56 U. S. BUREAU OF FISHERIES 
particles. In the latter case death quickly results. Experiments with 
flatfish eggs obtained from the State Hatchery and taken to the Mil- 
ford Laboratory showed that exposure in concentrations of 1.0 gr. of 
lime in 250 ce. of water did not materially increase the rate of mor- 
tality, but when the eggs were allowed to come in contact with par- 
ticles of undissolved lime a mortality of almost 100 percent ensued. 
Observations on the effect of lime on lobster larvae of the first, 
second, and third stages were carried out at the Noank Hatchery in 
June. In the filtered 1:10 solution the larvae of all stages survived 
for 4 hours. Similar results were obtained when larvae were sub- 
jected to a concentration of 1 part saturated lime solution to 2 parts 
of sea water. However, in a solution of 1 part of lime water to 1 part 
of sea water, a mortality of about 25 percent resulted at the end of 4 
hours. All three larval stages appeared to be affected equally. Ina 
saturated solution of lime all the animals died in 3 hours or less. In 
this solution the larvae of the first or earliest stage appeared to be the 
most resistant. Direct contact of lobster larvae with particles of lime 
resulted in death. 
These experiments indicate that the use of quicklime on oyster 
bottoms should be restricted to seasons when no larvae of commercial 
species are present in the water, thus avoiding the danger of destroy- 
ing them. 
Distribution of starfish in Connecticut waters—In cooperation with 
the Connecticut Shellfisheries Commission two surveys were made to 
determine the abundance of starfish on oyster bottoms between New 
Haven Harbor and Penfield Reef. The results of these surveys were 
immediately communicated to the oystermen, permitting more efficient 
eradication of this pest by private planters. It is planned to expand 
this service in the future by making surveys every 3 months and issu- 
ing the results in bulletin form to be distributed among the interested 
parties. 
Improvements at the Milford station—During the past fiscal year 
the Bureau obtained title to property at Milford, pursuant to the pro- 
visions of an act of the General Assembly of Connecticut, for the 
erection of a laboratory building and the establishment of grounds 
for experimental work on oyster culture. A special allotment of 
$35,000 was made by the Public Works Administration for the con- 
struction of a two-story brick laboratory. Work will begin early in 
1939. Additional funds granted by the Works Progress Administra- 
tion and Public Works Administration are being used for the con- 
struction of a sea wall and pier, filling the grounds, construction of 
tidal tanks, and other improvements. 
Oyster propagation in North Carolina—tIn the South Atlantic 
region there is great need of the development of oyster cultivation, 
and of special methods whereby oysters of good marketable size and 
quality can be grown on the extensive tidal flats. Although generally 
favorable conditions for oyster growth are found in these areas, the 
product obtained there is of inferior size and quality because of the 
overcrowding that results from prolific natural reproduction. One of 
the chief problems is the development of a practical procedure 
whereby seed oysters placed on the tidal flats can be protected from 
crowding and “fouling” of the shells by attachment of oyster spat, 
barnacles, ete., and grown to marketable size as single individuals of 
good quality. The three principal lines of investigation conducted 
