110 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



Bretague at least, is the too higli rent, as I believe, which is exacted 

 from the concessionaires of lands. In fact, while the rent at Arcachon 

 is from thirty to fort^^-five francs per hectare, according to the position 

 of the pares, the Breton oyster-culturists pay not less than one hundred 

 francs for the same extent of laud. Now these lands are not adapted 

 to any other use; they are absolutely valueless mud-sloughs {vaseres). 

 The charge of 100 francs per hectare is, then, much rather that of a leas- 

 ing than that of a concession. This is really a considerable tax, which 

 lights on a new industry that merits, in every respect, to be protected 

 and encouraged. In fact, outside of the interest which it possesses in 

 itself, it should not be forgotten that oyster-culture gives occupation 

 every year to a great number of persons, women and children, who would 

 not be able, without that circumstance, to engage in any work, ever so 

 little remunerative. 



GOYEENMENT ACTION REQUIRED. ' 



I think it would be desirable for the Government, I. To place at the 

 command of the coast-guards a number of steam launches, the only 

 boats which can pursue with success the pillagers of our natural beds. 

 II. To regulate the dredging of these beds in such a manner that none 

 of them can be fished except once in three years. III. To recommend 

 to the competent authorities a greater severity in the iiunishment of 

 thefts committed to the prejudice of the oyster-culturists. lY. To di- 

 minish the rent required from the concessionaires of parks in the Breton 

 region, so that the amount of this tax will not surpass that asked from 

 those of Arcachon Bay. 



ADVICE TO OYSTER-CULTURISTS. 



In r«?gard to the advice to be given to the oyster culturists, such ad- 

 vice will naturally find its place in the course which you have seen fit 

 to institute. The persons who are engaged in this industry can, more- 

 over, do much by themselves. In this order of ideas I will point out 

 the foundation of oyster-cultural societies. The oyster-culturists of 

 Auray have had the idea of grouping themselves together thus. Their 

 reunion, which has taken the name of the Ostreacultural Society of the 

 Bassin d'Auray, has already furnished excellent results. This society 

 publishes a monthly bulletin, and, moreover, has founded an oyster- 

 cultural museum of great interest to all those who concern themselves 

 with questions pertaining to the cultivation of oysters. This example 

 should be follo^v ed in all the oyster-cultural centers. 



ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. 



Such are the facts, Mr. Minister, to which I would desire to direct 

 your kind attention. In concluding, permit me to tell you how much 

 I have been aide.din my researches by the agents of the maritime admiii- 



