128 CEYLON PEARL OYSTER REPORT. 



there can be no doubt as to the probable infection of pearl oysters grown at any other 

 suitable localities around Ceylon. 



Pearl production in the Ceylon oyster does not commence actively until the third 

 year of life, and progresses most rapidly after the fourth year. An example or two 

 taken from the history of beds of known age will show how important it is to let the 

 oysters have any time that is possible after the fourth year in which to increase, not 

 in size, and certainly not in numbers, but in value. The successive valuations of the 

 bed ot oysters now being fished on the Muttuvaratu Paar was as follows : 



In November, 1903, at the average age of 2| years, 1'50 rupees per thousand. 



1904, 3i 3-15 



1905, 41 22-69 



Finally, these oysters have sold (March, 1906) at prices frequently exceeding 

 30 rupees per thousand, and on one day even exceeding 40 rupees. 



A striking example of increased pearl-production, and enhanced market value, is 

 seen in the case of the remainder of a large bed of oysters on the South-east Cheval, 

 most of which was prematurely fished along with the South Cheval in 1905. 



In November, 1904, it was valued at 1076 rupees per thousand. 

 1905, 52 to 58 



In March, 1906, the oysters when fished sold, after the first week, at rates ranging 

 from 112 to 282 rupees per thousand. 



These oysters were, on the average, 3 years old in November, 1904, and were 

 therefore fished in 1905 when under 4 years. At the present time those that remain 

 are in their fifth year ; and if the whole of this bed, with the neighbouring South 

 Cheval of the same age, had been held over for the present fishery (1906), there can 

 be no doubt that, although the number of oysters might have been somewhat reduced, 

 the increase in pearls and in value would have been great.* 



VII. DREDGING. 



The results of our cruises in the " Lady Havelock," detailed iii the " Narrative," 

 showed clearly the advantages of dredging both as a method of exploring and 

 surveying the banks, and also for the purpose of raising considerable quantities of 

 oysters from the bottom in a short time. Worked from a handy, seaworthy vessel, 

 of the type of a large tug, or a modern steam trawler, with a steam winch near the 

 stern, the dredge becomes in practised hands an instrument of precision, and will 

 bring up a fair sample of everything on the ground, including the bottom deposit. 



* A letter just received from the pearl-fishery camp at Marichchukaddi states that " the merchants are 

 very pleased with the oysters of the South-east Cheval." . . . . " They say there never has been 

 anything like it as to results, and large profits have been made by several." 



