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



21 



Sorting and sizing the pearls into ten different sizes, from 

 the largest to the smallest, is done by passing them through 

 ten brass sieves of 20, 30, 50, 80, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, 

 and 1,000 holes. 



The sieves are from three to four inches broad and one 

 deep, with holes in the lower part, and fit closely into each 

 other. The pearls are first sifted through the upper sieve, or 

 saucer, No. 1, of the 20-hole size (the largest holes) ; those 

 retained therein as not passing through the holes are of the 

 first size ; those held by the 30-hole size, of the second size ; 

 and so on through the ten sieves or sizes. Those that pass 

 through the last size (No. 10, of one hundred holes) are 

 called mdsit tul, — small, like powder grains, — and these are 

 said to be prepared for use in chewing with the betel by rich 

 natives. 



There are also pearl excrescences, cut from the oyster shell, 

 of various sizes and shapes, which will not pass through the 

 sieves ; these are included and noted in the Government 

 sample, to show that all its outturn of every character is fairly 

 exhibited for the information of the speculators. 



Each of the ten sizes may include some of every class of 

 pearls ; the 20 to 80 and 100 may each have the dni, 

 anatari, and kallippu kinds, and this necessitates the opera- 

 tion of classing, which requires great judgment on the part of 

 the valuers. 



It is said that no two valuers will class a given set of 

 pearls alike, and that one person does not class twice in the 

 same manner. 



Perfection in pearls consists in shape and lustre, viz., 

 sphericity and a silvery brightness, free from any discoloura- 

 tion ; and according as the pearls possess these essentials the 

 valuers assign their appropriate class, namely : — 



A 'ni . . . Perfect in sphericity and lustre. 



Anatari ... Followers or companions, but failing somewhat 



in point of sphericity or lustre. 

 Masanku ... Imperfect, failing in both points, especially in 



brilliancy of colour. 



