210 ROMAN PEARLS. 



AMICUS. Is what you call nacreous matter 

 the same as that used to make Eoman pearls ? 



PISCATOR. It is the same, obtained from 

 white fish, such as the bleak, white-baite, roach 

 and dace applied to glass. You will find the 

 method described in Mr. Yarrell's " History of 

 British Fishes." The same matter is used by 

 the Chinese in their drawings ; by means of it 

 they impart to the coloured figures of fishes 

 a perfectly natural silvery gloss worthy of imita- 

 tion by our artists. 



AMICUS. Now, tell me, if you please, what 

 has been your success. 



PISCATOR. Much on a par with yours, 

 have taken only a few smelts, and a few 

 trout, neither worth mentioning. I have 

 had a very pleasant ramble too; and have 

 got, as I hope you have, a good appetite. See, 

 the table is laid, and the potatoes are on it, and 

 smoking by the side of our cold meat and fruit 

 pasties. 



AMICUS. These potatoes are excellent : so 

 mealy and dry ! How have they been dressed ? 



PISCATOR. There is the cooking utensil still 

 on the fire, an iron crock with an iron cover ; 

 and in the way it is used serving as an oven. 



