606 OYSTERS, AND ALL ABOUT THEM. 



is the most grave danger in any way of oyster cultivation. 

 It is therefore of moment to trace the causes to which this 

 state of deterioration may be ascribed. 



Two main facts may be brought forward. 



In the first place, it is necessary to refer to the thefts 

 committed on the beds, which are of incessant occurrence. 



These thefts are committed openly. The thieves not 

 only attack the reserved beds, but may be seen to take up 

 their position on pares owned by individuals, breaking the 

 claires, and taking away their contents. The employes of 

 the Marine, though well-intentioned, and of undoubted 

 loyalty, are not in a position to meet the depredations of 

 these undaunted robbers. 



As a fact, the means at the disposal of the maritime 

 authority are not in the generality of instances adequate 

 for the pursuit and capture of the poachers. This class of 

 pirates being furnished with swift craft, having an admir- 

 able knowledge of the grounds upon which they are oper- 

 ating, and always taking advantage of rough weather, can- 

 not, as a rule, be caught. 



The coastguard will never be able to act efficaciously 

 until they have steam-sloops at their command. This 

 expedient, which has already been recommended by M. 

 Robin, a member of the Senate, seems to me to be the only 

 way of ensuring an effectual surveillance. 



But this is not all. When, under fortunate circum- 

 stances, the thief has been captured, the punishment 

 awaiting him is really ridiculous. 



One may see a man who, in a few hours, has stolen 

 oysters worth two or three hundred francs, condemned to 

 pay a fine of five francs ! 



