Il6o OYSTERS, AND ALL ABOUT THEM. 



The main objects which the oyster breeder has in view 

 are- 



ist. To catch the spat, which would otherwise either 

 perish or be swept away elsewhere. 



2nd. To transfer the young oysters, as soon as possible 

 after they are caught, to a place where they will be pro- 

 tected from their many enemies. 



The oyster fattener does not trouble himself with the 

 artificial means adopted for securing a large quantity of 

 spat, although he is glad enough if spat happens to fall on 

 his own grounds ; but he generally looks to other layings, 

 more favourably situated for breeding, to supply him with 

 young oysters and those that require fattening for the 

 market. 



The growth and well-being of the oyster is then his 

 especial care ; and we shall endeavour to describe the 

 various systems of oyster culture adopted, as local circum- 

 stances require special precautions. 



The qualifications of a' locality for successful oyster 

 farming greatly depend upon the nature of the soil, both 

 as regards its mechanical character and its chemical com- 

 position. 



As regards its mechanical character, the best kinds of 

 grounds are those where sand, marl, and clay are mixed in 

 about equal proportions. If the locality be devoted to 

 breeding purposes, the sand and marl may be in excess of 

 the clay, as the grounds under these circumstances will be 

 more readily kept clean. If they be required for fattening, 

 the minute organisms which highly organic mud contains 

 are so necessary for bringing the oyster into condition, that 

 it is desirable to have the clay in excess of the marl and 

 sand. Pure sand is prohibitive, and pure mud and pure lime 

 are both disadvantageous for oyster culture, for reasons 



