276 INTRODUCTION TO CONCHOLOGY. 



which probably had slipped from the hands of the Chinese 

 workmen^ and remained in the animals, resembled the spikes 

 noticed by Philostratus as being used by the ancient people 

 who inhabited the banks of the Eed Sea, for the pm-pose of 

 pricking Mussels ? 



The appellation of Margion, or globe of light, by which 

 the orientals designate their favourite gem, is elegantly 

 expressive of its peculiar form and lustre. When its contour 

 resembles a pear, it is less valuable ; it is then generally used 

 for ear-rings, and ornaments of a similar description ; and 

 the natives of the East, like the ancient Romans, prefer it 

 to any kind of precious stone. The finest are reserved for 

 personal decoration, while those of an inferior description 

 are seen to enrich the trappings of their horses. 



The pearl is the most perfect and beautiful of jewels. 

 Every other owes something to the hand of man, but this 

 emerges in full beauty from its ocean bed, wdiere maternal 

 Nature has silently and secretly performed her work, and 

 given to this, her loveliest production, a lustre and per- 

 fectness which her sister Art has frequently sought to emu- 

 late, but can never equal. 



Some historians have maintained that the aborigines of 

 South America were unacquainted with this valuable gem. 



