406 OYSTERS, AND ALL ABOUT THEM. 



is said that systematic poaching then began and continued 

 with disastrous effects until the end of 1875. Oysters were 

 still laid down, though in diminishing numbers, 77,357 

 being introduced in 1872-3, and 37,200 in 1873-4. The 

 quantity upon the ground did not increase, in spite of a 

 very good spatting season in 1871, and of the fall of spat 

 every year to a certain amount ; fewer oysters were taken 

 from the fishery than had been imported into it ; no income 

 was derived from it ; and, finally, the company became so 

 discouraged that they reduced their number of watchers to 

 one, and ceased laying down oysters altogether in 1874-5. 

 In my report upon the Emsworth Channel Fishery, to 

 which I may be permitted to refer for the details of the 

 alleged poaching, I state the facts bearing upon it which 

 have come to my knowledge, and express my belief that it 

 did take place to an uncertain though considerable extent. 

 It is impossible to arrive at any definite conclusion as to 

 the degree of influence which it had upon the ill success of 

 the company. 



Happily, a reconstitution of the company, and a 

 consequent change of system, which took place in the 

 beginning of the present year, have rendered it unneces- 

 sary to determine whether it suffered its losses from causes 

 within or beyond its own control. During the last twelve 

 months 1,600,000 oysters have been laid down in about 25 

 acres, and are guarded by three barges, which are perma- 

 nently moored, and occupied by five men. The protected 

 ground is well cleaned. The remainder of the ground is 

 also kept clean, with the exception of the ends which abut 

 on the dredgermen's fishery ; but no oysters have been laid 

 down on it, and for the present it is intended only to leave 

 in it those which are native to the place, and which remain 



