202 Pearls. 



to be effected, in order to get a continuous flow 

 of water. The staff numbered about 40, including 

 four native inspectors, selected from the moormen 

 community, who represent almost exclusively the 

 precious stone and gem merchants of Ceylon. 

 The rest consisted of coolie labourers, both Tamil 

 and Cingalese, who were to work and search for 

 the hidden Pearls. 



It may occur to certain persons that the washing 

 of the oyster is an easy task, and the subsequent 

 finding — or chance of finding — a valuable Pearl, is 

 sufficient reward for the labour. Possibly it may 

 sometimes be so, but in this case matters were 

 entirely different, for the oysters had arrived at 

 such a state of decomposition that they had generated 

 small larvae in such incredible quantities, that only 

 natives of the lowest caste could be induced to 

 enter the hut. When the sacks were brought into 

 the open, the contents were emptied into large 

 barrels or tubs ; when these were about half full 

 of oysters, the water was turned on and flov/ed in 

 continuously. Around each tub four coolies were 

 stationed, each under the inspector, and as each 

 oyster was fished up the shell was washed clean, 

 and if it contained no Pearl, was thrown on one 

 side. 



As a rule the larger Pearls were invariably 



