46 



These, till they obtain their film, or crust, are something like the drop of a 

 candle, but are of a greenish hue : the substances to which they adhere, of 

 whatever kind, are called Cultch : from the spawning time, until the end of 

 July, the oysters are said to be sick ; but by the end of August they be- 

 come perfectly recovered : during these months, they are out of season, 

 and bad eating. 



The Oyster Fisheries, of the principal coasts in England, are regulated by a 

 Court of Admiralty. In May, the fishermen are allowed to take the oysters, 

 in order to separate the spawn from the cultch, the latter of which is thrown 

 in again, for the purpose of preserving the bed for the future. After this 

 month it is felony to carry away the cultch, and otherwise punishable to take 

 away the oyster, between whose shells, when closed, a piece of money would 

 rattle. The reason of the heavy penalty on destroying the cultch is, that when 

 this is taken away, the oose will increase, and muscles and cockles will breed 

 on the bed, and destroy the oysters, by gradually occupying all the places on 

 which the spawn should be cast. There is likewise some penalty for not 

 treading and killing or throwing on shore any star-fish that happen to be seen. 



The prickly star creeps on, with full deceit 

 To force the Oysters from his full retreat: 

 When gaping lids their widened void display, 

 The watchful star thrusts in appointed ray, 

 Of all its treasures spoils: the rifled case, 

 And empty shells the sandy hillocks grace. 



The common Oyster is contented to remain fixed to his first station, sur- 

 rounded by an innumerable progeny, continually increasing with wonderful 

 fecundity. His motions consist only in turning from one side to the other, 

 which he accomplishes more by sagacity than any natural agility or inherent 

 strength. He contrives to bolster up one side by a gradual deposition of soft 

 mud, till he stands nearly upright ; then availing himself of the ebbing or flow- 

 ing tide, he opens his shell, and is tumbled on by the pressure of the water ; 

 and as expedition is not his object, this mode may answer well. It has, how- 

 ever, been observed, that the young fry possess the power of swimming very 

 swiftly by means of an undulatory motion of the bronchia. The Poet of 

 nature thus characterizes the Oyster: — 



Condemned to dwell 

 For ever in his native cell; 

 Ordained to move where others please — 

 Not for his own content or ease ; 

 But tossed and buffetted about, 

 Now in the water, and now out. 



