288 Pearls, 



subjects in the world that would do as much for 

 their sovereign,' " 



La Peregrhia, 1579. 



Philip II. of Spain possessed this famous Pearl 

 which is described as being as large as the biggest 

 pigeon's Qg^, and weighing 134 grains. It was 

 valued by the jewellers at 14,000 ducats, but pro- 

 nounced beyond all valuation by the engraver, Freco. 

 This remarkable Pearl was pear-shaped, and came 

 from the Panama fisheries. The oyster from which 

 this Pearl was derived had been found by a negro 

 boy, but the shell was so small that the fishermen, 

 regarding it as of no value, were about to throw it 

 back into the sea, without opening it; second thoughts 

 prevailed however, and to the surprise of all, this 

 magnificent Pearl was discovered. The slave was 

 rewarded with his liberty and his master with the 

 post of alcalde of Panama. The Pearl was presented 

 to Philip II, by Don Diego de Temes. It was 

 exhibited at Seville as an unparalleled curiosity. 



The Rudolf Pearl, 1609. 



Anselmus De Boot, a native of Antwerp, who 

 was physician to Rudolf II., published in the year 

 1609, a learned treatise, entitled "De Gemmis et 



