Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstrait121878roya).pdf/65

This page needs to be proofread.

can well be imagined. I have cited it simply as a parallel to the subject under notice the apparently spontaneous production of pearls. Further information on this latter subject will doubtless be acceptable to the Society. Granting the truth of all that is alleged respecting Breeding Pearls, we have not at present got beyond Topsy's "'Spect they growed."

I may add that I have been informed that both Sir J. Brooke and Admiral Keppel have made mention of Breeding Pearls in their published works. I can only say that a tolerably thorough search through the Raffles Library has not enabled me to find the notices in question, and the present Raja Brooke of Sarawak told me he did not know of them. It is of course possible that, amidst the hurry of more important avocations, I have missed them. If so I shall be greatly indebted to any one who will point them out.

N. B. DENNYS.