152 THE OYSTER. 



taken each year in deep water, before they reach the 

 spawning-ground, it follows that we are now entirely 

 dependent upon the artificial supply. 



This short history will serve to show that we must 

 look to an increase in the supply of oysters as the only 

 remedy for the scarcity, and that we can hope for no 

 benefit from new laws to regulate the method of taking 

 the oysters. 



I must insist, however, upon one most important 

 difference between the shad and the oyster. The shad 

 goes out into the ocean to pasture, and it is at this 

 time beyond the direct control of man. During its 

 migration it may pass through the waters of two or 

 three States before it reaches its feeding-ground, and 

 private ownership and protection of shad is impossible. 

 The work of shad-hatching is therefore a proper 

 object for the employment of the Government, but 

 there is no reason for Government oyster-farming, for 

 the oyster is as sedentary as a potato, and it is there- 

 fore perfectly adapted for propagation by individuals. 



Among the remedies for the destruction of the oys- 

 ter-beds the shortening of the season is a favorite 

 measure, and it has many advocates. This remedy 

 seems, at first sight, to be an effective one, but a little 

 thought shows that it is, in reality, of no very great 

 value. 



So long as our present oyster policy is maintained 

 it will be necessary to have a closed season to facili- 

 tate the enforcement of other legal measures, but as 

 it is clear to every one that a great number of fisher- 

 men working upon a bed for a short season will do 

 just as much damage as a lesser number working for 



