OYSTER CULTURE IN FRANCE. 5 I I 



Suitable means were placed at M. Coste's disposal ; 

 considerable sums were devoted to the task of re-stocking 

 on a vast scale ; and private industry sought to take part 

 in the movement, and follow the impulse given by a higher 

 quarter. It is known what bitter disappointments followed 

 these first attempts, which appeared to compromise the 

 whole future of the oyster industry. The Marine Depart- 

 ment was, however, fully alive to the occasion. The con- 

 duct of the administrative duties was entrusted to a man 

 who had set his heart on the success of the cause, and who 

 was not discouraged. The strict observance of the decrees 

 of 1853 respecting the coast fishery may be considered as 

 having largely contributed to the present prosperity. Of 

 these decrees, the wisdom and the timely character of 

 which has been shown by experience, which were in- 

 tended to stop the pillage and total exhaustion of oyster 

 layings, and which subjected their working to strict and 

 sensible regulations, M. de Bon had laid the foundation by 

 his reports and experimental operations. 



The continuous application of these measures, the 

 ever-constant attention, the encouragement and even 

 example which the Marine Department never ceased to 

 exhibit, ended in bringing about the re-stocking of the 

 natural beds which seemed on the point of being destroyed, 

 and in awakening a simultaneous spirit of progress in pri- 

 vate oyster culture. 



The latter, taught by its own experience, and the 

 experiments carried on by the State, has improved and 

 almost perfected its methods. After a rapid recovery, it is 

 now seen in a state of prosperity, which, while remunerative 

 to the workers, is not wanting in profit or honour to the 

 country at large. It must, however, not be forgotten that 

 administrative supervision is now as useful to it for the 



