Report of the Board of Shell Fish Commissioners 199 



during the survey (see table, page 140), and as the survey pro- 

 gresses the value of the grounds in the other localities selected 

 will be ascertained. 



The quantity of oysters on a natural bar at any time depends 

 entirely upon natural causes and is frequently below that 

 which the water over it would support (Bars in Tangier 

 Sound) and sometimes, after a good set of spat, it is above 

 that which can be maintained in marketable condition 

 (Haqkett Point Bar). It is therefore desirable to ascertain 

 the food value of the water in certain localities outside the 

 State, such as Lynnhaven Bay in Virginia and Great South 

 Bay in New York, to add to the table of standards, for since 

 planting has been carried on in these localities for some time 

 the quantity of oysters their waters will support is accurately 

 known. 



