MUSSEL BAIT — SUPPLY AND DEMAND 5 



much success in France, one cannot but be struck 

 by the readiness with which, through the local 

 commissaires of marine, the interests of individual 

 culturists are protected and the terms of the 

 State rentals suitably regulated. The Government 

 wisely retains natural oyster-grounds for the pro- 

 duction of seed with which beds all along the coast 

 may be stocked. On these no dredging is allowed, 

 except at such limited times as may be appointed. 

 The beds are great reserves capable of being 

 called out whenever there is the slightest danger 

 of a national oyster decline. Above all, as I have 

 previously had an opportunity of pointing out,^ 

 France recognises the fact that a system of 

 keeping shell-fish beds open for the benefit of the 

 public must give way to the system of renting 

 the sea-bottom and foreshores to such individuals 

 as will cultivate the beds, and thus render them of 

 increased value to the country. In other words, 

 the system adopted with farms on dry land must 

 be carried also to such parts of land as are covered 

 by the sea, the Crown being landowner. 



In backing up her position, France has further 

 given lessees complete power of protection, and 



1 Report of Proceedings of Conference, 1893, National Sea 

 Fisheries' Protection Association, Fishmongers' Hall, p. 202. 



