428 OYSTERS, AND ALL ABOUT-/.THEM. 



which spat could attach itself if produced. The cleansing 

 and cultching of the other beds has been equally neg- 

 lected. 



That Mr. Hunter originally intended to cultivate the 

 fishery seriously seems evident, from the fact that he spent 

 700 in obtaining the Order, and in the measures at first 

 taken to give effect to it ; but, after the failure of his first 

 experiment, which was made injudiciously, he appears 

 either to have become discouraged, or to have lost all 

 interest in the matter, and from that time the ground has 

 been practically abandoned. 



If the original grantee of the Order were still in pos- 

 session of the fishery, the case would be one in which there 

 could be no doubt as to the propriety of issuing a certifi- 

 cate, under section 45 of the Sea Fisheries Act ; Mr. 

 Hunter, however, died in the course of last year, and his 

 brother, who has succeeded to his property, is contem- 

 plating a renewal of cultivation on a larger scale, 'and in a 

 more sustained manner. The ground is one which seems 

 to be well suited for oysters ; but there is no reason to 

 expect that an oyster fishery will establish itself naturally 

 within it. If, therefore, Mr. Hunter offers good reason for 

 believing that he is likely to stock it properly, and to cul- 

 tivate it efficiently, I consider that it may be for the public 

 advantage to continue the Order. 



I am, &c., 

 (Signed) W. E. HALL. 



The Assistant Secretary, 

 Harbour Department, Board of Trade. 



