OYSTEK. CULTURE. 285 



prolific. This, I believe, is over-dreclgiug-, and never having any 

 reserved beds of oysters for breeding puposes. This, however, is a 

 larger question into which I cannot now enter, and it is beyond your 

 inquiry. I should add that there is a natural or native bed of 

 oysters in the river here ; it is too small, and should be extended, 

 and more ground opened for laying oysters. This is only a question 

 of £ s. d., but if one has not the money one cannot spend it. I 

 should say that the South of England Oyster Company's breeding 

 ponds at Hayling Island, and Emsworth, in Langstou Harbour, near 

 Portsmouth, are w^ell worth a visit, and, I believe, particularly well 

 situated for oyster breeding. They have had varied success, but 

 never can pay a dividend on their capital expended, which has been 

 very large. 



I can only say in conclusion that I shall be very glad to see you, 

 and any one whom you may like to accompany you, at any time here j 

 and if my ponds can be of any use for making experiments, I shall 

 be most happy to place them at the service of the Association on any 

 terms that might be agreed upon. I am deeply interested in the 

 whole matter, and should be very glad if the result of the investiga- 

 tions of the Association may solve some of the problems which have 

 up to now defied private efforts. 



Yours truly, 



MONTAGU. 



KtW SERIES. — VOL. I, NO. 111. 21 



