Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-11-30
Pearls and the Pearl Fishery.

FcuflS anu TIC Fc0ri FtSnefy.
Pearl oysters are found in various part
of the world-in Europe, in ASA, and in A
merca. The localities from which they ar,
procured in the greatest abundance are th'
Persian Gulf,the shores of Ceylon and ia
pan, the Sooloo Archipelago, and the Gull
of Panama and California. Those of Pana
ma and California are very large, and thei
shells very thick and beautiful, forming wha
is usually termed "mother Of pearl" A
considerable profit has been derived from
carrying these shells from California to Chi
ma, where they are manufactured by the
Chinese into variety of ornamental and
fancy articles. Pearl oysters are said to sr.
rive at perfection in seven years, and after
attaining this age they soon die. They are
usually procured by divers, at depths Of from
three to eight fathoms.
Though pearls are not peculiar to one
kind of oyster, the pearl oysters of Ceylon
are all OF one species and one shape, being
an imperfect oval, about nine and hall
inches in circumference. The body of the
fish is white and heshy, much fatter than
that of the common oyster; and the flesh oI
those oysters which contain pearls is usu-
ally rank and unfit for eating. In the GEN.
ire of the pearl is often found grain of
sand or other extraaeous matter, which may
be considered as the nucleus OF the forma-
lion, thus leading to the conviction that on
the introduction of this particle into the bo-
dy or shell Of the oyster, in order to pre-
vent the disagreeable effects of friction, he
covers it with successive layers of tile glu.
tinous matter which constitutes the pearl.
The Chinese are said to take advantage Of
this peculiarly of action in singular man.
ner. In the beginning of summer, when
the oysters rise to the surface of the water
and open their shells, five or SIX beads made
of mother of pearl are sometimes thrown
into each one Of them; and at the end of
the year, when they are drawn up and c.
pened, these are found covered with peal
ly crust,so as 10 have perfect resemblance
to the genuine pearl. All round pearls are
taken from the body of the oyster. The
others are found adhering to the inner part
ofthe shell, being fiat on that side which is
attached TO the surface. Sometimes be-
tween one and two hundred pearls have
been found IN shell and it frequently
happens that three or four hundred shells
may be opened without obtaining single
pearl. The pearls, after being extracted
and cleaned. are polished with powder
made of the pearls themselves. They are
of various colors, white, brown, and even
black. They are next assorted into class
es, according to their size, by being passed
through selves, and then. after being drill
ed and strung, are ready to be sent to the
different markets in various parts of India,
Europe, and America.
The oysters usually adhere to the rocks
and to each other in immense heaps and
clusters, until age has enfeebled the fbres
of their boards by which they cling; and
then, at an age of probably between six
and seven years, breaking from their hold,
they may be found in perfection on some
sandy bottom near their original domains.
The beds of oysters on the rocks are said
sometimes to exceed eighteen inches in
thickness. Attempts have been made to
transport the pearl oyster to more north
ern climate, both in Europe and America,
but invariably without success. In the Is.
land of Ceylon, instead of opening the oys-
tiers Immediately after they are gathered,
they are suffered 10 remain IN heaps on the
shore until they have undergone the process
of pulrefaction and become dry. Then the
pearls can be removed with comparatively
little difficulty from the shell. Sometimes
the body of the fish is of brilliant scarlet
hue and then the inside of the shell pos
sesses the same popularity of color.
The oyster, and particularly the pearl
oyster, is generally admitted to be some
thing of philosopher, and given TO habits
of meditation. Perhaps it is So. But we
can hardly suppose that as he lies qules-
cent beneath the waves, adhering TO his CO.
raj home, he ever dreams that he is con-
stantly engaged IN the manufacture of beau
tiful ornaments for beings of another race I;
and that one day the rude hand of man will
tear him from his native element, and pull
him to pieces for the sake Of his beautiful
rearls.-Boston Journal.