OYSTER CULTURE IN FRANCE. 537 



infested the greater part of the oyster-beds in Brittany, and 

 caused incalculable damage ; many beds were even wholly 

 destroyed. 



In the Bay of Brest another cause was added to the 

 foregoing, namely, that in some years the grounds were 

 overgrown with red seaweed, a marine plant most inimical 

 to reproduction. There are, however, always some com- 

 pensating agencies at work. At the same time that the 

 grounds were covered with red seaweed, masses of maerl> 

 a sort of coral, formed in the vicinity of the old beds, and 

 young oysters were afterwards found attached to the cal- 

 careous arborisations which were pulled up. This fact 

 indicates either the reconstruction of the old oyster-beds 

 or the formation of new ones. 



I must not omit to note how difficult it is to watch the 

 oyster-beds in this small area of the sea. The Bay of 

 Brest, which is not less than 40 miles in extent, is bordered 

 by creeks, where marauders, warned by their comrades on 

 the watch, can seek a refuge from the pursuit of the fishery 

 guard. Provided with light boats, which draw but little 

 water, and possessing a perfect knowledge of all the creeks 

 and windings of the coast, they speedily find refuge in 

 spots where the boats of the State cannot reach them. 

 The Administration of Marine has used all its influence to 

 persuade them that fishing without moderation nips the 

 coming harvest in the bud ; but the facilities which the 

 railroads offer for the rapid and easy transport of the fruit 

 of their marauding have prevailed over these wise counsels. 

 Coercive measures have been powerless to repress their 

 rapacity. 



Such \vas the state of affairs a few years ago. At 

 present it is a little better. The number of marauders is 



