THE OYSTER. 



75 



examine and report upon the condition of the oyster- 

 beds of the State, with such recommendations as might 

 seem advisable for the protection of the oyster in- 

 dustry, reported that " he has no fears but what the 

 present oyster supply will be kept up to its present 

 standard, and within a few years increased. The sup- 

 ply is now greater, probably, than ever before, and 

 the prices higher, taking the season through. It is the 

 increased demand and consequent higher prices that 

 has created the oyster panic in the public mind to a 

 great extent. The undersigned is not fully in accord 

 with the majority report in the belief that the oyster 

 property of the State is in imminent danger of com- 

 plete destruction. This is not likely, unless we fail to 

 give the interest even ordinary care and protection. 

 Whilst in some localities the beds have been greatly 

 depleted by overwork, and in others destroyed chiefly 

 in shallow water tonging ground, the beds and bars as 

 a rule have been greatly enlarged by working them. 

 . . . The oyster supply of our waters, taken as a whole, 

 it is likely is as large as ever it was." 



In view of this statement, and similar ones from 

 other men who have enjoyed every opportunity to 

 learn the truth of the matter and to qualify themslves 

 to speak upon it with authority, it is not at all strange 

 that there should be much confusion in the public mind 

 and that the prejudiced statements of those \vho have 

 profited by the destruction of the public property should 

 outweigh the testimony of disinterested students. 



The history of the oyster-beds of Europe, and of 



