The Gulf of Mexico 261 



bed. A coating from four to six inches deep was found 

 to make a firm and permanent foundation. Experi- 

 mental beds on ooze exposed by the tides, constructed of 

 small shells, in layers two or three inches deep, remained 

 in a firm layer on top of the mud, and without change, 

 for at least a year. 



One of the most curious sights to be witnessed along 

 the Louisiana coast is the immense accumulation of shells 

 found rising above the water at many points. These are 

 of several species of marine or brackish water bivalves, 

 and on account of their small size, afford ideal material 

 for seed collecting. Very few oysters can attach to a 

 single shell, and, consequently, clusters cannot form on 

 them. In most cases but a single oyster will develop on 

 each shell (Figures 52 and 53). 



To appreciate fully the great advantage that the 

 Louisiana culturist might possess in these shells if he 

 would use them, it must be stated that oyster growth in 

 these warm waters is so rapid that a large cluster may 

 form on an oyster shell in one year. To assume a size 

 and shape that will fit them for market, these must be 

 culled before further growth takes place. The labor of 

 culling during the first year at least might be avoided 

 by the use of these small shells. Their accumulations 

 are of great extent, and often are so situated that planks 

 may be extended from them directly to the deck' of a 

 schooner lying alongside. 



Yet this ideal cultch is used very little in Louisiana, 

 oyster shells being preferred, perhaps because shell heaps 

 at the canneries are convenient and must be disposed of. 

 It is a pity that they should be used only to pave streets 

 in New Orleans and Lake Charles. 



It is not possible with data that we now possess to 



