678 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [6] 



of oysters. These are sold in conformity to a classification based upon 

 their size; (1) La grosse, (2) la marchande, (3) la belle, (4) la petite moy- 

 enne, (5) la perlot. The price varies greatly and depends upon the suc- 

 cess of the dredging. 



Grand-Camp. — The station of Grand-Camp is not less favorable to 

 the cultivation of the oyster than Courseulles, which is near by. But 

 the rough sea and heavy surf renders impossible the establishment of 

 purcs under ordinary conditions. It is necessary to overcome the diffi- 

 culties presented, by engineering skill, a result successfully accomplished 

 by MM. Andr6 (Frangois) and Febvre. 



It will not be necessary to describe both of the establishments founded 

 in 1874 by MM. Febvre and Andr^. Both were organized on the same 

 principle. I will examine more particularly that of M. Febvre, in 

 the founding of which M. Fran9ois Andr6 also co-operated. This es- 

 tablishment is situated upon sloping ground about one kilometer from 

 Grand-Camp, upon the other side of the Downs, It covers an area of 

 five hectares and is surrounded by high embankments which shelters it 

 from winds and storms. It is divided into 32 parallel basins, which are 

 for the most part 45 meters long, 15 wide, and IJ in depth. 



The sides are constructed of stone without mortar, and the basins 

 are separated by roads for the convenience of the workmen. The service 

 of each basin is completed by a wherry, which the employes manage 

 with readiness. The water to supply the basins is admitted at the old 

 Fort Samson, distant about 50 meters from the nearest pares. It is 

 stored in two reservoirs, and may be renewed at every flood tide. The 

 water is conducted to the principal establishment through a subterran- 

 ean canal, having a width and depth of about IJ meters. 



The distribution is regulated by means of strong gates, which at the 

 same time serve to keep the reservoirs full when the tide runs down. 

 A feed canal traversing the length of the establishment divides it into 

 two parts, and provides for the supply of all the basins, each of which 

 is furnished with sluice gates, by means of which the water may be either 

 introduced or drawn off". 



The pares being established upon a gently sloping surface, and commu- 

 nicating directly with each other, a current through the interior may be 

 produced whenev^er desired. 



I should add that several small springs have their sources in the 

 basins, and serve to temper the saltness of the sea water. The bottom 

 of the pares is a stiff clay. 



Between Fort Samson and the establishment are erected the work 

 rooms, where are conducted the dilferent operations required in oyster 

 culture, such as the singling (detroquage) of the dredged oysters, the sort- 

 ing, packing, etc. In these operations fourteen women find occupation 

 for almost the entire year. 



What is the purpose of these 32 basins? What are the processes em- 

 ployed at Grand-Camp by MM. Febvre and Andr6 in handling the spawn, 

 and in the growth, fattening, and greening of the oyster? 



