1092 OYSTERS, AND ALL ABOUT THEM. 



but, in speaking of our " tight little island," Dr. Hoek (0) 

 says : " England wants yearly an immense quantity of 

 oysters. They are partly supplied by America, partly by 

 France, partly by the Dutch oyster culture. By far the 

 greater part, however, is produced by the English oyster 

 industry. We do not say English oyster culture, for if 

 taken in the real sense of the word, we must confess that 

 it does not exist on the English coast. Yet there is per- 

 haps no other country where such costly measures have 

 been taken to introduce a true cultivation of oysters as in 

 England." 



There ! the reader has it as I have found it, and as he 

 can see it for himself. I will make no comment, but 

 simply leave the solution of this ostracultural Pons Asinorum 

 problem as an exercise for his reasoning capacity, as an 

 example of the difference of opinion, and as a well-meaning 

 inspiration towards a hearty and indignant " I will decide 

 for myself !" 



But where is Mobius ? Mobius, the Philosopher and 

 Scientist ! the truth-telling, far-seeing, all-impartial, and 

 irrefutable Mobius ! Let us return to and hear him. 

 Listen to and ponder well his words of profoundest wisdom 

 in Oyster Lore. 



" Those who delude themselves with the belief that, by 

 means of artificial cultivation, oysters can be bred in great 

 quantities wherever there may be sea-water, will scarcely 

 agree with my book, and it is indeed quite certain that it 

 will not convince them of their error. But the most 

 dazzling error does not become transformed into truth, 

 however long and firmly one may believe in it." (/>) 



(o) " Oyster Culture," p. 29. 

 " The Oyster and Oyster Culture." Introduction. 



