CHAPTER XXXIV. 



THE OYSTER INDUSTRY IN WEST AFRICA. 



EDIBLE oysters are found in beds, on the rocks running 

 out into the sea, which are uncovered at low tide, and on 

 trees (mangrove). The trade in oysters is large, but chiefly, 

 in fact altogether, confined to the coast, as their delicate 

 nature, even when cured as the natives affect, does not 

 admit of long keep. 



The trees on which oysters are usually to be found in 

 the tropics are of the mangrove family, the nature of which, 

 with their aerial roots, admits of their growth in the flow of 

 the oyster spat, which is thus at times in part intercepted, 

 adheres, and develops into what is commonly spoken of as 

 the tree-oyster. Mangrove oysters are not as much sought 

 after as bed or rock-oysters, although they are collected for 

 the sake of their shells, for the purpose of conversion into 

 lime. 



Bed-oysters are more extensively sought after. A 

 solitary canoe at anchor over oyster-beds may be seen at 

 times with no occupant. He has dived with his basket, 

 and grabs in the mud (so long as his breath will allow him 

 to remain under) for his prey, until by such repeated efforts 

 he succeeds in filling his canoe. Women are usually the 



buyers and subsequent retailers of such commodity. 



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