THE ISLAND OF CEYLON. 
73 
They have also a variety of other instruments, both for cut- 
ting and drilling the pearls. To clean, round, and polish them 
to that state in which we see them, a powder made of the pearls 
themselves is employed. These different operations in pre- 
paring the pearls occupy a great number of the black men in 
various parts of the island. In the black town or pettah of 
Columbo in particular, many of them may every day be seen 
at this work, which is well worth the attention of any European 
who is not already acquainted with it. 
Such are the circumstances relative to the pearl fishery, 
which have fallen under my observation. Owing to its having 
been formerly inconsiderately exhausted by the avarice of the 
Dutch, it is not perhaps so productive as it once was. The 
revenue which Government derives from it is still however 
considerable, and may by good management be increased. 
Pearls are considered as the next staple of the island to cin- 
namon ; the concourse of people which it attracts affords a 
facility for disposing of the other produce; and by proper 
management, advantage might be taken of the opportunity here 
offered to introduce our manufactures into various parts of India. 
Before we leave the bay of Condatchy, it may be amusing 
to take a view of the various objects which most attract the 
attention of a stranger during the pearl fishery. The remark- 
able display of Indian manners, which are here seen in all their 
varieties, is, perhaps, the most striking of these. Every cast 
has its representatives ; the arts practised by some, the cere- 
monies performed by others, and the appearance of all, present 
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