The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-06-30
Pearl Fishe ries of the Pacific.

From the Panama Herald June
The principal pearl fisheries of the Pacific are
those located about sixty seventy miles from this
city, in the bay or gulf of Panama. They were
formerly the property of the Spanish crown, and
carried on under the direction of the Spanish
government, being considered the same as the gold
and silver mines. Fishermen were allowed the pri-
vilege of diving for peals by paying to the govern
ment duty called quinto, that is, five per cent Of
their earnings.
Soon after this country threw off her allegiance to
Spain, and assumed Independent powers part Of
the republic, the duty on pearl fishing was abolish
ed; pearls being considered as the natural products
of the sea- and like all other fish, free to all. There
is, now, no duty required--e>cry man enjoys the
same privilege in commQn with another, and is en-
titled to all the results Of his labor. He dive
anywhere in the waters Of the bay, and is protected
in his possession of all he can. in this way, acquire
The most extensive and valuable fisheries those
of the Pearl Islands. These islands were formerly
called Has del Rey, or Kings Islands, and so
laid down and demonstrated on the old maps. They
are now called LAS de Porlas The business is chiefly
carried on in the Archipelago Of these islands, which
number from sixty to seventy The principal island
is called San Miguel. 1t has a town of the same
name containing population Of about 500 inha-
bitans. All of these islands are more or less nha-
bited, and most Of them have become private pro-
perty. San Miguel being the largest, is owned by
large number Of persons.
There are, at this time, from twelve to fifteen
hundred persons engaged in the pearl-fsheries Of
these islands The value of the pearls taken varies
from $50, 900 to $3.50, 900 per annum seldom less
than 800 200, besides from nine hundred to
thousand tons Of pearl shells, averaging, in value
$4,000. Theseshells were formerly esteemed as
worthless, but recently they have become the chief
article of export from this country, being worth
from thirty to forty dollars per ton.
Diving for pearls is interesting, and at the
same time dangerous pursuit. The diver generally
dives in from three to fathoms of water; and
brings up at each dive from six to twelve shells.
They dive at low water always, as the diving
ground ut high water has been cleared of the shells
They usually work from two hours and half to
three hours, during which time they dive from
twelve to fifteen times. The best divers remain
under water from ffty-eight to sixty-one seconds;
but the most of them can only remain under from
forty five to fifty seconds. 1t is altogether mis-
taken idea that has gone abroad, and is now cur
rently believed, that pearl-divers remain under
water ten and fifteen minutes. We have conversed
with distinguished gentleman of this city, who
has been engaged in the pearl trade upwards of
thirty years, upon this poirA and he assures us
that the very longest time he ever knew diver to
remain under water sixty-one seconds, and that
he was induced to do so. by the promise of reward
of two or three ounces (doubloons).
The pearl oyster is used for food, and resembles
the sandclam of the A tlantic coast. The fishermen
and the natives use it both fresh, when just TAKEN
and when preserved by being par-boied and dried
1t is exceedingly palatable and is esteemed very
good, substantial food. The preparation of pre-
serving the oyster in this manner is very simple
and the oyster. after being preserved is strung on
string and hung up in cool dry place, 1t keeps
a long time, and can afterwards be cooked in va
riety OF ways, as fancy or custom or appetite may
suggest
The pearl is considered to be a disease of oyster
1t is generally found in the flesh of the oyster al
though ometimes, it has been found adherng to
the side of the shell. Upon opening the oyster the
diver uses great precauton to prevent the pearl
from dropping out, should the oyster contain one.
The price OF pearls varies according to their pur-
ty, shape and weight-say from ten dollars to five
thousand per ounce From five hundred to fifteen
hundred dollars very frequently paid here for
single pearls not weighing more than three six
teenths of an ounce
An Engish company, some years since, obtained
privilege to fish with diving bells, but the enter
prise proved a total failure in consequence of the
uncyenness of the bottom Since then, no attemp.
OF a similar character has been made. nor has any
machinery or apparatus ever been used to bring up
the shells.
No doubt whatever exists as to the great album
dance of the pearl oyster in the waters of the Archi
pelago, though Mt so great depth as to defy the
skill Of the diver. BY means Of submarine
NOR, or by the use OF aproper machine constructed
for the purpose, in connection with sub marine
armor, we have no doubt that fortune could be
realized in very short time. The shells alone,
which could be thus obtained, would defray any
outlay Tor such an apparatus and all the expenses
attending its operations And us it is the belief of
many. sanctioned by the experience of old divers,
that the best and largest pearls are found in deep
water II Is but far 10 presume that the yield would
be highly profitable. An exclusive privilege could
readily he obtained from the Provisional Chambers
for the of such an apparatus. and we know of
nothing to hinder the successful prosecution of
ente'I rise of this kind. We know a gentlemen OF
wealth and high respectabiity, residing in this city,
who would be willing to unite with competent
person, or with company to engage in such
enterprise, and whose facilities and knowledge upon
the subject are unequalled for all its practical pur
poses.
The Pearl Islands are considered remarkably
healthy, quite fertile. producing all the ordinary
vegetables and fruits of the country and the nha-
bitants. who are mostly black, are kind, hospitabe,
and inohensive,