38 



There is here a grand pearl fishery, where the 

 divers employed frequently bring up other 

 shells, which are always in greaier perfection 

 than those found on the beach. On one side 

 of a peculiar bank, adjoining the coast, is a 

 fishery for the Voluta Pyrum, (Shank-shell), 

 which, if we may credit report, is never found 

 on the other side. This fishery is in the hands 

 of Government ; and, as the shell, when cut 

 transversely, is formed into armlets and vari- 

 ous other ornaments, which are worn in every 

 part of India, a considerable revenue is derived 

 from it. The common shell s also, which are 

 found on the coast of this island, are desir- 

 able; the limpets, cockles, oysters, chitons, 

 and barnacles, are much admired, and in great 

 request 



ON the Malabar coast, at Cochin and Tilli- 

 cherry, I gathered some rare Fuci, and a few 



