148 Pearls. 



of rough practical jokes, and horse-play, if he adopts 

 a more civilised garb and demeanour than his new- 

 companions. 



Let us here narrate the most favourable in- 

 troduction a new-comer could receive. As soon as 

 the anchor is let go, several of the pearlers come 

 up the side of the vessel and introduce themselves; 

 this is the signal for imbibing refreshment, and as 

 soon as the meagre scraps of Fremantle news have 

 been exchanged, all repair to the wooden drinking 

 shanty or inn on shore. " Let me introduce you," 

 said one of them (a man of fine powerful figure 

 and healthy face) "to the White Hart Hotel of 

 Cossack : this is Frank Craig, our landlord, and 

 here" (pointing to various slumbering forms lying 

 about the house) " are the pearlers in their usual 

 state," 



The Government regulations for the prosecution 

 of the industry, are superintended by a magistrate 

 residing at Roebourne; he issues licenses to the 

 vessels, and every Australian diver employed in the 

 fleet has to be passed by him. There is also an 

 inspector of " Pearl-shell fisheries " who besides 

 being a professional sailor, is in the commission of 

 the peace. He has a small schooner, and visits the 

 fleet at work, in order to see that the regulations 



