The Rise And Decline Of The Olympia Oyster 



an eminent aquatic, Biologist. Through co-operation of 

 the oyster growers a laboratory was fitted up in the cove 

 in Oyster Bay adjoining the oyster beds of Harley Post. 

 An assistant to Dr. Hopkins w^as furnished, Mr. H. H. 

 Adams. 



This laboratory was conducted from the spring of 

 1931, continuing through 1935. Its primary purpose was 

 to m.ake an analysis of spawning activities and setting 

 habits of larvae with reference to environmental condi- 

 tions. Bj^ developing such information it was hoped that 

 oyster growers might be assisted in the catching of suf- 

 ficient seed oysters to restore and expand the industry. 



This laborator}^ was close to the beds of this writer. 

 Those years of patient and very scientific study were of 

 the deepest interest to every Olympia Oyster grower, and 

 of great value to the industry. The oyster growers co- 

 operated in the work, furnished boats, assisted in taking 

 samples, and in any other way they could. The Olympia 

 Oyster Growers Association had many meetings with 

 Dr. Hopkins, and each one was made to feel that he was 

 a part of the operation. When it was completed and Dr. 

 Hopkins was sent to other fields of investigation, each 

 oyster grower felt a deep sense of appreciation for his 

 fine accomplishment. 



Dr. Hopkins, at the termination of his work, made an 

 exhaustive report of his studies, which was published by 

 the U. S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Fisheries, 

 under the title "Experimental Observations on Spawn- 

 ing, Larval Development and Setting in the Olympia 

 Oyster, Ostrea lurida," by A. E. Hopkins, Bulletin No. 23. 



In a foot note, after expressing his thanks to the state 



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