As much as 700 lbs. weight of pearls was sent to Seville in the year 1587, amongst them, it is stated, being specimens of rare worth and beauty. Fine quality pearls are still found at Panama and the Gulf of Mexico. The poor progress of these fisheries is said to be due to the wretched pay offered to the Indian and negro divers in the past. It is a strange fact that progress and prosperity are gained only by the pursuance of an enlightened policy towards employees, and this is nowhere so clearly indicated as in the history of the pearl. Pearls from the Persian Gulf are amongst the most esteemed of the present day. The fisheries of the Great Pearl Bank extend along the West from Ras Hassan half way up the Gulf. To the Eastern no pearl is so beautiful and full of colour as the pearl from the Persian Gulf. The colour is very enduring and improves by being worn next the skin—especially of a person whose jewel it is. The Ceylon fisheries have not been yielding so well of late years, but with wisdom will no doubt regain their old place. The main oyster bank is near Condatchy, about twenty miles from the shore. Twenty men, ten of whom are divers, under a tindal or captain, comprise the crew of each boat. The divers are quick and expert at their work, and although remaining under water seldom more than a minute, have been known to bring to the surface as many as 150 shells. The pearl diver’s greatest dread is the ground shark, and all the time the boats are out the conjurer, termed the “Binder of Sharks” or “Pillal Harras,” stands on the shore muttering prayers and conjurations. The divers wear also a pearl about their bodies as a charm against their dreaded enemy. The beautiful island of Ceylon—the Taprobane of the old Greeks and Romans and the Serendib of the Arabian Nights—is itself shaped like a great drop pearl and is believed by the Indians to be a “part of Paradise.” Perfectly round and fine lustre pearls are called by the Ceylonese “Annees,” next in grade are called “Annadaree.” Irregular pearls of lesser lustre are called “Kayarel,” generally known amongst us as “Baroques.” Pearl-shaped inferior specimens are called “Samadiem,” those duller and irregular are termed “Kallipoo,” a poorer grade again is known as “Koorwell,” and the lowest type is “Pesul.” Small seed pearls are known as “Tool.”