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THE NATURALIST IN AUSTRALIA. 



ones were, as happened at Broome, discovered growing on the parent shells. 

 While on the boat's deck, and before being again lowered to their coral bed, the 

 opportunity was utilised of securing several photographs of these interesting 

 specimens. A portion of one of these, which shows two young examples of the 

 imported species attached to a corner of the parent shell, is reproduced in the 

 illustration on the preceding page. 



The possibility of growing this large tropical species of Mother-of-Pearl shell 

 in Shark's Bay in place of, or in conjunction with, the small indigenous type was thus 

 practically demonstrated. What has been shown to be capable of accomplishment in 

 that colder inlet of the sea could undoubtedly be repeated with even better prospects of 

 success among the coral reefs and lagoons of Houtman's Abrolhos. These islands, as 

 pointed out in a preceding Chapter, though lying considerably to the south of Shark's 

 Bay are, owing apparently to a warmer current from the Indian Ocean impinging 

 upon them, tenanted by a far more essentially tropical marine fauna, including 

 more especially types of Beche-de-Mer that are most abundant in Torres 

 Straits. The character of the reefs and lagoons at the Abrolhos, combined 

 with their short distance and easy access from the commercial port of Geraldton, 

 render them, in the writer's mind, particularly eligible for the inauguration of the 

 cultivation of the larger species of Mother-of-Pearl shell on a substantial com- 

 mercial basis. The chief obstacle to be surmounted in the event of this suggestion 

 being turned to practical account will undoubtedly be the transportation to the 

 Abrolhos of a sufficient quantity of living shell to lay down as breeding stock. 

 To accomplish this on a commensurate scale one or more large well-boats, as used 

 in Tasmania for the transport of living fish, might be most advantageously employed. 

 The wells in this case, however, should be modified in such a fashion that a more 

 abundant circulation of water should be admitted, and at the same time horizontal 

 screens or partitions should be added for the purpose of keeping the shells in 

 separated layers, through which the water could freely percolate. 



In the carrying out of the above suggested acclimatisation of Meleagrina 

 margaritifera at the Abrolhos Islands, Shark's Bay would undoubtedly form a valuable 

 entrepdt for the temporary storing of the shell, pending its delivery at its destination. 

 From the nearest tropical pearling grounds, off Onslow or Exmouth Gulf, much by 

 degrees could be accomplished through the medium of small but systematically recurrent 

 consignments in tubs of constantly changed sea-water placed on board the coasting 

 steamers, which make both Onslow and Shark's Bay ports of call. Through the adoption 



