indeed which can be carried on by the small proprietor 

 and even by the fisherman and peasant with a minimum 

 dependence upon the capitalist. The practical interdic- 

 tion by the State of any monopoly in this industry at 

 Arcachon is one of the outstanding features of oyster- 

 culture there and this phase will be duly dealt with at 

 length. 



My stay at Arcachon extended from 21st June to 7th 

 July 1909 ; during this period through the kindness of 

 Dr. Andre Hameau, President of la Societe Scienti- 

 fique d' Arcachon, and of Monsieur Louis Michelet, the 

 son of a pioneer in oyster-culture ranking perhaps next 

 after Coste, I was enabled to see everything possible and 

 of consequence pertaining to the industry. Dr. Hameau 

 placed the motor boat belonging to his Society at my 

 disposal in order to visit whatever oyster parks I might 

 wish and o-ave me facilities to examine at leisure the 

 valuable series of culture exhibits in the museum and 

 aquarium forming part of the fine Biological Station of 

 which Arcachon is deservedly proud. To the Rev. 

 Mr. Radcliff I am also greatly indebted for much patient 

 assistance while in regard to Monsieur Michelet I can 

 only say that I can neither sufficiently acknowledge his 

 extreme kindness in accompanying me day after day in 

 my wanderings nor express my admiration for the patience 

 he showed in answering my apparently interminable 

 string of questions. I remember, however, that I had 

 extreme difficulty in finding any further queries on the 

 last day of my stay. But everyone I came into contact 

 with afforded me assistance to the utmost ; this universal 

 courtesy and helpfulness to a stranger is most pleasant 

 to record, and the more remarkable as I went with no 

 introductions whatever. 



The date chosen for the visit could not have been 

 better timed ; the weather during the spring had been 

 chill and inclement and in consequence cultural opera- 

 tions were several weeks later than usual. Usually all 

 liming of tiles is completed by the beginning of June and 

 the bulk of the collectors are laid down by the end 



