Il8o OYSTERS, AND ALL ABOUT THEM. 



est beds of course obtaining the greater share, whilst the 

 uncultivated beds obtained very little. About ten per 

 cent, of these oysters may be marketable in 1883 when 

 the oyster season commences, and, though the price may 

 increase, there ought then to be a fair supply of real 

 natives in the market. 



As an example of the second class of laying, viz. that 

 which is uncovered at low spring tides, we will describe 

 the system of cultivation adopted on the Essex Creeks ; and 

 to illustrate the tank or enclosure system we shall refer to 

 the celebrated establishments on the river Seudres. 



CULTIVATION ON THE ESSEX CREEKS. 



On the Roach, Crouch, Blackwater, and their tributaries, 

 oysters are stored during the winter in pits at the side of 

 the river, the different sizes and qualities of oyster being 

 kept separate. The pits are roughly constructed dams, 

 about 10 feet square, and are covered only at spring tides. 

 They are from 15 to 18 inches deep, and are provided 

 with sluices, by which they can be emptied at low water 

 for cleaning purposes. At some places these sluices are 

 made self-acting, permitting an inflow of water, but barring 

 its egress, and arranged so that the water shall be changed 

 every tide. Oysters are generally moved into the pits in 

 October and November, for protection from frost, and also 

 that they may be obtained conveniently when required for 

 the market. 



The protection thus afforded to oysters is very 

 considerable. They are not exposed, either to being left 

 uncovered by the tide or to the danger of cold currents 

 coming down the river. Floating ice does not ground in 

 these protected spots, though of course it forms over the 

 pits during severe frosts. Ice has been known to be 6 



