OYSTER CULTURE IN ENGLAND. 377 



opposed to it, the Corporation of Poole joined with them 

 in petitioning against the grant. The Board of Trade 

 appointed Sir Horace Walpole to hold an enquiry at the 

 Guildhall, Poole, whereat the fishermen declared that Mr. 

 Bentinck was " trying to rob them of their birthright," 

 and that the portion of the harbour mentioned was by far 

 the best fishing ground in the harbour. Mr. Bentinck, 

 taking into consideration the opposition brought against 

 his application, notwithstanding the willingness of the 

 Board of Trade to yield in his favour generously and 

 wisely withdrew his claim after having spent about ,150 

 in his attempt to preserve the beds. 



In 1867 a Monsieur- from Arcachon, in France, 

 induced the late Mr. Kemp Welch who always took great 

 interest in any movement for the benefit of Poole to form 

 a Company for breeding oysters on the same system as 

 practised in France. About six acres of shallow ponds 

 were farmed at the Sand-banks. In reference to this 

 locality the Commander appointed by the French Admir- 

 alty to superintend the Oyster Fishing on the Coast of 

 France reported " Having carefully examined the Chart 

 of Poole Harbour and the detailed description of those 

 parts selected for the intended operations, it is my opinion 

 that the situation is a splendid one for oyster beds and 

 oyster culture." 



The parent oysters from France and Poole Harbour 

 were planted in these ponds, but what with the bad 

 management and the unsuitableness of the place, this 

 effort proved a failure ; the ponds being so constructed 

 that the tide left them dry daily, exposing the fish at low 

 water to snow and frost in the winter, and to the hot sun 

 in the summer months, instead of constructing the ponds 

 so that they should always be full of water ; and, what spat 



