604 OYSTERS, AND ALL ABOUT THEM. 



attention to this fact, that while oyster cultivation is rela- 

 tively a success on our ocean-bound coasts, it is, so to say, 

 not represented upon our Mediterranean shores. 



All the attempts made formerly by M. Coste have 

 been without result. I consider it useless to recur to these 

 unfortunate experiences, but there is some degree of interest 

 in the inquiry whether oyster cultivation ought to be 

 definitely abandoned in this part of France. 



At present several species of oysters live in the Mediter- 

 ranean. These are as follows : 



1. Ostrea Edulis and its varieties. This oyster 

 appears to experience difficulty in existing in the 

 Mediterranean, except in that portion of the sea which 

 washes our coasts. It never forms beds. Some solitary 

 specimens may be found on the muddy bottom, at a 

 depth of from 30 to 60 metres, outside the embouchure 

 of the Rhone. 



2. Ostrea Cyrnusii. This oyster bears a great 

 resemblance to the Edulis. It is distinguishable more 

 particularly by the greater length of the hinges. It is 

 found in the brackish water on the east side of Corsica. 



3. Ostrea Cochkar. I only cite this species as a 

 matter of form. It is a very small and rare oyster, 

 living at a great depth (100 to 140 metres). In a 

 comestible point of view it has no interest. 



4. Ostrea Stantina. This is a small species, toler- 

 ably abundant at Toulon, but more rare on the rest of 

 our coast. It seems to prefer impure waters. 



Of these species two only offer any interest in a culti- 

 vator's point of view. These are the Ostrea Edulis and the 

 Ostrea Cyrnusii. 



All the experiments which have been made down to 

 the present time have been with regard to the Ostrea Edulis. 



