105 



Pearl Oyster Fishery, [so. 5, new series, 



any competition, they may be sold for even fifteen shillings a thou- 

 sand ; for although the Pearls they produce are about two-thirds 

 less in value than those from the Aripo Pearl Oyster (Meleagrina), 

 the quantity obtained in 1,000 Oysters, is at least three times more 

 than what is obtained in a similar number from the Aripo banks. 



Upon these circumstances, I have to submit for the future guid- 

 ance of Government, the following proposals : 



1st. That the banks be allowed to remain undisturbed fcr eigh- 

 teen months after the termination of the present fishery. 



2nd. The future fisheries to be conducted by Government Of- 

 ficers, and the Oysters sold to the highest bidder. 



3rd. That the fishery be held only for two or three months in 

 the year; say April, May and June, and that a sufficient number 

 of boats be employed daily, so as to have the matured Oysters dur- 

 ing this fishing period. 



4th. That the banks be carefully watched, and placed under the 

 immediate supervision of the Tamblegam Modiiar, to whom a per- 

 centage might be promised on the net profits of each fishery which 

 yields to Government more than £500. I suggest this per-centage, 

 well knowing, that any extra work thus thrown upon a Native of- 

 ficial, will be badly performed, unless paid for according to the 

 value of his labour. 



5th. That no Oyster under 5| inches broad, be allowed to be re- 

 moved from the banks. 



6th. That a fourth share of the Oysters fished be bond fde the 

 divers' share, which they shall be at liberty to dispose of to the best 

 advantage for themselves. 



7th. That those parts of the Tamblegam lake which have been 

 denuded of Oysters by over-fishing, be re-stocked with young Oys- 

 ters, found in the shallow parts of the lake, or near its margin : 

 which if left in their present position, are very likely to be clan- 

 destinely removed at night, although the banks may be strictly 

 watched. 



8th. That Government endeavour tofishup the Oysters by dredg- 

 ing, instead of the present pernicious method of divers walking over 

 most parts of the banks, searching for them with their feet : by 

 which means, they crush the ycu-g Oysters and destroy the spawn. 



