CHAPTER XVII. 



The Southern Cross Pearl. 



' To thee as thy loadstars resplendently burn. 



In their clear depths of blue, with devotion I turn. 

 Bright Cross of the South! and beholding thee shine, 



Scarce regret the loved land of the olive and vine." 



— Mrs. Hemans. 



HE extraordinary Pearl, or rather cluster 

 of Pearls, known as ''The Southern 

 Cross," is probably the most remark- 

 able production of its kind, that Nature has ever 

 produced. So far as is known, it occupies an 

 absolutely unique position in the history of Pearls. 



