7 28 ^OYSTERS, AND ALL ABOUT THEM. 



be taken to render possible the growth of our oyster farm- 

 ing industry in the future. 



The resolution under which we were appointed says 

 that we are to lay before the General Assembly such infor- 

 mation as will enable it to devise laws for the immediate 

 protection of the oysters. We have therefore brought 

 together, in the body of our report, from all the sources 

 within our reach, all the information which we have been, 

 able to obtain, and your Excellency will there find a brief 

 sketch of the oyster industry and oyster laws of Europe, of 

 Canada, and of the Atlantic States of our own country. 



Our report also contains many suggestions which we 

 have omitted from our bill, as they refer to points upon 

 which immediate legislation does not seem imperatively 

 necessary. 



THE POSSIBILITIES OF THE MARYLAND OYSTER 



INDUSTRY. 



No one who is familiar with the history of the oyster 

 beds of other parts of the world can be surprised at the 

 deterioration of our own beds. 



. . . . The immense area covered by our own 

 beds has enabled them to withstand the attacks of the 

 oystermen for a much longer time (than those of England, 

 France, Germany, Canada, &c.) ; but all who are familiar 

 with the subject have long been aware that our present 

 system can have only one result extermination. 



. . . . It is a shame that the gifts so lavishly 

 bestowed by nature upon Maryland and Virginia should 

 receive so little practical appreciation. 



There has been no lack of warning, nor can our people 

 plead ignorance of the true remedy. In (a) paper (referred 

 to) one of your Commissioners discussed at considerable 



