1256 OYSTERS, AND ALL ABOUT THEM. 



is to prevent the clearing of every open-sea bed (so far as 

 it can be cleared) during the open season ? Or suppose a 

 law to be passed prohibiting the capture of undersized 

 oysters, is it better to leave these oysters to take their 

 chance of becoming the prey of dogwhelks and starfish, or 

 to remove them to safe and sheltered pares ? 



I have not yet been able to obtain answers to these 

 questions in a sense favourable to protective legislation, 

 from any one practically conversant with the facts of the 

 case. People rave about protection, and when you ask 

 them how they propose to give any real protection to 

 open-sea beds they cannot tell you. 



I for my part believe that the only hope for the oyster 

 consumer lies first in oyster culture, and secondly, in dis- 

 covering a means of breeding oysters under such conditions 

 that the spat shall be safely deposited. And I have no 

 doubt that when those who undertake the business are 

 provided with a proper knowledge of the conditions 

 under which they have to work both these objects will be 

 attained, (d} 



VALUABLE ITEMS CONCERNING OYSTERS AND FISH. 



The following interesting and instructive facts, from 

 Land and Wafer, November, 22, 1890, need no apology for 

 their insertion :- 



PREMIUMS FOR FISH CURING. 



The American Government, to stimulate scientific, 

 improved, and economical fish-curing, inaugurated and 

 continued a series of local fish fairs, for money prizes for 

 (d) The English Illustrated Magazine 1890. 



