ARTIFICIAL OYSTER CULTIVATION. 1157 



trays, so that they can easily be removed without disturbing 

 the others. We do not recommend any fixed posts, wires, 

 or other similar contrivances in the breeding-pond, as they 

 collect weed, slub, &c. Channels should always be left 

 between the rows of collectors, to allow a boat to pass when 

 necessary to work at them. The collecting trays and frames 

 may be of any moderate size, but about 2 feet 6 inches by 

 6 feet will be found the most convenient. 



All the collectors should be ready before spatting time. 

 Wooden collectors can be made, so that the water can pass 

 freely through them ; they should also be coated with tar, 

 and, after being dried, with a lime solution ; they should be 

 placed together, as a lean-to roof, at an angle of about 45, 

 secured by strong stakes driven into the ground on either 

 side, and fastened together at the apex. 



At Hayling Island, Mr. Dilnot showed us some canvas 

 collectors made out of the stuff used for sugar-bags pre- 

 pared in this way, which, he said, had been successful in 

 1881. 



The canvas, after being dipped in tar, is carefully dried, 

 to preserve it from the water, and, if used for a collector, is 

 spread on a rough frame, and then coated with a solution 

 of lime, clay, and sand, well stirred up together ; lime and 

 sifted earth would probably do as well. 



For young oyster-holders or ambulances, Mr. Dilnot, 

 at Hayling Island, has used the same canvas, when tarred 

 and dried, nailed to the sides and bottoms of the battens 

 which form the trays or boxes. 



The advantage of wooden and canvas collectors over 

 tiles, as used in England, is that the standing posts and 

 wires are rendered unnecessary, and the operations of 

 cleaning the weed and slub they attract are thereby dis- 

 pensed with. 



