Pearls and Pearling

This book was published in 1913.

PREFACE.

A FEW years ago I temporarily set aside my work
as a salesman to hunt for pearls on the Illinois
River.

The work in the pure air and sunshine ; and the evei
present hope of finding valuable pearls, were so fascinat-
ing I did not like to leave the occupation, so I continued
with the work and studied most of the subjects relating
to it.

Desiring to prepare for the business in a very thor-
ough manner I tried to purchase a book upon the sub-
ject, but none was printed. There has been a general
demand for information on pearl hunting and, at the
request of the Fur News Publishing Company, I have
written .this book, which I hope will prove of value to my
fellow-men.

It is intended especially for pearl hunters and those
who contemplate entering the profession, although I shall
be pleased if it is of interest to jewelers and lovers
of pearls in general.

My aim has been to explain all parts of the work so
thoroughly that one entirely unacquainted will after read-
ing this book, not only understand the methods and ap-
pliances, but be able to hunt for pearls successfully. I
earnestly hope that all who read this book may be so
fortunate as to find valuable pearls.

I am pleased to thank the friends who have supplied
photographs, and am especially grateful to Messrs.
Combes & Van Roden, of Philadelphia, for the loan of
the original photographs of members of the English
nobility.

HERBERT H. VERTREES.

Pittsfield, Illinois, May 23, 1913.