OYSTER CULTURE IN FRANCE. 637 



The principal reasons why the ostricultural industry 

 has not fixed itself on the southern coasts are due, in the 

 first place, to the ignorance in which, for want of example, 

 the maritime populations were sunk as regards the art of 

 cultivating waters ; in the next, to the failure^of the first 

 attempts ; and lastly, to the easy prosperity in store for all 

 those occupied in the cultivation of the vine, the silk worm, 

 and the madder plant. Now, however, these times are 

 changed ; various scourges have fallen on our southern 

 provinces and have ruined their wonted industries. A 

 marked emigration movement has shown itself for several 

 years ; the inhabitants quit with regret the land where they 

 were born ; but it no longer will furnish them with the 

 necessaries of life. This movement will cease when a new 

 industry furnishes a motive for their activity. 



Is it known that ostriculture alone on the ocean shores 

 finds regular means of existence for more than 200,000 

 persons ? What immense resources would she not offer if 

 she assumed on the shores of the south the importance 

 which the extent of the field for her exercise would imply. 



But if example has been necessary on the west coasts, 

 where the cultivation of the oyster has existed from all 

 time, in an imperfect measure, it is true, if, we say, example 

 has been necessary for obtaining the satisfactory result 

 which we have the pleasure of recording, it is all the more 

 necessary on the south coast, where the first elements of 

 oyster industry have always been unknown. 



The two examples of Toulon and Cette are too isolated 

 for their action to extend beyond a circle too limited to 

 provoke imitation. It will be asked whether that which 

 succeeds there will succeed equally in the gulf of Mar- 

 seilles, in the pond of Berre, and in the lagunes of Lan- 

 guedoc and Roussillon. Impressed with the utility of 



