44 
Le Cyroisic from Mr. Elford Dickie, the British Vice- 
Consul at St. Nazaire, to whom I tender my thanks for 
his courtesy and help. 
I have not thought it necessary to give references to the 
various reports and papers on oysters and other shell-fish 
which have been published in the past, chiefly in France 
and America, as I consider it more important for the present 
purpose that I should give an account of what I saw 
myself, and state my own opinions based upon all the 
information I have been able to get in any way. 
I shall first give a brief statement showing the order in 
which I visited the localities, and then a more detailed 
account of the fishery methods at each centre. Finally I 
shall draw some general conclusions as to the applicability 
of the French methods to our own district. 
OUTLINE OF TOUR. 
On arriving in Bordeaux I was met by Mons. Emile 
Durégne, Directeur de la Station Zoologique, and Secretary 
of the Scientific Society of Arcachon, who very kindly 
offered to accompany me next morning to Arcachon and 
facilitate my enquiries there. I found his presence with 
me of the very greatest assistance as he was intimately 
acquainted with the ground, and knew personally the men 
engaged in oyster culture, and so was able to let me see 
the various processes in much less time than it would 
otherwise have taken. 
At Arcachon M. Durégne placed the resources of the 
Zoological Station at my disposal. I was assigned a - 
bedroom and a private laboratory, and during my short 
stay I lived in the institution, had the use of the station 
boatmen, and found it all a great convenience in obtaining, 
examining and packing my specimens. For this courteous 
treatment I take this opportunity of thanking the Scientific 
