708 OYSTERS, AND ALL ABOUT THEM. 



Portuguese oyster, artificial fecundation in the former 

 species would be very hazardous. 



For this reason the plan for the experiment has been 

 traced in the way I have just explained. 



I have dwelt at some length upon these experiments, 

 because they will bring before your minds the phase at 

 which the theoretical questions with which oyster culture 

 has to deal have at present arrived. 



As to its practical side, I am afraid time will not permit 

 me to give you a fair description of the different imple- 

 ments and processes. 



In terminating, I must not omit to mention 

 that the favourable results of oyster culture in the Schelde 

 have directed the attention of Government to the re-stock- 

 ing and the methodic improvement of the Zuyderzee beds, 

 on the same plan that has been followed since 1 870 for the 

 less over-fished Zeeland bed. As yet these measures are 

 not far advanced, but it can hardly be doubted that in the 

 course of a few years a new source of the prized delicacy 

 we have been considering to-day will there be opened, the 

 natural conditions having on the whole remained the same 

 since the time these beds were so plentiful. 



