the finest never rose above a shilling or two;
but as riches are relative, and must be estimated by comparison,
these were treasures to us, and the sight of a large bright pearl
suddenly shining out of the shell was enough to set a boy's heart
a-beating in those early days.

During a drought in the summer of 1863 the small river Doon, in Ayr
shire, fell so low that some pearl-beds in pools, that had not been
noticed in other seasons, were exposed to view, and placed within
reach: the consequence was that the people in the neighbourhood, old
and young, betook themselves to pearl fishing, and that with
considerable success. Among other facts circumstantially related in
the local papers at the time, it was stated that one poor woman,
during the sickness of her husband, gained as much by the sale of
her pearls as made good the loss of her husband's wages for a whole
month. In the course of this summer (1864), and since the preceding
notes were written, a considerable amount of pearl fishing has been
carried on in certain rivers in the northern districts of Scotland,
and efforts have been made to organize a regular trade.

I suppose diamonds occupy now the place that was held by pearls in
ancient times. While a vast number of goodly diamonds are in
circulation, affording occupation to many dealers, here and there one is
found which alone constitutes a fortune of almost fabulous amount for
its owner. One that was brought from India a few years ago, and is now
in the possession of the Queen, has a history extending upward several
generations. It passed, like provinces, from potentate to potentate by
natural inheritance or the fortunes of war. If it had fallen into the
hands of any private person, it would have made him an object of wonder
on account of his wealth, even in presence of modern accumulations. The
history and fame of the Kooh-i-noor supply the best illustration of this
parable that I know.

Conceive a merchant with a moderate capital setting out on a journey
with the view of collecting diamonds for sale in the home market. In the
course of his travels, in the interior of India it may be, he discovers
a diamond such as the Kooh-i-noor in the hands of a countryman. The
possessor may know generally the value of diamonds, and know that this
one in particular is of greater value than any that had ever come into
his hands; yet, because it is unique, and he has nothing in his
experien