542 OYSTERS, AND ALL ABOUT THEM. 



in thickness. Lastly, they have proved that the nearer the 

 oysters are brought to the channels where the currents are 

 continuous, the more they gain in size. 



Some attempts at reproduction made in the upper part 

 of the concession, in the neighbourhood of some pares 

 rilled with oysters, have not been unsuccessful. This year, 

 on each tile could be counted from 70 to 80 spat. MM. de 

 Mauduit and de Solminihac began at Belon not more than 

 five or six years ago, and in spite of imperfect knowledge, 

 and the deceptions inseparable from first attempts, they 

 are in a condition to deliver for consumption two-and-a- 

 half millions of perfectly beautiful oysters, while preserving 

 six-and-a-half millions in their pares. They have, more- 

 over, benefited their country by the spectacle of a model 

 ostricultural establishment, and dispelled many prejudices, 

 by utilising lands which a few years ago would have been 

 considered unfit for the cultivation of the oyster. 



LORIENT. 



The natural aspects which are found at Lorient show 

 that the oyster industry can flourish there. 



The Blavet, or River of Hennebont, which falls into 

 the bay, contained not long ago oyster-banks which yielded 

 choice oysters ; it was evident, therefore, that the mollusc 

 could obtain in this bay what it requires. At Kermelo, on 

 the River Ter, in a spot situated a little below Lorient, 

 MM. Charles and M. Turlure have founded their establish- 

 ments. 



After having tried unsuccessfully to collect the spat 



furnished by the oyster-beds of the River Hennebont, MM. 

 Charles directed their operations in another channel ; the 

 rearing and fattening of the oyster was the end which they 

 desired to attain. 



