i8 



would be left to increase and multiply unchecked, to con- 

 sume the food on which the more valuable species live. 



Just such another and even more striking instance is 

 afforded by the history of the oyster fisheries. Those who 

 advocate the total prohibition of dredging in close time, 

 and of the carrying ashore of undersized oysters, forget that 

 in the one case the star-fish and the dog-whelks would be 

 left to settle on the oyster beds like vultures round their 

 prey ; and in the other (as Mr. Huxley has pointed out) the 

 oysters with tender shells, which would most surely be 

 attacked and could most easily be destroyed, would be left 

 for the star-fish and dog-whelks to fatten upon, instead of 

 being brought ashore and laid down on suitable beds, and 

 fattened for the use of man. 



On this question of star-fish and other enemies of fish, 

 there is much room for the diffusion of useful knowledge 

 among the fishermen. The trawl-net, for example, often 

 brings up, besides its wicked load of small fish, large 

 numbers of star-fish, "tingles," and other vermin which 

 would escape if the mesh were enlarged. When out trawling 

 I have often seen the fisherman, when casting overboard 

 his rubbish, tear a star-fish in two and throw it away 

 with a by no means complimentary valediction. What has 

 such a man done ? Instead of casting back one star-fish 

 he has returned two to the water, for this creature has the 

 power, if not of replacing its lost members, at least of living 

 very comfortably umms one or two ; and if the star-fish 

 does not grow a new finger, the finger may be said to 

 grow a new star-fish. A bucket of hot water would 

 effectually close the career of such creatures, and fishermen 

 should be instructed to absolutely destroy all kinds of 

 vermin. In France, in the agricultural districts, may be seen 

 hung on the walls of the public schools notices conveying 



