298 PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED. 



of that -wanton disturbance of the balance of nature which 

 always brings its own punishment. Leaving the solution of 

 the pearl problem, both as regards the fresh-water production 

 and that of the sea — ^the Scottish gem and the Oriental one — 

 to one or other of these great aquaria, we take leave of the 

 subject. If either of these valuable institutions succeed in 

 growing " ropes of pearls," I trust the directors won't forget 

 who first suggested such a remunerative industry. 



