NO. 51. — 1900.] PEARL FISHERIES. 



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Secretary of State the learned Societies and the learned Professors of 

 these Societies, on this subject, and that from two learned Professors 

 — Professor Ray Lankester and Professor Herdman— we have had 

 two very valuable reports. Professor Ray Lankester, as is the way 

 with some scientific men, has, to use a vulgar term, opened his mouth 

 too wide. He has seen the opportunity of enriching the scientific 

 world at the cost of Ceylon, and he has proposed a costly mission, 

 which will no doubt collect much valuable information, which would 

 not only be to our advantage, but to the advantage of all oyster- 

 bearing countries. Therefore, I think, Mr. Ferguson's suggestion 

 is a good one, that the cost of such a mission might be divided 

 between those countries interested — India, ourselves, and others,— but 

 if such co-operation is not possible, then, I think, we might adopt a 

 middle course, such as Mr. Ferguson also suggested, and get Professor 

 Herdman, if he can spare his valuable time to come over here ; and in 

 collaboration with Captain Donnan, our great practical expert, they 

 will be, I am sure, able to give us some very valuable information, 

 especially regarding that interesting-question, the Life-History of the 

 Oyster. Ladies and gentlemen, I think we must all feel very grateful 

 to Mr. Collett for the very interesting Paper he has read. He said it 

 was his zoological recreation ; to us it has not only been a zoological 

 recreation, but zoological instruction ; and I think we are much 

 indebted to him for this practical and useful discussion which has 

 followed the reading of his Paper. I thank you again for the very 

 kind way in which you have received it. (Applause.) 

 The Meeting terminated at 11.15 p.m. 



[Several " articles and books " connected with Pearl Fisheries were 

 exhibited at the Meeting. A section of a pearl under a powerful 

 microscope ; a display of different kinds of oysters, including the 

 largest " meleagrina " from Australia ; copies of Mr. Saville-Kent's 

 large and profusely illustrated books and other literature on Pearl 

 Oysters and Fisheries were laid on the table ; a coir basket in which 

 oysters are gathered, and the diving stone, were suspended from the 

 roof.] 



30 Sf* 1902 



H. C. COTTLE, ACTING GOVERNMENT PRINTER, COLOMBO, CEYLON. 



