Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 April 1895 — A Pearl of Peorls. [ARTICLE]

A Pearl of Peorls.

The extraordinary pearl, or rather cluster of pearls known as "The Southern Cross,” is probably the most remarkable example of its kind that nature has ever produced. So' fur as is known, says the author of "Pearlsand PearllngLife,”lt occupies an absolutely unique position In the history of pearls. It consists of nine pearls, naturally grown together in so regular a manner as to form an almost perfect Latin cross. The pearl was discovered by n man named Chirk while pearl fishing at Roeburn, in Western Australia, in the schooner Ethel, the owner being a Roman Catholic called "Shiner Kelly.” When the shell was opened both Clark and Shiner Kelly were filled with amazement and awe. Kelly, regarding it as some heavenwrought miracle, burled the pearl—for how long it is not known. It was discovered in 1874, and five years later was on exhibition at Roeburn. At first sight it might be supposed that the component pearls of ths cross had been artificially grouped together. A minute examination under strong light and high magnifying power has dispelled any idea of its artificial character, but it is a. lusus natural of unique character. An this cruciform group of pearls waa found in the Southern Hemisphere,, it has appropriately received the. name of the Southern Cross. The pearl has changed hands many times, and each time it has done so the person parting with II has doubled his money. It is now owned by a syndicate of Australian gentlemen, who value It at ten thousand pounds.