Page 295 - Records of Bahrain (2)(ii)_Neat

The pearl fisheries, 1877-1878 621

and MUSCAT POLITICAL AGENCY POE. TUB TEAII 1877-78.
37
Oysters.
3-2. Pearl-bearing oysters are here divided into three classes, called
"Zinni," Sudaifec, and Mahar, respectively; of these the Mahar contains
Ihc lx*st pearls, and is fouud iu deeper water than the others.
The Sudaifec comes next, which is a longer shell than the Mahar,
docs not produce such a white or heavy pearl, but one that is said to
improve by keeping. The neighbourhood of Ras-el-Jubal is famed for
these.
The Zinni arc the least esteemed, the pearl is said to be lighter and
liable to spoil by a change of colour, an accident from which the Mahar
is said to be free, but the Zinni shell has come into great demand during
the last three years, in consequence of a rage for pearl ornaments in
Europe, and large fortunes have been lately made; three years ago yon
could buy 100 inaunds of 91b. the maund for 10 dollars at most Now
100 maunds cost 60 dollars. This mussel must however not bo
confouuded with the large mother-o’-pearl shell which is really more
valuable from its greater 6ize.
•33. The manner in which the oyster (or raollusk more properly)
anchors himself, slips his cable, &c.,* is so well known that a descrip­
tion would be superfluous. The divers assert that these cables are some­
times of fabulous length, going through the banks aud re-appearing again
iu a manner that would preclude all chance of following one up.
•31. They say also that the oysters aie invariably found open-
mouthed, but on tho “scent” of the band approaching them they close up.
33. Occasionally the diver comes upon n packed mass of oysters
which is called a “ Tabrchthese clinging rouud and growing out from
each other may occupy a small space, but arc invariably pearl-bearing,
and such a find will often make up for months of disappointments. Such
a lucky accident is not of very common occurrence.
Ill is form of swarming was evidently known to Pliny, who quotes
other writers, setting forth a statement that tho oysters lived in com­
munities like bees under a chief of large size and venerable old age or
beauty, who took precautions against danger. That on this leader
being secured the lesser ones fell easy victims.
Pearls.
36. As to the generation, of pearls, science has not yet arrived at
v., . „ any definite conclusion, but the theory
•£r/,orf> pawyrapA 13, TUvkcUj fon7ard Dr. Keloart would seem
Z'poH. to have strong claims to attention.
From the Greek “bones/’the "mala-
duloauacccei and Dr. Kcltar. be* eng- warts* of chell. urn, of
Gestullinn one tarns with to
ttaJ pouiblj permeate tbo cost* of tho the old poetical idea of tho Oyster bciDff
wid become nuclei of pearl*. impregnated by dew drops, os mentioned
V Pliny and others, theory devoutly believed in to this day by the
Arabs themselves^

• If wanted, reform c« .tsull to to tto °° U"
t»bn of tbo ptail ojiter. 13 ol