430 OYSTERS, AND ALL ABOUT THEM. 



cultivated part is free from mud and weed ; but it is 

 infested with a multitude of ascidians, which, though 

 harmless to the oyster upon which they grow, must indi- 

 rectly be injurious by diminishing the clear space of shell 

 available for the adherence of spat. One small kind in 

 particular frequently covers almost the whole of an oyster 

 or cultch shell with soft red pads. To destroy these, 

 however, would require a large expenditure in labour, and 

 it is at present an open question whether it would be worth 

 while to take the necessary trouble. Although spat is 

 largely produced in the breeding ponds, and from the 

 appearances presented by the oysters in the channel seems 

 also to be emitted there, neither that which may be pre- 

 sumed to escape from the ponds, nor that which is native 

 to the spot, adheres or at least survives. A reason is given 

 for this by the managing director of the South of England 

 Company, the soundness of which it would require con- 

 tinued local observation to test. I am not, therefore, in a 

 position to give any opinion as to its value ; and the fact 

 that the special use of the ground is independent of its 

 success as a breeding bed, makes inquiry into the true 

 cause unnecessary for the objects of my inspection. 



Though the company treat the fishery mainly as a 

 growing ground, they are not indifferent to the advantage 

 which would accrue from reproduction taking place upon 

 it. As a rule oysters which are placed in the channel 

 remain there during at least one season after they are of 

 spatting age, and cockle shells are laid down to afford 

 attachment for spat ; 600 bushels were deposited last 

 season. 



The channels belonging to the Company on the 

 eastern side of Hayling Island are in part rented from 



