14 THE OYSTER. 



in every part of the bay, from Swan Point and the 

 Bodkin, to Craney Island and Lynn Haven. I have 

 tonged oysters in five different States ; and in the 

 warm waters of the South, where frost is unknown 

 and the oysters flourish above low-tide mark, I have 

 enjoyed the opportunity to explore the natural beds, 

 and have spent months, under the broiling tropical sun, 

 wading over the sharp shells which cut the feet like 

 knives, studying the oysters at home. I have planted 

 oysters ; I have reared them by collecting the floating 

 spat ; and I have hatched from artificially fertilized 

 eggs more oysters than the number of people in the 

 last census ; and I boldly claim enough practical 

 experience to acquit me from the charge that my 

 views are theoretical. 



