I 1 04 OYSTERS, AND ALL ABOUT THEM. 



capital, which goes to every corner of the world, but shuns 

 Ireland. I maintain that Irishmen, if properly paid, are 

 not lazy 



" Our oysters are infinitely better than the French or 

 Dutch, and nothing but our own apathy prevents our pro- 

 ducing similar results. The water on our coast, thanks to 

 the gulf stream, is warmer than the Dutch, and our sand 

 banks are bare at midday during the spring tides, thus 

 getting the advantage of the sun's rays, and being well 

 warmed, and so warming the water during the spatting 

 season. 



"The action of our Fishery Board has not been quite 

 judicious. Some years ago there was a craze for oyster 

 culture, and owners applied and got licenses for large tracts 

 of foreshore, much of which never was, and never can be 

 utilised. 



" I suggest the formation of a company to get hold of 

 proper fattening beds, some of which I know can be had for 

 a mere trifle. Breeding beds can be had in many places. 



"With the co-operation of the Fishery Board the expenses 

 would be very small ; but the acquisition of the proper beds 

 would require judgment and skill, and no dividend ought to 

 be looked for for two years, at the end of which time the 

 company would have a very valuable property, paying good 

 dividends. 



" I am at your disposal if I can be of any use. In order 

 that the superior quality of the oysters fattened here may 

 be tested, on receiving a postal order for zs. 6d., I will for- 

 ward one dozen, carriage paid, to any part of the United 

 Kingdom. 



"VERNON COCHRANE. 



" Glen Lodge, Sligo." 



