[131]. In 1881, the number of days was the same—47, the season extending from March 4 to April 27. In 1891 there were 40 working days, in 1904 there were 33, in 1903 there were 36, and in 1906 there were 36 days of actual fishing.
[132]. See Reinaud’s “Fragments Arabes,” Paris, 1845, p. 125.
[133]. “Pearl Oyster Fisheries of the Gulf of Manaar,” 5 vols., London, 1903–1906.
[134]. Tavernier, “Travels in India,” Vol. II, ch. 21.
[136]. The report of the Chief of Police at the 1905 fishery states: “In the camp there were 40,000 to 50,000 persons, of whom it may be said that not less than a tenth were gamblers, vagrants, and rogues, who, without occupation in their own country, made their way to Marichchukkadi with the hope of making money to gamble in oysters.” (“Reports on the Pearl Fisheries for 1905,” Colombo, p. 17.)
[137]. In 1906 there were 473 boats employed; in 1905, 318; in 1857, 1858, 1859, and 1863, over 400 boats reported for employment.
[138]. Some years ago, notably in the early sixties, each and every boat was required to have ten divers, thus making a total of 23 persons in each boat. (See Vane’s “Report on Ceylon Pearl Fisheries,” 1863.)
[139]. Supra., p. 100.
[140]. Hornell, “Reports on the Pearl Fisheries of 1904,” Colombo, p. 31.