54 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF [March, 



March 18. 



The President, John Cadwalader, A.M., LL.D., in the Chair. 



Thirty-six persons present. 



A paper entitled "A Study of the Orthopterous Genus Mer- 

 miria Stal", by James A. G. Rehn, was presented for publica- 

 tion. 



The deaths of the following members were announced: 



Charles J. Bender. 

 Francis A. Cunningham. 



The death of Raphael Blanchard, a correspondent, was also 

 reported. 



Oyster Farms of Delaware Bay. — Dr. Pilsbry spoke of the oj^ster 

 industry of Delaware Bay, illustrating his remarks with photo- 

 graphs taken mainly on Maurice River, New Jersey. The processes 

 of oyster cultivation were described. In Maurice River Cove the 

 beds are seeded from oysters dredged in deeper parts of the Bay, 

 but probably reproduction on the spot is the chief source of the 

 supply. On mud bottom a cultch of oyster shells is first scattered.- 

 This is not necessary on sand or gravel bottom. The situation of 

 these beds, remote from any source of sewage, insures a whole- 

 some food supply, free of pathologic bacteria. The processes and 

 apparatus of dredging, freshening ("drinking"), and culling were 

 shown by lantern illustrations. In the autumn months the oysters 

 cannot remain in the floats, in which they absorb fresh water, 

 more than 24 hours. At the time of the speaker's visit (January), 

 about 400 schooners were in commission. 



The subject was further discussed by the President, who had 

 long been interested in the development of this industry, and by 

 Dr. Henry Skinner. 



The following was ordered to be printed. 



