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Chapter 2. A New Proposition from Captain Nemo

           Ontheshellitisfast:inthefleshitisloose;butalwayshasforakernelasmallhardsubstance,maybeabarrenegg,maybeagrainofsand,aroundwhichthepearlymatterdepositsitselfyearafteryearsuccessively,andbythinconcentriclayers."

           "Aremanypearlsfoundinthesameoyster?"askedConseil.

           "Yes,myboy.Someareaperfectcasket.Oneoysterhasbeenmentioned,thoughIallowmyselftodoubtit,ashavingcontainednolessthanahundredandfiftysharks."

           "Ahundredandfiftysharks!"exclaimedNedLand.

           "DidIsaysharks?"saidIhurriedly."Imeanttosayahundredandfiftypearls.Sharkswouldnotbesense."

           "Certainlynot,"saidConseil;"butwillyoutellusnowbywhatmeanstheyextractthesepearls?"

           "Theyproceedinvariousways.Whentheyadheretotheshell,thefishermenoftenpullthemoffwithpincers;butthemostcommonwayistolaytheoystersonmatsoftheseaweedwhichcoversthebanks.Thustheydieintheopenair;andattheendoftendaystheyareinaforwardstateofdecomposition.Theyarethenplungedintolargereservoirsofsea-water;thentheyareopenedandwashed."

           "Thepriceofthesepearlsvariesaccordingtotheirsize?"askedConseil.

           "Notonlyaccordingtotheirsize,"Ianswered,"butalsoaccordingtotheirshape,theirwater(thatis,theircolour),andtheirlustre:thatis,thatbrightanddiaperedsparklewhichmakesthemsocharmingtotheeye.

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