OYSTER CULTURE IN FRANCE. 553 



ing. The Administration of Marine perceived that these 

 oyster-beds, which had been almost annihilated for the past 

 15 years, at least, could not be saved from total ruin except 

 by maintaining a watch and by restricting trawl-fishing. 

 Measures were taken with this view, and the reconstructing 

 of the banks was set about. For this purpose 130,000 

 brood oysters, covered with a considerable number of 

 young ones sticking to their shells, were brought from the 

 banks of the River of Auray to the inland sea of Morbihan, 

 and spread upon the old banks. This action was followed 

 by the best results, and these attempts were crowned with 

 complete success, especially on the bank of Bernon. 



The situation is now far better ; the spat is visible in 

 various places, and we may assume that in less than 10 

 years, perhaps, the Gulf of Morbihan will have recovered 

 its former wealth and fertility. I shall now inquire as to 

 the point at which ostriculture has arrived in the maritime 

 district of Vannes. There is progress, and unquestionable 

 progress. In 1874 the number of pares conceded was 140 ; 

 it has since risen to 356. 



The ostricultural industry at Vannes is divided into 

 two sections, reproduction and rearing. Reproduction is 

 the least important branch. Rearing, on the contrary, 

 succeeds in an encouraging manner. 



The immense area of projecting grounds in the Gulf 

 of Morbihan presents favourable conditions. The sea is 

 often disturbed, it is true ; but the numerous currents run- 

 ning through it in every direction are, on the other hand, 

 but an element of success when once solid pares have been 

 successfully established. 



Three hundred thousand tiles for receiving the spawn 

 have this year been placed on the various points in the 



