No. 34. — 1887.] PEARL FISHERIES OF CEYLON. 



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afford employment for fifty to one hundred boats for ten 

 to fifteen days, and a statement is given of the outturn 

 of the samples of oysters washed, giving description, 

 weight, and value of each kind of pearls found in the given 

 number of oysters. These particulars are given on the results 

 of an inspection in October, and early in February following 

 another sample of oysters is taken, washed, and valued, so 

 that this outturn may be compared with that of the pre- 

 ceding October, and thus give the latest condition and prospects 

 before fishing commences. It is by this sample (always very 

 much superior in weight and quality of pearls) that the 

 speculators are guided in bidding for the oysters, until they 

 have washed and sampled their purchases. 



Sample Pearls. 



I will now describe the process of obtaining the sample 

 pearls. 



The sample oysters are carefully counted and packed in a 

 ballam — a boat of particular construction. The inside is 

 smooth, without beams, or lined, so that pearls may not be 

 hidden and lost. 



The ballam is covered with matting and sealed up by the 

 Superintendent, the place of deposit being secured and 

 guarded day and night for ten to twelve days, by which time 

 the oyster flesh is a decomposed mass of putrid matter and 

 shells. Washing commences by the ballam beng filled with 

 sea water, and coolies, divested of all clothing that would 

 allow of any concealment, are ranged on each side of the 

 ballam , watched by the Superintendent, Inspector, and 

 peons to see that they keep their hands under water when 

 separating and washing the oyster shells, and do not take or 

 conceal pearls they may feel or see. 



They rub the shells well together under water, those shells 

 having pearls adhering thereto being set apart for the pearls 

 to be cut away, the other shells being placed alongside each 

 cooly, and when all is done, counted to ensure the correctness 

 of the quantity upon which the estimate of value is based. 



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