THE OYSTER. 137 



down upon his beds. These oysters were taken up 

 within three or four months, and then sold for more 

 than eighty cents per bushel. 



A method of oyster-planting in artificial ponds has 

 been highly developed in France, where it is found 

 to yield an adequate return for the labor and capital 

 invested, as oysters fattened in this way sell for fifty 

 per cent more than those from the natural beds. The 

 method involves considerable labor, and it is doubtful 

 whether the price of oysters in this country is as yet 

 high enough to render this industry profitable. 



The culture of oysters in the deeper waters of the 

 Bay, and the establishment of new oyster-beds by col- 

 lecting the floating spat upon clean shells and other 

 proper substances, is very much more important than 

 the encouragement of oyster-planting ; but the various 

 extracts and illustrations which have been given are 

 surely enough to show the very great advantages 

 which we should derive from a thorough system of 

 planting. Deep-water cultivation cannot be under- 

 taken to advantage on a small scale, and it requires 

 both capital and expensive appliances ; but oyster- 

 planting can be carried on without any great expense, 

 and as success in it depends to a great degree upon 

 constant intelligent supervision, small cultivators will 

 always have the advantage of those who attempt more 

 extensive operations. 



The most serious obstacle to the development of a 

 great planting industry in Maryland is the absence of 

 all respect for private property in oysters. In enclosed 

 11 



