OYSTER-INDUSTRIES OF THE UNITED STATES. 299 



lusks are generally sown upon each of the square divisions of the plan- 

 tation. When the harvest season approaches the oysters are collected 

 daily at low tide when the bed is exposed, or otherwise by rakes. 



There is a very prevalent opinion in the United States and in England 

 that oysters may be fattened by pouring Indian meal into the water 

 which covers them, It is said that certain planters in New Jersey adopt 

 this method in small ponds; but it is very probable the meal has no effect 

 whatever upon the oysters, their stomachs being too delicate to digest 

 such nourishment. Many persons reject this opinion as a mere prejudice 

 without foundation. 



The culture of oysters in the United States is a source of certain rev- 

 enue, since it is an industry in which failure is unknown ; and the sur- 

 vey of those parts of the coast where they can best be established is 

 now so complete, that every probability of success is secured to the 

 planter. A few years ago the profit upon capital engaged amounted to 

 50 per cent. ; but as consumption became more extended, and the num- 

 ber of people employed in the commerce increased, profits, although still 

 large, were reduced to a more ordinary rate. The war which desolated 

 the country also interfered with the fisheries, since they were forbidden 

 on a part of the coast of Virginia by the Federal authorities, lest the 

 fishermen might establish communication with the enemy. 



The effect produced upon navigation by the culture of oysters is very 

 important. According to the information furnished me, the plantations 

 of the bay of New York and of that vicinity employ one hundred ves- 

 sels, and those of Boston and Cape Cod from thirty-five to forty. 

 Before the war, from one hundred and fifty to two hundred schooners 

 were employed during six months in the year, either in transporting 

 oysters for plantations or in supplying the merchants of Fair Uaven 

 during the winter. 



LAWS CONCERNING OYSTER-PLANTATIONS. 



The oyster-planters are subject to laws peculiar to the different States, 

 but which in every case are sufficiently stringent to protect the industry 

 from the depredations of evil-disposed persons. This is very necessary, 

 for as the plantations are for the most part in isolated places, sometimes 

 at a distance from the shore, only very rigorous legislation can insure 

 their safety. Misdemeanors are tried by the public officers, such as 

 constables, sheriffs, harbor-masters, police, and coast-guards, and any 

 person cognizant of an offense is requested to report the same to the 

 authorities. 



The following are some of the principal laws in force in the Northern 

 States : 



Maine. — Persons wishing to cultivate oysters on the banks of rivers, 

 bays, or creeks belonging to the State must first obtain a permit from 

 the local authorities. The only exception is in favor of plantations 

 situated in the interior of bays and gulfs. In no case must navigation 

 be impeded. 



