770 OYSTERS, AND ALL ABOUT THEM. 



aid in another matter ; but we think it should be well 

 understood that the two domains of industry and of govern- 

 ment are totally distinct. By confounding them, power- 

 lessness replaces fertile effort, and the most important work 

 is crowned only with failure." 



" We do not wish in any way to diminish the gratitude 

 due to those, whether functionaries of State or others, who 

 have laboured for the creation and development of this 

 industry ; but we feel the necessity of proclaiming, in a 

 certain measure, the omnipotence and vigilance of indi- 

 vidual interest. We believe that, imbued with this thought, 

 the public administration would desire, even more in the 

 future than in the past, to free from fetters and obstacles 

 the pathways along which this industry must move, in order 

 to attain a high degree of prosperity." 



It must be plain to everyone that our hope for an 

 abundant supply of oysters in the future must rest upon the 

 growth of a private farming industry, rather than upon State 

 aid ; and we come now to the question, what shall be done 

 to encourage private oyster culture ? 



.- . . The question of immediate revenue to the 



State is a very secondary consideration The 



chief danger which is to be avoided is the monopoly by a 

 few persons of the oyster area, and this danger can be 

 avoided by granting to any resident of Maryland who 

 wishes to use it, a small farm for oyster culture. The law 

 known as the "five acre law" gives to any resident the 

 right to appropriate five acres of ground, where there are 

 no oysters, for oyster planting. The holder pays nothing 

 for the right ; he receives no title from the State, and he 

 pays no taxes. 



We recommend that the State give to each holder of 

 land under this law a lease or title, like a title to real 



