Introductio7i. 2 1 



theories, many of them fanciful and poetic, have 

 been advanced to account for their production. 



In the following pages, an attempt will be made 

 to submit some of these theories to the reader, 

 together with such fragments of history as will 

 tend to show what an important part these "un- 

 ostentatious little globules" have sometimes played 

 in the progress of the world and the development 

 of civilization. We have endeavoured to rescue the 

 Pearl, if possible, from the superstition and confusion 

 in which its origin has frequently been enveloped, 

 and to set its true nature in a clearer light ; to 

 specify the conditions under which Pearls are pro- 

 duced, and the different species of mollusc producing 

 them ; to offer a few observations on their value 

 and importance ; and finally to describe those Pearl 

 fisheries, which have been more recently opened 

 up, and give some idea of the modes employed in 

 pursuing this fascinating industry. Upon these sub- 

 jects the author has had exceptional opportunities 

 of obtaining the most accurate, and recent infor- 

 mation. In addition to his experience gained in 

 the Ceylon fisheries, he equipped and sent out in 

 January, 1882, an expedition to examine and report 

 upon the Mother-of-pearl, and Pearl fisheries of 

 the Sooloo Archipelago, and of Australia. This 

 expedition was commanded by the late Mr. E. C. 

 Chippendale, R.N., and Mr. T. H. Haynes, who were 



