260 FouKTH Annual Repoet of the 



a thorough examination made by our protectors to see that the 

 grounds do not contain natural growth. 



We have compiled with considerable care statistics that will 

 show in a general way the size of the shellfish industry. These 

 figures are not absolutely certain, but are the most available data 

 that we could compile at this time from facts and figures at 

 hand. This statement is attached hereto. 



In compiling the same, we are indebted to the efforts of the 

 late Supervisor, the Hon. Edwin Bailey, whom this department 

 had the misfortune of losing by death during the month of July 

 of this year. Mr. Bailey at his death, although unexpected, left 

 the affairs of this bureau in the same condition they would have 

 been in had he had time to prepare the affairs before his death; 

 which was the spirit he always displayed in both his private and 

 public affairs, being a credit to himself and to the people whom 

 he served. 



During the month of April of this year, a rule was inau- 

 gurated by the Commission permitting the granting of leases for 

 large acreage of heretofore uncultivated lands in Long Island 

 Sound, at the rate of $0.50' per acre, that the oyster growers 

 might experiment with these lands, but this has not been taken 

 advantage of to any great extent up to this time. I have reason 

 to believe, however, that it is a good rule if properly supervised 

 and one that in the near future will be taken advantage of to a 

 greater extent by the oyster growers. 



You wiU observe by comparison that the financial report of 

 the bureau for the last fiscal 3^ear shows a material increase in 

 receipts over the report of the previous year, the total receipts 

 of this bureau being $33,400.13, being an increase of more than 

 six thousand dollars. The report is sufficiently prepared in 

 detail to require no further comment. 



The report of the Surveyor of the Bureau of ]\Iarine Fisheries 

 is hereto attached. Such recommendations as he makes are con- 

 curred in by me. 



Yours very respectfully, 



DAYTON HEDGES, 



December 29, 1914. Supervisor, 



