Bivalves in Relation to Disease 173 



his oyster beds and the directness with which oysters 

 are transferred from them to the shipping containers. 

 If this is not possible, he will not eat his oysters un- 

 cooked. He will also examine the containers employed 

 by his retail dealer, and ask to see those in which the 

 oysters were shipped, especially when they are shucked. 

 One fact concerning oysters that are to be eaten un- 

 cooked cannot be too strongly expressed. It is that, as 

 the preparation of oysters for market is now usually 

 carried on, it is never safe to eat those that have been 

 freshened or bloated. Those coming directly from salt 

 water beds far removed from shore are likely to be safe 

 if ordinary care has been taken in washing and icing 

 them. Some dealers are already beginning to take great 

 precautions against the possible infection of the oysters 

 that they handle, and a little discrimination on the part 

 of the consumer would soon add to their number. The 

 matter of safety rests largely with him. 



