OYSTER CULTURE IN AMERICA. 833 



side of the Atlantic ; but in this condensation thereof there 

 will be found as much as is perhaps necessary for all prac- 

 tical purposes. 



" The general examination of the waters of the State, 

 with reference to their possibilities for oyster culture, was 

 the most difficult and delicate part of the work. It required 

 a scrutiny of the water and bottom ; measurement of the 

 currents ; determination of the specific gravities at various 

 states of the tides and seasons of the year ; microscopic 

 examinations of water, bottom, and oysters ; a study of all 

 the various surveys that have been made from time to 



* 



time, and a more or less particular examination of the 



fauna of each locality In order to carry out 



the spirit as well as the letter of the resolution, and make 

 the examination of as early practical benefit as possible, 

 included in the general scheme was a project for diffusing 

 knowledge as to the possibilities of the industry in this 

 State, and the best manner of utilizing them. So many of 

 those most directly interested in the extension of the 

 industry were of the poorer classes, without educational 

 advantages, that publications alone would either fail of 

 attention or fail to reach them at all. Consequently, it 

 was deemed best to put such advice and information as 

 could be given in the shape of familiar and informal lec- 

 tures, directed especially to those who were to be most 

 benefited by the knowledge of the experiences of other 

 oyster-growing localities. A number of such lectures have 

 been given with most gratifying success, both as to the 

 interest of the audience and as to the effect in a practical 

 way ; quite a number of additional oyster-gardens having 

 been taken up in the several counties since the middle of 

 November, 1885, and a very large area during the past year 

 (1888). 



BB 



