoms in order that I might make a 

 descent in the diving dress. 



