The Chesapeake 225 



cultivated rather than on a natural crop, and to the 

 great benefit and satisfaction of every one concerned. 



Public attention is now attracted to Maryland. For 

 so long a period the first among the oyster producing 

 states, it was the last to recognize the importance of 

 oyster culture. The reason for its long delay is that its 

 natural supply has been astonishingly great, and public 

 opinion did not force a change in method until these 

 natural oyster nurseries were very greatly depleted, and 

 on the way to early extinction. 



In April, 1906, the Governor of Maryland signed an 

 act " to establish and promote the industry of oyster 

 culture in Maryland; to define, survey and mark natural 

 oyster beds, bars and rocks, to prescribe penalties for the 

 infringement of its provisions, and to establish a per- 

 manent shell-fish commission." 



Previously, an act known as the " five-acre law " al- 

 lowed citizens of the state to select a small plot on bar- 

 ren bottoms for planting oysters, " twelve months 

 peaceable possession " to constitute a sufficient title 

 thereto. Although many such small tracts were taken 

 at one time or another, the bedding or culture of oysters 

 practically did not exist in the waters of the state. 



Among the features of the act of 1906 may be noticed 

 the following: — 



No non-resident, or any corporation or joint stock 

 company will be permitted to lease or acquire by assign- 

 ment any lands for oyster planting or cultivation. 



All natural beds or rocks are excluded from the 

 operation of the act. 



A Shell-fish Commission is created. 



A triangulation survey of natural beds (but not of 

 bottoms for lease) was provided for. 



