1 24 Pearls. 



This Pearl was faultless in colour and weighed 104 

 grains, but its shape was that of an equilateral 

 triangle ; each point being beautifully rounded off. 

 Although its value was comparatively small, yet 

 it was a great curiosity to the student of Pearl-growth. 

 The symmetry was in every way perfect, but unfor- 

 tunately it was badly damaged by the knife used in 

 opening the shell. This remarkable Pearl was ex- 

 hibited at the Colonial Exhibition of 1886. 



The varying tints and colours of Pearls are less 

 difficult to understand than some of their eccentri- 

 cities of growth. The changing condition of the 

 sea, both as regards purity and temperature, the 

 health of the oyster, accidents such as the discharge 

 of the inky fluid of the cuttle fish in the neigh- 

 bourhood of the oyster, all will probably affect the 

 colours of the successive growth periods of the Pearl. 



Pearls when of extraordinary beauty, size, or 

 brilliancy will sell for sums which appear extravagant 

 in proportion to what is given for ordinary specimens. 

 The reason for this is obvious, for no sooner is one 

 of surpassing beauty in the market than it is re- 

 moved from the common category, and the price 

 will depend more upon the fancy of the purchaser 

 than any system of valuation. 



It appears that the various forms presented 



