43 



When tlu'i-e is soft mud of some depth it is necessary that 

 the bottom be prepared in some way that will prevent the 

 ycung oysters fnmi settlino: into the mud enough to be in danj^er 

 of suffocation. This end is usually brought about by distribut- 

 ing over the surface of the proposed bed some material which, 

 resting on the mud, will form a surface on which the oysters 

 may be placed with safety. The materials most frequently used 

 are oyster shells, sand and gravel. When shells or gravei are 

 used they serve the double purpo.se of furnishing the necessary 

 support for the seed, and besides fiii-nisb a pku-c (.1" attach- 

 ment for fry at the breeding season. 



Sometimes areas are found where the bottom is so soft thai 

 it is practically impossible to bring it into a condition where it 

 may be used with safety. The shells or other hardening agents 

 sink into the mud ver\' rapidly or become covered with new 

 layers of sediment soon after they are put down. However, 

 such are^s are of very rare occurrence and the surrounding 

 sections frequently furnish the best growing conditions to be 

 found anywhere. 



SEED. 



After the bottom has been prepared according to its re- 

 quirements, the next consideration is the actual planting of the 

 oysters. Seed oysters are young, or immature, oysters of suit- 

 able size for planting. They vary in size from young spat a 

 fraction of an inch in diameter, to well-grown oysters that will 

 be in a condition for market within six months from the time 

 when they are put on the bed. In most cases they are from 

 one to two inches in length. Except in some special cases where 

 the larger seed may be obtained cheaply and the same oysters 

 marketed at a profit Avithin a short time, it will be found that 

 the smaller seed at the time when it is planted the greater will 

 be the returns on the capital invested in the enterprise. 



The seed is obtained from planters who make a specialty of 

 raising it or from tlie natural reefs. In this State th<> seed taken 

 from the natural reefs is restricted to the same size of oysters 

 that may be taken for the market. The immense beds of coon 

 oysters found in many sections of this State provide a prolific 

 source of seed. The oysters on these reefs are densely crowded 

 {'.nd never reach a ijood size or shape under tlie restrictions of 



