548 OYSTERS, AND ALL ABOUT THEM. 



which is provided with a cord and a hook, for raising the 

 collectors in the water. This method saves much time, for 

 they can be quickly raised, and in any depth of water. 

 The picking off takes place, if from the board-collectors, 

 in November and December ; if from the tiles, in the month 

 of March of the following year. 



The oysters picked off are collected into the oyster- 

 cases before the commencement of winter ; and when there 

 is no longer any reason to fear severe cold, the cases are let 

 down into the river, where growth is more rapid. 



ESTABLISHMENT OF LE BRENEGUY. 



Not far from the River of Auray, behind Locmariaker, 

 a very interesting establishment has been created by the 

 company of which M. d'Argy is the director. This estab- 

 lishment occupies an area of 45 hectares in the basin of 

 Le Bren6guy. Shut in by the coast, separated towards the 

 west from the sea by a natural dyke which is proof against 

 submersion, it communicates with the ocean by the inlet 

 of Kerlud. Another dyke of 145 metres, constructed of 

 earth and masonry, and furnished with two sluices, closes 

 the basin on this side, protects it from storms, and main- 

 tains in Le Breneguy the level of high water. 



This vast preserve contains 900,000 cubic metres of 

 water, and its depth varies from one to three metres. The 

 sluices are only opened at spring-tides, consequently the 

 water is not changed oftener than twice a month. The 

 winds which constantly blow on the coasts of Morbihan 

 keep up the aeration of the water, and prevent its becoming 

 stagnant. The bottom is of granite, covered in some places 

 by a slight layer of mud. 



It is needless to say that the oysters reared in this 

 establishment, which was only created two years ago, come 



