24 



JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). 



[Vol. X. 



all but the parties engaged at the koddus in receiving, 

 stacking, guarding, and washing, but an occasional burst of 

 strong southerly wind disperses the aroma of the pearl 

 oyster over all parts ; and this is indeed a trial, for the 

 stench is intolerable and indescribable. 



Then come flies — innumerable — of the largest kind ; indeed 

 flies are constant plagues, but are worse with a southerly wind, 

 everything being covered with a black mass, — a glass of wine 

 or water must be drunk as poured out, or it is filled with 

 flies,— but southerly winds do not last long, and it seems as 

 though providentially arranged that the prevailing winds 

 should aid the purposes and needs of a pearl fishery. The 

 land or night winds are from the east, fair and gentle, to 

 carry the boats out to the banks, and also to bear the effluvia 

 of the oysters from the land out seaward, thus giving the 

 inhabitants a somewhat sweetened period at night for rest ; 

 then the sea or midday breeze is from the northward, 

 and brings the boats quickly from the banks to the shore, 

 whilst carrying away most of the oyster aroma from the 

 inhabitants of Salapatturai. 



Selection of Boats for Fishing. 



A very important matter is the arrangement for the 

 number of boats and divers required and authorised to fish. 



The boats are all registered as they arrive, and after the 

 date fixed for closing this list, there is an examination as to 

 size, condition, fitting, and crews. Many have to be thus 

 rejected ; but as the residue are always many more than 

 needed, the fortunate privilege of being engaged in the 

 fishery is determined by lottery. 



A selection would be difficult, and certainly not give 

 satisfaction, whilst the result of the lottery is borne as a 

 matter of fate or ill luck. 



This lottery is the first great, I may say momentous, event 

 of the fishery, as the interests of one thousand five hundred 

 to two thousand persons as divers, boatmen, and boatowners 

 are concerned. 



