10 THE NAUTILUS. 



Nearly every year witnesses a shifting of the pearl-hunting indus- 

 try. The Kankakee river, Indiana, was the newest field last sea- 

 son, and some valuable gems were found there. 



Of late, French buyers have been actively represented in the 

 American market. The activity of these foreign buyers, together 

 with the diminished supply, was largely responsible for the fact that 

 prices at the close of the season ranged from 25 to 35 per cent, higher 

 than they did a year before. 



Despite the fact that American pearls now command a higher 

 price than ever, the volume of business has shrunk because of the 

 destruction of so many of the mussel beds. 



In one year the output of the rivers of Arkansas was valued at 

 $2,000,000. Last year, some experienced dealers assert, the value 

 of the whole American product, exclusive of baroques, was not worth 

 more than $500,000. 



Dealers charge that many fine pearls are rendered valueless by 

 the practice of button houses, and those who fish for them, of throwing 

 mussels into hot-water vats, in order to open great quantities of shells 

 rapidly. These button houses seek the mother-of-pearl in the shells. 



Baroques, or pearls of irregular shapes, have attained a prominent 

 place in commerce. Some of them have a sheen or opalescence 

 equal to the quality of the finest gems. 



Until recently, pearl hunters sought only symmetrical shapes, and 

 the baroques were left as playthings for children along the streams, 

 or were cast aside. 



The influence of the " new art " originated a demand for these 

 angular, irregular and eccentric formations. 



Jewelers now use the baroques in making scarf pins, chrysanthe- 

 mums, figures and ornaments. 



The long and narrow shapes, especially, lend themselves with 

 readiness to the jeweler's art. As many of these odd formations 

 were found to have attractive color, lustre or iridescence, the public 

 soon found a liking for them. — North American. 



Cochliopa rowelli in California. — In response to an inquiry 

 in the December Nautilus concerning the habitat of this species 

 a single note has been received, referring to the original finding of the 

 shell. It has apparently not been found since. The note follows : 

 " Cochliopa Rowelli, was named from shells collected by me, near 

 Baulinas Bay (not Clear Lake) Marin Co., California." — J. Rowell. 



