In cs.se of a aredging "boat, the division is different! 1 1/2 shares go to 

 the ov.Tier of the boat; ^ shares to the owner of the dredges (2 for each dredge); 1 1/2 

 shares to the naster (patron) who is responsible for selecting end finding the oyster 

 grovmdsj U shares to the U sailors (l to each); and 2 shares to the 2 shuckers or rajicheros 

 (l to each) . 



6. Selling of pearls 



Inrnediately after they are collected the pearls are sold in the tovm of 

 Porlanar on Ke.rgarita Island, which is the principal local market. During the fishing 

 season, several licensed Ijuyers open their offices here in which they appraise, sort, and 

 ■btiy pearls in lots "broToght Isy the fishermen (fig. ^). Some pearls, hov/ever, are sold 

 directly to the tourists and visitors to Porlamar. As a matter of fact, one can hardly v/slk 

 half a block in the town without being stopped by a pedlar who offers to sell a pearl (fig. 5) ■ 

 Taking advantage of the generel ignorance of the public of the correct value of pearls, the 

 prices asked are sometimes higher than one vrould pay in a legitimate jev/eler's store in JTew 

 York or in London. Those who knov; hov; to evaluate pearls may acojiire them, hov/ever, at a 

 very reasonable price. There is also a certain sentimental value to a visitor in Porlamar 

 in buying a pearl as a souvenir directly from a fisherman, and in the place where the pearls 

 are produced. 



The wholesale buyers are reauired to obtain special license before they are 

 allowed to open their business. The office of the buyer usually consists of a small room 

 with a table covered v/ith smooth woolen cloth, scales for v/eighing the pearls, and a set of 

 sieves to sort them according to their size. One or two assistants, usually girls, help in 

 sorting out the pearls. 



In the season of 19^8, there were 9 licensed buyers operating in Porlamar, 

 only one of them from Hew York. 



Figure U. — Office of a wholesale bi^rer of pearls in Porlamar. 



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