Page:A treatise on diamonds and precious stones including their history Natural and commercial.djvu/93

 the manner described in treating of those of Brazil. A lot, or bolsa, always contains a larger proportion of bad, and a smaller quantity of good Diamonds, than is found in an equal lot from Brazil. They have also, generally, great exterior lustre, which is by no means a favorable symptom; many are quite dark brown, and of very high polish.

may with truth be asserted, that Europe is almost wholly dependant on Brazil, for its supplies of Diamonds.

lucrative commerce was formerly in the hands of the Dutch. On the discovery of Diamonds in Brazil, the consul of that nation, after the Portuguese government had taken the mines into their own hands, contracted for all that should be disposed of. The Dutch, by means of their agents, were equally alert in India; and thus they succeeded in obtaining a valuable branch of trade, while they secured