38 
There is here a grand pearl fishery, where the 
divers employed frequently bring up other 
shells, which are always in greater perfection 
than those found on the beach. On one side 
of a peculiar bank, adjoining the coast, is a 
fishery for the Voluta Pyrum, (Shank-shell), 
which, if we may credit report, is never found 
on the other side. This fishery is in the hands 
of Government; and, as the shel!, when cut 
transversely, is formed into armlets and vari- 
ous other ornaments, which are worn in every 
part of India, a considerable revenue is derived 
from it. The common shell; also, which are 
found on the coast of this island, are desir- 
able; the limpets, cockles, oysters, chitons, 
and barnacles, are much admired, and in great 
request. 
On the Malabar coast, at Cochin and Tilli- 
cherry, I gathered some rare Fuci, and a few 
