280 GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF THE FISHERIES. 



bridge, aud the number of infant mollusks attached to the pebbles here became so great as to 

 attract the attention of Providence oysterrnen, who have created a demand for this seed. It is 

 therefore gathered and sold now; about 1,000 bushels, it is estimated, having been collected during 

 1879. This is hardy, of good shape, and produces a round and remarkably fine oyster. Some 

 attempts have been made at Cole's River to plant and rear its own oysters, and the town granted 

 areas for this purpose, but they have not been successful thus far. Litigation has resulted in 

 several cases from a clashing of alleged rights, and anchor-frost and starfishes, or drifting sand, 

 have done the rest. I fear it is not a favorable locality for this purpose." 



Statistic of oyster interests in Fall River district. 



Number of planters (not counted elsewhere) 10 



Extent of producing area acres.. 13 



Number of men employed (a few days in spring) 400 



Value of shore property and cultch $5,000 



Number of boats employed 250 



Value of same $5,000 



Annual sales of native oysters bushels.. 52,000 



Valuo of same $23, 000 



