The Rise And Decline Of The Olympia Oyster 



trance he was in the presence of the Great Father. 



This was the condition in Western Washington, when 

 the Pioneers succeeded in penetrating the forests sur- 

 rounding Puget Sound and came on to the shores of this 

 body of water, where they first beheld "oceans of oysters 

 and clams". Pure cool streams of water came into nearly 

 every cove; the salt water was pure and unpolluted. At 

 first the main tendency of the whites was to join the In- 

 dians in enjoying an easy living. 



No longer a slave of ambition, 



I laugh at the world and its shams. 



As I think of my happ"^ condition 



Surrounded by Acres Of Oysters and Clams! 



And now that Tm used to the climate, 

 I think that if man ever found 

 A place to be peaceful and quiet. 

 That spot is on Puget Sound. 



But to some, as new conditions developed, oyster cul- 

 ture became a challenge in their lives which so interested 

 them that they never got away from it. It is about these 

 people that I am writing. 



EARLY LAWS PERTAINING TO OYSTER LAND. 



Prior to 1889, when Vv^ashington became a State, the 

 titles to all tide lands were still in the United States 

 Government. The title to tide land was vested in the 

 State of Washington through statehood. 



Before that time the tide land, especially where oys- 

 ters and clams were found, had been occupied by the 



(13) 



