CHAPTER VII 



REARING OYSTERS FROM THE EGG 



T has been suggested that the set of spat might 

 be made certain by an artificial fertilization of 

 the eggs. It is perhaps not to be wondered 

 at that this possibility has for many years 

 proved very alluring, not only to oystermen, but also to 

 some biologists who have been interested in the life- 

 histories of bivalves, because of its novelty, and because it 

 would give so great control over natural processes. 

 Nearly every one who has written about oysters within 

 the last quarter of a century, has referred to this proposed 

 method, and many have become enthusiastic over its pos- 

 sibilities. 



If a score of millions of young oysters may be brought 

 into being in a tumbler of water — as they may with the 

 greatest ease — and if these, or any considerable number 

 of them, may be caused to attach and be reared to matur- 

 ity, one of the greatest obstacles to oyster culture will be 

 overcome. Truly, it is a fascinating suggestion, but to 

 the present time it has become nothing more. Because it 

 has attracted so much attention, because it still is prac- 

 tically an unsolved problem for the American oysterman, 

 and because it really is not so necessary to the industry 

 as it has been assumed to be, a few rather unusual com- 

 ments on it may not be out of place. 



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