OYSTER CULTURE IN FRANCE. 605 



M. Coste used for his operations oysters produced by the 

 coast of Brittany. As already remarked, this species does 

 not propagate itself readily on our Mediterranean coasts. 

 Many zoologists attribute this fact to the water of this sea 

 being too salt. 



However this may be, I think that new efforts should 

 be made, and that this, time the oysters from the coasts of 

 Corsica should be employed, Ostrea Cyrnusii. 



I am inclined to believe that this species would afford 

 good results, if introduced into the marine ponds so numer- 

 ous along our southern coasts, to which I have already had 

 the honour to draw your attention. 



Such, Monsieur le Ministre, are the chief points to 

 which I was desirous of inviting your attention. 



To sum up, the state of oyster culture in France is 

 sufficiently satisfactory. 



This new industry has not only succeeded in sending 

 a great quantity of these mollusca to the markets of our 

 country, but it likewise exports a considerable number. 

 Thus last year French cultivators sent to London 28 mil- 

 lions of oysters. Belgium receives several millions every 

 year. 



Nevertheless, I am convinced that oyster cultivation 

 might be more fully developed, if it were protected from 

 certain dangers by which it is menaced, some of which are 

 really of a grave character. 



Permit me, M. le Ministre, to lay before you these 

 dangers, as well as the means which, in my opinion, should 

 be employed to combat them. 



I have already had occasion to refer to the rapid 

 deterioration of the natural beds. This, without question, 



