NOTES ON BISCAYNE BAY. 179 



the reefs have remarkably well-shaped shells, considering the condition 

 under which they exist. The shells are rather thick, owing to the 

 presence of lime salts in abundance brought down by the rivers and by 

 surface drainage from the limestone formation which is such a conspic- 

 uous feature of the topography of this region. Many of the shells are 

 marked by high radiating ridges which project beyond the proper 

 margin of the shell and give it a fluted appearance. 



According to Mr. Munroe, who has had extended practical experience 

 in oyster planting in l^ew York, the oysters in Biscayne Bay have an 

 excellent flavor, and, when scattered, become quite fat in a short time. 

 Some oysters taken from a large reef near the mouth of Little Eiver on 

 February 21 were in very fine condition, although the flavor was some- 

 what less agreeable than that of the oysters of more northern States. 

 The oysters are eaten to a limited extent by the people living around 

 the bay, but there is no regular fishery. 



It appears that only the upper part of the bay — that is, the part north 

 of Cape Florida — is now suitable for oyster-culture. The absence of 

 fresh- water streams in the southern section leaves the water of too high 

 a density to jjermit the production of the best oysters. Even in the 

 upper section an inlet seems to be needed which, while providing for a 

 freer movement of the water, will at the same time prevent excessive 

 freshening of the upper bay, which occasionally results from a heavy 

 rainfall in the Everglades and jeopardizes the oyster life. At a point 

 known as '^ Baker's Haulover," only a narrow piece of sandy land inter- 

 venes between the ocean and bay, and communication between them 

 could easily be established at little cost. The existence of such an inlet 

 would doubtless greatly improve the general fishery resources of the 

 entire bay, and is much desired by the people of the section. 



The character of the bottom of the upper bay varies greatly. There 

 are large areas covered with a growth of long grass; soft sand or muck 

 predominates in places; hard shelly bottom is found in some parts, and 

 a mixture of sand and firm mud exists in others. While a considerable 

 part of the bay would not be suitable for oyster-planting purposes, there 

 is beyond question ample bottom of a suitable nature to permit exten- 

 sive operations. Probably the best grounds will be found to occur in 

 the lagoons or coves in the northern part and on tbe eastern side of 

 the bay. 



The drum {Fogonias eromis) is reported to be destructive to the oyster 

 beds in the bay, but Mr. IMunroe and others doubt if much harm is done 

 by that fish. While starfish in great variety occur in the bay, their 

 numbers are not especially large, and they are not, as a general thing, 

 found on the oyster beds. 



At the head of Indian Creek, a large indentation on the eastern side 

 of the bay running parallel with the coast, some beds of very fine oysters 

 formerly existed. The shells that remain and the testimony of the 

 inhabitants of the region indicate that the oysters were of large size 



