BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 303 



that the oysters are augmented in volume by the addition of substan- 

 tial matter, such as occurs during the actual appropriation of food, but 

 only that the vascular sj>aces and vessels in the animals are tilled with 

 a larger relative amount of water due to endosmose. It is a dealer's 

 trick to give his product a better appearance in the market, and as 

 such I do not think deserves encouragement, but rather exposure. 



Mr. Conger, who claims to have been the originator of the floats used 

 in Chincoteague Bay, has actually resorted to warming fresh water to 

 60° F. in winter by steam pipes running underneath the wooden in- 

 closure surrounding the "fattening" or "plumping" float. Une good 

 "drink," as he expressed himself to me, renders the animals fit for sale 

 and of better appearance. 



Conger's floats are simply a pair of windlasses supported by two pairs 

 of piles driven into the bottom. Chains or ropes which wind upon the 

 windlasses pass down to a pair of cross pieces, upon which the float 

 rests, which has a perforated or strong slat bottom, and a rim 18 inches 

 to 2 feet high. These floats I should think are about 8 feet wide and 

 16 feet long, perhaps 20. These structures are usually built alongside 

 the wharfs of the packing and shipping houses and are really a great 

 convenience in conducting the work. 



Washington, D. C, November 1, 1883. 



"WEEMS'S" FLOATS FOR FATTENING AND IMPROVING OYSTERS. 



We have just commenced our business and have very flattering pros- 

 pects of success. I inclose a letter received from one of our patrons, 

 which I will be glad if you will kindly read and return to me. 



On Saturday last I took a load on one of our floats (about 5 p. m.) 

 and returned the oysters to the party's wharf Sunday afternoon. The 

 oysters were shucked Monday morning. Before they were fattened, a 

 tubful shucked 6 quarts " ordinary " and 2 quarts " selects "; after they 

 were fattened the same quantity shucked 6 quarts " ordinary" and 4 

 quarts " selects." Besides the increased quantity, the party said the 

 condition and flavor of all were much improved. The water is yet com- 

 paratively warm, but as soon as we have a good frost that will cool the 

 water we are confident of getting much better results. 



The process until now has been a monopoly (although the means used 

 are greatly inferior to our float), controlled by Mr. D. D. Mallory and 

 his successors, Messrs. A. Boot & Sons, who used their process with 

 great satisfaction and profit. Messrs. H. F. Hemingway & Co., L. W. 

 Counselman & Co., and William Taylor, esq., of this city, have had 

 considerable experience in fattening oysters, and it will no doubt attbrd 

 them pleasure to give you any information on the subject you may de- 

 sire. — L. ]S^. Cox, Manager. 



Baltimore, Md., October 25, 1883, 



