PRAWNS AND OYSTERS. I3 



Next in economic importance to the Crayfishes are the 

 Prawns, of which New South Wales possesses a number of 

 fine edible species; the most important of which at present 

 are (i) the King Prawn (PencBus canaliculatns), and (2) the 

 School Prawn [Penceus /nadeayi). Of these, the former is 

 the larger, attaining a length of as much as 8 inches. During 

 the last five years the following quantities (quarts) of Prawns 

 have passed through the fish markets of New South Wales.* 



^'ear. Quarts. 



1903 ... ... ... 213,200 



1904 127,000 



1905 91,640 



1906 119,360 



1907 187,120 



Total quantity for five years, 738,320 ; or an average of 

 147,664 per annum. 



In addition to those here mentioned, a very large quantity 

 is annually disposed of, which doss not pass through any 

 recognised market. 



With edible Oysters, New South Wales is excellently 

 provided, though only one species is of commercial importance, 

 this being the common Rock Oyster f {Ostrea cucidlata). 

 Among the marine resources of New South Wales, the common 

 Oyster holds a very high and important position, as a very 

 considerable trade results from its cultivation and sale. 



During the last five years, the following quantities J of 

 Oysters hav^e been produced in the estuarine waters of New 

 South Wales : — 



1903 ... ... ... 16,311,600 



1904 



1905 

 1906 

 1907 



15,135,600 

 16,629,600 

 18,007,200 

 17,310,000 



* AH quantities of prawns are calculated by me at the rate of 40 quarts=io 



measures, per basket. 



t By the term Rock Oyster, it must not be understood that this species is only 



to be found in rocky positions, as such is not the case. 



J The quantity is calculated at the rate of 1,200 oysters per bag, which is quite a 



moderate estimate. 



