90 Our Food Mollusks 



In this way are produced fine, large oysters much like 

 our own in size. 



Many natural conditions make oyster culture easier in 

 Japan than in Europe. The coastal waters are less 

 muddy ; there is no necessity for artificial ponds ; oysters 

 reproduce over a large area; the cheap bamboo is a good 

 collector, and is easily handled ; and there are few 

 natural enemies to contend against. 



It is fortunate, also, that oyster grounds in Japan are 

 not exploited as a government monopoly, but are rented 

 to private interests, for it is only in this way that the 

 greatest success in such an industry is possible. 



