CHAPTER II. 



Historical. 



The sea-born shell conceals the Unio round, 

 Called by that name, as always single found, 

 One in one shell, for ne'er a larger race 

 Within their pearly walls the valves embrace. 



Marbodiis. 



India. 



;N the East, Pearls have always been 

 highly prized, not only for personal 

 decoration, but for the trappings of 

 elephants and the embellishment of popular divinities. 

 In very early times. Pearls ranked next to the most 

 valued gems, and took their place with ivory, precious 

 metals and the sweet smelling spices of Arabia. 

 Pearls are frequently mentioned in Indian mythology, 

 where their discovery is attributed to the god Vishnu, 

 who is said to have searched the ocean for these 

 jewels, and then to have taken them to India as a 



