PEARL FISHERIES OF VENEZUELA.
The pearl fisheries of the island of Margarita, on the coast of Venezuela, have become quite important within recent years, and are now extensively worked. The pearls of Margarita Island have been known ever since the discovery of the country. The Indians of the time of Columbus were already provided with ornamental objects in which pearls figured prominently, and it seems to have been these pearls which occasioned the first difficulties between the Spaniards and the inhabitants. During the last few years the oyster-beds of the island have been more and more actively worked. At present there are about 400 sail boats with native equipments working about the islands of Margarita, Coche, and Cubagua. The pearls are of a fine quality, generally white or yellow. Sometimes a black pearl is found, but this is rare, and it brings a high price. Not long ago a white pearl was sold for nearly $2,000. The shell of the pearl oyster is not of any great value, as it is too thin to be utilized. The Margarita oyster has a relatively short life, and on an average, it does not exceed eight years. A French company has been lately formed for the pearl fishery. It will operate, not by using drags, but by divers with and without suits. In this way the smaller oysters will be spared, and the beds will not be depopulated. The value of the annual production of the Margarita Island region is over $600,000. Most of the pearls are sold in the Paris market, where the sale appears to be the most active, and the best prices are obtained.