358 CHANNEL ISLANDS OF CALIFORNIA 



Ion, where there is a skilful polisher who can leave a 

 black or white cross on the shell in a marvellous man- 

 ner; or he may cut it or polish it so that the letters of 

 your name or some insignia appear. 



There are two kinds of pearls found in the abalone 

 shells. One is round or uneven, resembling the ordi- 

 nary pearl of commerce. These are found lying be- 

 tween the animal and the shell, or often in the folds of 

 the animal, but attached to it. These are most often 

 black, and some really beautiful abalone pearls have 

 been found. The light ones come in various shapes, 

 and are sold to the jeweller, who mounts them as pins, 

 and uses them as ornaments. 



Another product of the abalone, greatly in vogue, 

 is the abalone blister, a large central pearl that grades 

 off into the shell and looks before it is taken off like a 

 mere protuberance; hence the trade name, "blister." 

 These attain a diameter of an inch or more, and are 

 often beautiful, radiating innumerable colors and tints 

 in the sunlight, while the white ones have a peculiar 

 chatoyancy which adds to their value. 



That the abalone industry of the Pacific Coast has 

 been attended to by both the Japanese and the Chinese 

 is well known; and that it will be entirely wiped out 

 before many years, as far as its commercial value is 

 concerned, is a foregone conclusion. 



