OYSTER CULTURE IN AMERICA. 839 



ally they were more productive, as they were in shoaler 

 water and the oysters were more easily obtained ; therefore, 

 if other indications point in the same direction, the evi- 

 dence as to the proportionally small product must be 

 accepted as additional proof that the beds have deterior- 

 ated. 



Such additional proof was not wanted. All oyster- 

 men encountered expressed the opinion that the beds were 

 by no means in as good condition as in the past, and 

 invariably the cause was stated to be over-fishery. In 

 addition, nearly all the beds examined showed an undue 

 proportion of empty and broken shells, and a correspond- 

 ing poverty of oysters. This was certainly not due to the 

 ravages of enemies, as none of any consequence were 

 found. In the upper part of Pamplico Sound many areas 

 have suffered, either from a deposit of sediment or from 

 the action of fresh water, and in a few other localities beds 

 in shoal water have been damaged by ice ; but with these 

 exceptions there was no evidence of any deleterious natural 

 influence having been at work. Remaining, then, was the 

 influence of the fishery, and the testimony of the fishermen 

 as well as of the beds was conclusive to the effect that in 

 many localities the fishery was excessive. 



The experience of other localities has been, without 

 exception, that excessive fishery leads to extinction, and 

 there was no doubt that the beds of North Carolina, if 

 they continued to be exposed to an unrestricted fishery, 

 and obtained no measure of relief, would share the universal 

 fate and be destroyed. 



The beds being in not only an impaired condition, 

 but threatened with complete destruction, some remedy 

 was necessary that would counteract the destructive influ- 

 ence. This could be accomplished by restricting the 



