THE FRESH WATER PEARL 17 



the methods and appliances usually employed in the pearl 

 hunts were very crude and primitive, and the people 

 were without knowledge or skill in their work. It is 

 quite likely that a man who has a good knowledge of the 

 business, and who is skillful in the use of some of our 

 modern appliances for pearl hunting, can now go into 

 the same localities and work with a reasonable degree of 

 success. 



At the present time the industry known as pearl hunt- 

 ing differs widely from what it was many years ago. 

 There is now in most instances a market for the shells 

 and the appliances and methods used were not thought of 

 twenty-five years ago. 



The pearl hunting industry, or profession, as we may 

 rightfully speak of it, is supported and elevated by many 

 thousands of our best citizens who depend on this line 

 of work for the necessities and comforts of life. 



These men add continuously to the wealth of our land 

 by raising from the watery depths the shells for many 

 economic uses and the lustrous fresh-water pearls for 

 adornment. 



As a result of the efforts of pearl hunters the markets 

 are supplied with thousands of American fresh-water 

 pearls which are now the pride and delight of many 

 ladies in America and Europe. 



Among these American pearls are many of extraordi- 

 nary size and beauty. Some of the large white pearls 

 are so irridescent and clear that they possess great radi- 

 ance and luster and are used in centers of very famous 

 necklaces. 



