30 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



source or another. There are several bays along that coast which seem 

 to be suitable for the introduction of Atlajitic stock, and it is now pro- 

 posed by the Fish Coiiiniission, as soon as the necessary arrangements 

 can be perfected, to make a small planting of the eastern species, prob- 

 ably at Willapa Bay, Washington, where the character of the bottom 

 and salinity of the water appear to favor the success of such an experi- 

 ment. Great interest is now manifested along the entire extent of the 

 Pacific coast in respect to the oyster question in general, and letters 

 requesting advice as to where the best seed can be obtained or as to the 

 conditions necessary to insure the growth and welfare of this mollusk 

 are constantly received. 



EUROPEAN METHODS OF OYSTER-CULTURE. 



The last annual report contains a reference to important studies 

 resi)ecting oyster-culture in France, made for the benefit of the Fish 

 Commission during the summer and fall of 1891 by Dr. Bashford Dean, 

 of Columbia College, New York.^ Before the close of that year Dr; 

 Dean extended his inquiries on the same subject to Spain and Portugal, 

 and during the one just past he has visited Italy, Germany, Holland, 

 Belgium, and England on a similar mission. A report upon the results 

 of his observations in those several countries, accompanied by many 

 instructive illustrations based upon photographs made by himself, has 

 recently been received and published.^ It will prove of great interest 

 to all the practical oystermen of this country who are desirous of 

 improving the condition of their industry. Dr. Dean's field inquiries 

 were conducted with great care, strict attention being paid to all impor- 

 tant matters of detail; and in the preparation of his report he has taken 

 exceeding pains to present in a concise form the different subjects of 

 which it treats, without omitting, however, anything essential to their 

 complete understanding. 



The reasons for extending these researches to other countries than 

 France are explained by Dr. Dean as follows, in the introduction to his 

 last paper : 



The methods in use along the ocean coast of France are, in general, similar to those 

 of the neighboring countries. It has, however, seemed important to undorstand the 

 cultural modifications rendered necessary by changes in climate, shore characters, 

 and saltnoss of water. Local conditions may not unnaturally have favored one par- 

 ticular locality to such a degree that methods of culture there in use might prove of 

 little value in other and even neighboring regions. By general comparison a more 

 distinct idea may be obtained of the actual character and extent of artificial culture. 

 Thus may be seen by what manner and moans one country of Europe has taken 

 advantage of the practical successes of a neighboring one, has modilied processes to 

 suit local conditions, found by experiment to what limits imported methods may be 

 carried, and succeeded or failed in securing the most judicious governmental aid 

 in obtaining concession of cultural lands and in preserving the natural supplies of 

 spawning oysters. 



'Report on the Present Methods of Ovster-Culturo in France, by Bashford Dean. 

 Bull. U. S. Fish Comui. for 1890, pp. 363-388, plates (58-78. 



'^Report on the European Methods of Oyster-Culture, by Bashford Ueau. Bull. 

 U. S. Fish Comin. for 1891, pp. 357-1013, plates 75-88. 



