times taking in one day, a dozen fine pearls. 

 To find and extract a splendid gem from a 

 mussel is an experience which appeals to 

 the gambling instincts of many and com- 

 pensates for the disappointments, incon- 

 veniences and hardships of the search. 

 It is this chance of a "find" which induces 

 the fisher to become an amphibious animal 

 and to search the muddy bottom of the river 

 day after day grappling for the mussels 

 while his better judgment and the aches 

 in his back and limbs would suggest a more 

 sane manner of spending a vacation. 



The number of mussels congregated on 

 some of the shoals is truly appalling as the 

 beds of some streams are paved with them 

 for miles. The shells lie partly buried 

 in the sand or mud with the thin edges 

 uppermost. They are usually slightly open 

 to allow the ingress and egress of the water 

 from which they obtain their food. 



Shapes of Pearls 



True pearls are distinguished by several 

 characteristics from the irregular masses of 

 nacre found in pearl-bearing mollusks, and 

 known by the name of baroques. All true 



Three Ridge 



Unto Plicatus — from Middle West 



f^ v m ^ .m^ii^ f -■■HwMyw 



