15 



tain a larger size. At the time of transplanting it may be found 

 necessary to cull the oysters, as there will be a large number of 

 young of the spawning season preceding that fall, attached to 

 the shells of the oysters. It is best to cull these off unless the 

 oysters are to be marketed within a month after the transplant- 

 ing to the bedding ground, even if they are not put back on the 

 raising ground to be transplanted the fall following, as they 

 necessarily retard the growth of the older oysters. If the oysters 

 are culled and separated at this time, it will be found that when 

 they are tonged up for the market they will require little or no 

 culling and can be taken up just as they are needed. 



The transference of oysters to a new bottom, especially as 

 in this case, where there is a considerable difference in the 

 saltiness or density of the water, invariably causes a cessation 

 of growth, till the oyster becomes acclimated to its new condi- 

 tions, when it will again resume its growth ; but the increase will 

 not be so rapid as when left in brackish water. One month is 

 sufficient to obtain an oyster of desirable qualities after it has 

 been transplanted to water of high density, but ordinarily the 

 oysters are left from 3 to even 4 months. The high class market 

 at the present time, practically demands that oysters be handled 

 thus, as it produces an eating oyster superior to any that are 

 produced on the Atlantic Coast. The oyster is plump, not bloat- 

 ed, of firm texture yet tender, of admirable flavor, and of de- 

 sirable size. An oyster marketed from brackish water lacks the 

 flavor, and is often bloated; while one raised in salt water is 

 small, and lacks the tender qualities of the transplanted oyster. 



Selection of grounds. — We now come to a consideration of 

 the selection of bottom. We have seen that as far as the setting 

 of spat is concerned, any bottom where the water is the least bit 

 brackish, may be utilized; but there are other considerations 

 which will not permit of the young larva growing beyond a 

 certain stage, and then again if it lives, the growth may be s(5 

 slow as to be absolutely impracticable for commercial purposes. 

 These conditions are : 1st currents, which carry the food supply, 

 fresh water for respiration and remove waste; 2nd. amount of 

 food supply obtainable in the water; 3d. density or saltiness of 

 the water, and 4th. condition of the bottom. Let us consider 

 these in the order named. 



