Ccyloji Pearl Fisheries. 203 



found in the hinge of the oyster, often imbedded 

 in the decayed matter, and required some effort to 

 dislodge them. In a few instances they were slightly 

 adhering to the shell and almost required cutting 

 away, but as a rule, the Pearl was so loosely fixed 

 in the oyster itself, that it fell out readily as the 

 mollusc was washed. The greater number of Pearls, 

 however, were discovered lying amongst the sandy 

 deposit at the bottom of the tub, mixed with 

 shining portions of broken shell. As fast as each 

 lot was inspected, the Pearls that were found were 

 bottled and carefully sealed preparatory to their 

 final washing and cleaning in rice, which effectually 

 prepared them for the London Market. 



During the time of washing, large bonfires were 

 kept continually burning ; but notwithstanding all 

 precautions it was impossible to prevent disastrous 

 effects on some of the men employed, especially the 

 Europeans : the coolies alone seemed able to endure 

 the horrible surroundings. 



Every possible care was, of course, taken to 

 guard against robbery. Orders had been issued 

 that every man engaged in the washing was to be 

 stripped, with the exception of the scantiest loin 

 cloth. Moreover, the chewing of betel and other 

 masticatories commonly used by the natives was 

 prohibited while they were at this work, for it is 



