40G REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



Tlic (tystei's obtained liom Tiger I.sland loof are jnobably not snr- 

 ])assed by any on tlie Texas coast, either in abundance, condition, or 

 sliii)])infi^ finalities. This reef is located abont .'5 niilcs from the mouth 

 of t]ieC()](>ra(]() Kiver, and about US miles from Pass Cavallo, tlie outlet 

 of the bay, and where tlie IVesh Avater from the river mingles with the 

 salt water of the bay. The depth of water on this reef ranges from (J 

 im-hes to C feet. Indeed, at times during the ]>revalence of a strong 

 northeast wind some portions of the reef are uncoverrd with water for 

 several days, and yet the oysters continue in excellent condition. The 

 ibrmation of the shell of the oysters on this reef is somewhat peculiar. 

 }i is rather smooth on the outside, is very hard, quite deep and massive, 

 without sharp edges, and somewhat resembles" the shell of the quahog 

 or southern clam. This is doubtless largely due to the great quantity 

 of lime in the water. Many of the counties in the valley of the Colorado 

 lliver are noted for their liberal deposits of limestone, and great (juan- 

 tities of it are washed down the river and over these oyster-grounds. 



The Trespalacios gr(»unds are located about 15 miles W. by SW. 

 from Tiger Island reef and just north of Half Moon reef. The oysters 

 on these grounds differ in many respects from those of Tiger Island 

 reef; they are longer, with rougher shells, and usually are not in so 

 good condition. It is reported that several years ago the oysters on 

 Trespalacios grounds "died out," on account of an overabundance of 

 fresh water. After that time oysters were not fished for on these 

 reefs until the s]n'ing of 1891, when a few were taken. 



The Old Town grounds are located off Old Town, a sliort distance 

 north of the former site of Indianola. Prior to 1875 very fine oj^sters 

 were obtainable from these r(?ets, but they gradually disappeared and 

 the location of the reefs was .almost forgotten. During the winter of 

 1890-Ul it was discovered that these beds were again productive and 

 they were fished on at the time of my visit. These oysters resemble in 

 appearam-e and flavor those obtained from the Trespalacios grounds. 



In the muddy grounds east of the Tiger Island reef many clusters 

 of very large oysters .are found. These grounds are frequently called 

 the Live Oak or East Matagorda grounds. They cover a large area, but 

 the oysters ar(^ A'cry much scattered. These oysters ar(^ finely flavored 

 and very large, some of the individual meats weighing 4 ounces or more. 



On account of the small demand and the ])oor marketing facilities, 

 the oyster industry of Matagorda Bay has not reached a full develop- 

 ment. The home market requires only a sumll quantity. The nearest 

 shipping ])oint to the Tiger Island reef is Port Lavaca, over 40 miles 

 distant, and the facilities offered at that point are limited. 



The number of men living on the shores of Matagorda Bay and en- 

 gaged in taking oysters in 1800 was reported to be 84. They used .'i5 

 sailboats valued at $12,400, and 45 skiffs which, with the tongs used, 

 were valued at -^Oiid. The catch amounted to 10!),.'{50 bushels of oys- 

 ters, for which the fishermen received !?-0,200. 



