ARTIFICIAL OYSTER CULTURE. 1075 



French and English systems of artificial culture. . . . 

 again dwelt on the point, declaring the French system, 

 though so much lauded, to be in reality no better than 

 our own. There could be no doubt that, as a rule, oysters 

 spat much more freely on the west coast of France than 

 they do at the mouth of the Thames ; but the reason he 

 considered was obviously that oysters required heat in their 

 young state. Those, therefore, who said, ' These things 

 are better done in France, why cannot they be likewise 

 done here ?' might as well wonder why the farmers of 

 Essex do not grow grapes as well as the vine-growers of 

 Southern France." 



Still feeling assured that he is right and that I am 

 wrong, my opponent triumphantly continues :- 



The difference in temperature between England and 

 France no doubt handicaps our English breeding grounds. 

 In July, 1865, the temperature was taken on the same day 

 and at the same hour on the coast of France and on the 

 coast of Essex, when it was found that there was as much 

 as 11 (Faht.) difference between the two places. 



The climate of the estuary of the Thames is always 

 more or less unfavourable for a heavy fall of spat, though 

 occasionally, as in 1858, it has happened. ... In 

 July, 1866, the temperature at Hayling Island for six 

 days averaged 78, the maximum temperature being 81: 

 the highest point reached during that month in Essex was 

 only 72. 



I do not know how far my imaginary opponent may 

 proceed in refutation of my theory, but I must cry with 



Laertes 



" A hit, a very palpable hit." 



I readily admit as much ; it was well-thrust, well-timed, 

 and, apparently, telling ; but to drop metaphor apt and 



