Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1877-03-28
The Pearl Fishery in Mexico.

WI.
The Pearl Fishery in Mexico.
Preparatory to entering on pearl-fshing,
Il contractor must obtain concession, and
take care 10 provide such articles as
the Indians most desire-eatables, tools,
coarse dresses, and toys. The concession
is obtained by securing fifth of the pro-
duce of the fishery to the authorities of La
Paz, and then, at an expense of five dol
lars, right to fish in a certain spot is ac-
quired.
A picturesque scene is represented by
the encampments of the Indians with their
families, whoare mainly supported through
the year by the fishery. They impatiently
await the coming of their employers, and
their approach is the signal for a joyful
tumult All join in the shout of welcome,
and many plunge into the sea. to show by
their various performances in the water
their superior fitness for the labors they
are anxious to undertake.
| Loud criers are heard of, Engage me,
MASTER" /" | will make your fortune"
you employed me last year, 81 am
not only the best of divers, but am always
lucky.
A selection is made, and the contractor
takes with him those he deems the ablest
hands, pursued by the reproaches and
taunts of those who consider they are un-
fairly neglected. The conditions of the
engagement secure the divers maintenance
during the fishery, and share of the un-
opened oysters. These requirements grant
ed, shaking hands seals or completes the
engagement.
1t is from the 18th of May to the 18th of
August that the Mexican fishing i5 prose
culed. Then it is that calm weather and
| cloudless sky may be expected, which are
indispensable to success. Early in the
afternoon breeze frequently comes from
the northeast. Should it rain, the works
are partly suspended. The evening is oc-
cupied in opening the oysters collected in
the early part of the day.
The day after the arrival of the divers,
the places most likely to prove favorable
are sought by experienced eyes, and sort
Of rehearsal is gone through by the In.
dians Then they prepare themselves for
the severe task. Their children, almost
amphibious, remain on the bank, and are
thus prepared to take up the calling of Il
diver at some future day.
The Indians dive fearlessly, being ac-
customed to such exercises from their in
fancy, plunging to a depth of from five 10
ten fathoms. By two cords, Livingstone
and net are connected with the boat,
which always accompanies them. The
diver putting the toes of his right foot on
the rope of the Livingstone, and the left
on the net, seizes the two cords with one
hand, and, closing his nostrils with the
other goes to the bottom of the water,
where he brings the net round his neck
and collects and puts into it as many
shells as he can reach while he remains
below, which is generally about two
minutes. On emerging from the sea, he
discharges water from his mouth and nose
and sometimes blood, which, however,
does not deter him from presently resum-
ing his labors. Some men vii! frequently
make fifty trips in one forenoon.
Divers soon find themselves able to re.
main under water two minutes; some oc-
casionally stay three minutes, but never
longer Young divers at first are curious
ly affected; blood rushes from the nose
eyes, and ears, when they come up, caused
by compression of the lungs. 1t is a pain.
full sight, but rest and salt water are the
only remedies applied; and after short
time the bleeding is not renewed on div,
ing.
The opening Of the season is marked by
Il ceremony intended to be very solemn A
sorcerer is brought with the divers TO ex.
ercise the sea, and protect them. In the
performance Of this important duty, this
highly-gifted parsonage addresses awful
language to the dog-fsh, setting forth his
past atrocities and admonishing him to act
a better part in the future
A single plunge enables diver to secure
five or six oysters, sometimes seven or
eight, but rarely more. The boats which
attend them are managed by rowers or
are secured by an anchor or stone fasten-
ed to rope. Somesof the divers have a
| rope around them, attached 10 the boat
The most prudent course is to be as little
encountered rs possible, that they may
avoid the sharks and dog-fsh. They are
however, generally armed with short
stick, made of hard wood, and pointed
A looker,out or watcher is in each boat, tc
give a signal to those under water when
Ganger is apparent.
The gangs Of younger divers divide in.
to three parties, and rest for longer periods
They 60 to their labor fasting. " hen be-
low, they Of course snatch the oysters ur
as quickly as possible, using the shor
stick they carry, when necessary, TO sepa'
rate them from any other substance. Find
ing an oyster likely to contain pearl, The
stick is sometimes used to open it, and the
diver will reappear with Il she'll or two
and tell that, during three minutes i'm
meason, he could discover nothing bu
shells. The fraud is often discovered, ant
the stick freely used on the head or bacl
OF the cheat.