30.-DEEP-WATER OYSTER CULTURE. 



BY HENRY C. ROWE. 



It is conceded, I think, that the oyster-growers of Connecticut have taken the lead 

 in the artificial propagation and cultivation of oysters in deep water; by deep water 

 I mean a depth of from 30 to 75 feet. It is but twenty years since the commencement 

 of this industry, but during the past few years there have appeared no new features 

 of special importance. Consequently I can offer no novel information on the subject, 

 and will attempt simply to give a brief outline of what has been done. 



The amount of capital now invested in oyster-culture in Connecticut is about 

 $4,000,000; the annual product about $1,500,000; the number of men employed about 

 1,100, and of vessels 453. You will remember that these figures represent only the 

 direct results of the industry, and that there are many kinds of manufacturing and 

 other business which are dependent upon and are maintained to a greater or less 

 degree by it. 



Twenty ye;irs ago this deep-water oyster-cultivation did not exist. The official 

 records show that in 1874 I applied for and received the first grant of oyster-ground 

 outside of the harbors, rivers, bays, and reefs in Long Island Sound, extending into a 

 depth of over 35 feet of water. The proposed enterprise of propagation and cultivat- 

 ing oysters in deep water was then ridiculed as visionary, and many reasons were 

 given why it must necessarily prove a failure. The authors of these prophecies, how- 

 ever, were neglectful of the admonition of Mark Twain when he said, " If you don't 

 know, don't prophesy." I am glad to say that the enterprise thus inaugurated has 

 proved a success, although many obstacles and difficulties were encountered and 

 overcome, especially in the early years of its development. 



Oyster-ground is now owned by 336 owners, to the extent of 68,686.8 acres, which 

 is practically all the ground suitable for oyster cultivation in the deep waters of Con- 

 necticut. The product of the cultivated grounds is estimated in bushels at 2,500,000 

 per year. 



You will bear in mind that none of these oysters are the product of the natural 

 beds, but are propagated and grown upon our private farms, in much the same way 

 that the farmers of the great West cultivate their grain. 



The first step toward our oyster-cultivation was, of course, to secure a lawful 



title to the grounds necessary for its prosecution. This was difficult to obtain, owing 



to the prejudice against any private ownership of oyster-grounds; also because the 



boundaries of jurisdictions in the waters between towns and States and the United 



States were not defined. 



273 



F. C. B. 1893—18 



