MOTHER-OF-PEARL AND BLISTER PEARLS 



131 



encrusted with marine growth, hes soUd mother-of-pearl. Trochus maximus is as 

 suitable as pearl shells for the manufacture of the smaller type of pearl buttons. 

 Since the species live in shallower water, they can be collected with comparative 

 ease. 



Cutters and luggers are used for procuring Trochus shells from Australian 

 waters. These boats settle near the reefs while dinghies are sent out to find the 

 shells. The divers then go overboard and collect as many as possible. Diving is 



Fig. 8-3. Abalone shell (up- 

 per) the outside of the shell, 

 (lower) inside the shell. These 

 shells are valued because of their 

 beautiful coloring and are made 

 into many kinds of ornaments. 



(Courtesy U. S. Fish and Wildlife 

 Seri'ice) 



usually carried out in about 2 fathoms of water, but may extend to 6. Upon the 

 dinghies' return the shells are placed in a copper boiler to cook. From 10 tons of 

 shellfish a ton of Trochus meat is obtained. After boihng, the entire "snail" is 

 shaken out of the shell; if not eaten by the crew, it is dried and smoked for a 

 few days, and then exported. Smoked Trochus meat is soaked in water until soft, 

 cut into dice, and used as a base for soups and other foods. 



The California Abalone Fisheries. The most important abalone fisheries in 

 California are located at the Santa Catalina and San Clemente Islands. These 

 abalones (Haliotidae) are sought by pearl fishermen because of the beauty and 

 brilliancy of their nacreous covering. As the zoological name indicates, they re- 

 semble the hvunan ear. 



A crew of 1 diver and 6 assistants explore the fishing grounds until the abalones 

 are located. The diver then descends and pries them loose by means of a chisel. 



