60 THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
importance of that object which can of itself create this 
scene . 
The bay of Condatchy is the most central rendezvous for 
the boats employed in the fishery. The banks, where it is 
carried on, extend several miles along the coast from Manaar 
southward, off Arippo, Condatchy, and Pomparipo. The prin- 
cipal bank is opposite to Condatchy, and lies out at sea about 
twenty miles. The first step, previous to the commencement 
of the fishery, is to have the different oyster banks surveyed, 
the state of the oysters ascertained, and a report made on the 
subject to government. If it has been found that the quantity 
is sufficient, and that they are arrived at a proper degree of 
maturity, the particular banks to be fished that year are put 
up for sale to the highest bidder, and are usually purchased 
by a black merchant.. This, however, is not always the course 
pursued : Government sometimes judges it more advantageous 
to fish the banks on its. own account, and to dispose of the 
pearls afterwards to the merchants. When this plan is adopted* 
boats are hired for the season on account of government, from 
different quarters ; the price varies considerably, according to 
circumstances ; but is usually from five to eight hundred par- 
godas for each boat. There are however no stated prices, 
and the best bargain possible is made for each boat separately. 
The Dutch generally followed this last system ; the banks were 
fished on government account, and the pearls disposed of in 
different parts of India, or sent to Europe. When this plan 
was pursued, the governor and council of Ceylon claimed a 
