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INTRODUCTION.
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magnitude and beauty, the whole numnumber in Europe scarcely amounts to half a dozen, all of which are in the possession of sovereign Princes. Hence the acquisition of a moderately large Diamond, is what mere money cannot always command; and many are the favors, both political and personal, that have been offered in exchange for a Diamond of uncommon beauty, where its commercial price in hard cash, neither could be tendered nor would be received.
It may also be remarked that this species of property has hitherto been but
