OYSTER CULTURE IN FRANCE. 607 



Another very important cause of the deterioration of 

 the natural beds is the over-dredging. 



It is a known fact, that before reaching a marketable 

 size the oyster requires a period of time which may be 

 computed at two or three years. 



Now on certain parts of our coasts, and especially in 

 the rivers of Auray, dredging is conducted every year. 



True it is that fishermen are recommended to throw 

 back under-sized oysters, but everyone must see that this is 

 an ineffectual measure ! 



It ought then to be made imperative that dredging 

 should not be conducted on the same bed oftener than 

 every second or third year. Such is the practice at Arca- 

 chon, and I have had occasion to point out that the results 

 are excellent. 



A further cause of the non-development of oyster cul- 

 tivation, in Brittany at all events, is the rent, to my mind 

 too high, which is exacted from the concessionnaires of the 

 shore. 



While at Arcachon the rent ranges from 30 to 45 

 francs the hectare, according to the position of the pares, 

 cultivators in Brittany pay no less than roo francs for an 

 equal area. 



Now these shores are fit for no other purpose ; they 

 are simply mud-banks, without any value whatever. The 

 sum of 100 francs the hectare is more of the nature of 

 regular rent than a concession. 



Here, then, is a really high tax pressing heavily upon 

 a new industry, which on every account deserves protection 

 and encouragement. 



