[13] OYSTER CULTURE IN FRANCE. 737 



1. Ostrea edulis and its varieties. — This oyster appears to experience 

 difficulty in existing in the Mediterranean, except in that portion of the 

 sea which washes our coasts. It never forms beds. Some solitary 

 specimens may be found on the muddy bottom, at a depth of from 30 to 

 60 meters, outside the embouchure of the Rhone. 



2. Ostrea cyrnusii. — This oyster bears a great resemblance to the 

 Edulis. It is distinguishable more particularly by the greater length 

 of the hinges. It is found in the brackish water on the east side of 

 Corsica. 



3. Ostrea cochlear. — I only cite this species as a matter of form. It is 

 a very small and rare oyster, living at a great depth (100 to 140 meters). 

 In a comestible point of view it has no interest. 



4. Ostrea stantina. — This is a small species, tolerably abundant at 

 Toulon, but more rare on the rest of our coast. It seems to prefer im- 

 pure waters. 



Of these species, two only offer any interest in a cultivator's point of 

 view. These are the Ostrea edulis and the Ostrea cyrnusii. 



All the experiments which have been made down to the present time 

 have been with regard to the Ostrea edulis. M. Coste used for his opera- 

 tions oysters produced by the coast of Brittany. As already remarked, 

 this species does not xnopagate itself readily on our Mediterranean 

 coasts. Many zoologists attribute this fact to the water of this sea be- 

 ing too salt. However this may be, I think that new efforts should be 

 made, and that this time the oysters from the coasts of Corsica should 

 be employed, Ostrea cyrnusii. 



I am inclined to believe that this species would afford good results 

 if introduced into the marine ponds so numerous along our southern 

 coasts, to which I have already had the honor to draw your attention. 

 Such are the chief points to which I was desirous of inviting your atten- 

 tion. To sum up, the state of oyster-cultivation in France is sufficiently 

 satisfactory. 



This new industry has not only succeeded in sending a great quantity 

 of these mollusca to the markets of our country, but it likewise exports 

 a considerable number. Thus, last year French cultivators sent to 

 London 28,000,000 of oysters. Belgium receives several millions every 

 year. 



Nevertheless, I am convinced that oyster-cultivation might be more 

 fully developed if it were protected from certain dangers by which it is 

 menaced, some of which are really of a grave character. Permit me 

 to lay before you these dangers, as well as the means which, in my 

 opinion, should be employed to combat them. 



I have already had occasion to refer to the rapid deterioration of the 

 natural beds. This, without question, is the most grave danger, in any 

 way, of oyster-cultivation. It is, therefore, of moment to trace the 

 causes to which this state of deterioration may be ascribed. 



Two main facts may be brought forward. In the first place, it is 

 3. Mis. 46 47 



