1024 OYSTERS, AND ALL ABOUT THEM. 



the Blackwater and Pont, three millions having been pur- 

 chased by the Whitstable Company. And if the 3000 acres 

 were enclosed there would be but little of the Blackwater 

 or Pont free to the public. 



At the time we write we do not know what Mr. Holland, 

 the inspector before whom the case was argued, has recom- 

 mended or advised the Board of Trade to do. 



With regard to future legislation, we would most 

 strongly recommend that- 



1. Dredging for oysters on natural or deep-sea beds 

 should not be allowed between the i6th of June and the 

 1 6th of September, unless an inspector has certified that 

 such dredging will not be harmful to the future prosperity of 

 those particular beds. 



2. The dredging for, consignment, or exportation for 

 sale, or exposure for sale, for the purposes of consumption 

 only, between the i5th of May and the i5th of September, 

 should be made illegal, and punishable by fine, as between 

 these two dates oysters are breeding. 



It is necessary to note that unless the convention with 

 France is modified or repealed, the permission referred to 

 in the first suggestion cannot be granted outside the inter- 

 national territorial limits between the i6th of June and the 

 ist of September. 



Were these suggested laws enforced in England, Wales, 

 Scotland, and the Channel Islands, we believe that great 

 advantages would ensue. 



Ireland appears to have always been left alone in fishery 

 matters, and not interfered with. Whether this is or is not 

 " another injustice ' : to that country, we have no space or 

 time to inquire, but it is a step towards what they desire so 

 much Local Government or Home Rule. The Irish 



