Their origin and formation. 1 2 1 



The most valuable Pearls are those which are per- 

 fectly round ; the bouton or button-shaped Pearl 

 ranks next, and then comes the drop or pear-shaped 

 Pearl. Perfectly round Pearls over 25 grains in 

 weight, are extremely scarce, and secure high prices. 

 They are greatly sought after to form the centre of 

 necklaces, and large Pearls of this character are 

 safe, and very profitable investments. New dis- 

 coveries of diamond-fields have before now so 

 largely increased the supply of diamonds, that 

 these gems are by no means steady in price. Other 

 discoveries may again cause a fall in value ; but the 

 source of supply of Pearls is far more closely sealed, 

 and the difficulties attendant upon the prosecution 

 of Pearl-fishing are as great as its disappointments, 

 risks, and uncertain character, arc deterrent to the 

 would-be explorer. There is, indeed, no prospect of 

 Pearl-fishing being increased to any great extent, 

 nor are the habits of the Mother-of-Pearl oysters 

 likely to alter and render the formation of fine 

 Pearls a less rare occurrence. 



The finest Pearl that has been seen for years 

 in England, was taken by Mr. Streeter's fleet, having 

 been found by the late Capt. Chippindall, of the 

 Schooner " Sree Pas Sair," on December 26th, 

 1884, off the North West coast of Australia. It 

 weighed 40 grains, was absolutely round, and was 



