196 Pearls. 



Here the Pearls are obtained, not from the ordinary 

 Pearl oyster, but from the Placuna placenta — a 

 mollusc which is popularly known as the " Window- 

 oyster/' in consequence of its thin flat shell being 

 sufficiently translucent to admit of its use in 

 China as a substitute for glass in windows. The 

 Pearls from this species are usually small, irregular 

 in shape, and of bad colour. Specimens of ' the 

 Tamblegam Pearls were exhibited in the Colonial 

 and Indian Exhibition of 1886, but their insigni- 

 ficance is sufficiently indicated by the statement in 

 the official handbook that the Tamblegam Pearl- 

 fishery is now let for 500 rupees, 



The experience of Mr. Streetet^s Agent at the 

 Ceylon Pearl Fisheries, 



After a number of unsuccessful Pearl Fisheries, the 

 attention of the Ceylon Government was called to 

 the considerable decrease in the revenue, arising from 

 this particular department, and a special officer was 

 appointed to inspect the banks periodically, and 

 report upon the condition of the various beds. 

 A most able and zealous officer was appointed — 

 namely, Captain Donnan, the master- attendant of 

 the harbour of Colombo. This gentleman made 



