PREFACE. 



A FEW years ago I temporarily set aside my work 

 as a salesman to hunt for pearls on the Illinois 

 River. 



The work in the pure air and sunshine ; and the evei 

 present hope of finding valuable pearls, were so fascinat- 

 ing I did not like to leave the occupation, so I continued 

 with the work and studied most of the subjects relating 

 to it. 



Desiring to prepare for the business in a very thor- 

 ough manner I tried to purchase a book upon the sub- 

 ject, but none was printed. There has been a general 

 demand for information on pearl hunting and, at the 

 request of the Fur News Publishing Company, I have 

 written .this book, which I hope will prove of value to my 

 fellow-men. 



It is intended especially for pearl hunters and those 

 who contemplate entering the profession, although I shall 

 be pleased if it is of interest to jewelers and lovers 

 of pearls in general. 



My aim has been to explain all parts of the work so 

 thoroughly that one entirely unacquainted will after read- 

 ing this book, not only understand the methods and ap- 

 pliances, but be able to hunt for pearls successfully. I 



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