gems, pearls, Ceylon, Sri Lanka, Gulf of Mannar

Steuart presents observations on Ceylon (Sri Lanka) drawn from thirty-eight years of residence and experience on the island, discussing its colonial administration, economy, agriculture, commerce, society, and historical development up to 1855. Of particular gemological interest is the appended account of the Ceylon pearl fishery, in which he discusses the celebrated pearl banks of the Gulf of Mannar, their history and administration, the pearl oyster, the organization and conduct of the fisheries, and the economic uncertainties caused by fluctuations in the oyster populations. The work provides a valuable firsthand perspective on one of the world’s historically most important sources of natural pearls and complements the contemporary scientific investigations of the Ceylon pearl oyster by E.F. Kelaart and others.