43 



was underlaid at a depth of from ] to 2 inches by flat- surfaced rock. On the least 

 disturbance the mud constituents rose in dense clouds further obscuring vision. 

 Ko recognisable reason for the death of pearl oysters could be traced; their 

 average age was approximately 1|- year. Only a single iudividual was found alive ; 

 it appeared rather older than those that were dead, with the valves covered with 

 a dense coating of tunicates, sponges and ipolyzoa ; it had a distinctly stunted 

 appearance. I also came across a considerable number of large Pinna lying prone on 

 the surface, covered as in the case of those found the day previous, with quantities 

 of large barnacles {Balanus sp.) together with a mantling of various species of Lepto- 

 clinids and several species of Zoophytes. Several massive corals of the kinds usually 

 associated with pearl banks were noticed. 



This bank, which is not marked upon the inspection chart dated 28th November 

 1892, by the bearing should lie between the Vaipar Periya Par and Pernandu Par as 

 shown on that chart, but concerning this position there appears to be some doubt as 

 the par-mandadai (native pilot) who accompanied us held that in reality it lies to 

 the north-west of the Devi Par. 



From the character of the bottom such view is not unlikely to prove correct, for 

 however carefully angular bearings be taken, the imperfections of the present working 

 chart hinder them from being plotted thereon with accuracy. * 



The Yaipar Earai Par is an exceptionally dirty and muddy bank, wholly different 

 from the Cruxian Par and associated banks. From what I saw and also from the 

 history of the banks it appears, however, to be rather favourably situated for the 

 deposit of spat and appears to be fitted to bear them till they reach from 1 to 1~ 

 years old, after which age they rapidly die off. Such a bank would be a fitting ono 

 to utilize as a source from which to obtain young oysters were oyster transplantation 

 ever to be attempted. 



In the afternoon a heavy squall came on suddenly from the west-south-wesr, 

 raising a heavy sea. The wind remained iu the same quarter all night and the next 

 morning the sea was so rough and the ship rolling so considerably as to render it 

 impossible for me to make further diving descents. A native diver who went down 

 reported the water too thick to permit him to see anything. After waiting a while 

 in the hope that the weather would moderate, we proceeded to 



Nalla Tanxi Tivu, anchoring off the west shore. Here we landed soon after to 

 verify, if possible, the presence of the oyster shells reported to us by the divers at 

 Zilakarai. Ifuch of the island consists of sand dunes overlaying a coral formation 

 in which can be traced specimens of corals of the same species as those now living 

 upon the adjoining and encircling reef. The island is farmed under the zamindari of 

 Eamnad and several flourishing plantations of casuarina, cocoanut and palmyra were 

 here found. We searched the sand dunes on the western side carefully and in several 

 places we certified the presence of large quantities of pearl oyster valves, both entire 

 and fragmentary ; {he nacre was undimmed in the case of many and even the mottled 

 prismatic outer coating was intact in some, showing even the characteristic radiating 

 purplish-brown bands distinctly. These shells certainly represent the remains 

 of a fishery camp held here, when, it is impossible to say from anything in the 

 outward appearance of the shells, as they might remain unchanged and uncorroded 

 for an indefinite period when covered with sand in the comparatively dry climate of 

 this locality. 



The age of these shells when fished was, judging from the breadth of the hinge 

 groove, not less than 4| years, possibly five years. 



There is no record of any fishery camp having been held here under British or 

 Dutch control, and it has been suggested as probable that these shells on Nalla Tanni 

 Tivu represent a fishery held by one of the Ramnad Rajas. This theory may, however, 

 be dismissed at once as untenable, for we have no evidence that these local potentates 

 ever claimed the right to fish pearl oysters in this district, though the zamindari does 



* The compas3 bearings were diffioo.lt to fix owing to the heavy and continuous roiling of the ship. As near as they 

 could be made out they were — 



Hare Island Lighthouse, S. 57° W. 

 Church Gable, Tntioorin, S. 70° W. 

 >.orth end, Chullai island, N. 17° W. 



