196 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



bay. Oysters lor plauting are generally derived from the natural 

 deposits in the iuljacent channels. North Cove and Toke Point, where 

 natural beds do not occur, are supplied with seed from points as far 

 south as Sealand. 



An examination of Willapa Bay in October, 1894, having shown that 

 the tide lands generally had been filed upon or were already under 

 <ultivation, it became necessary to consider the deeper waters with 

 reference to their suitability for the eastern sjiecies. 



Many of the channels where native oysters grow were recommended 

 by resident oystermen as favorable places for depositing eastern oysters, 

 but the danger of leaving such deposits exposed to poachers being 

 admitted, the following localities adjacent to cultivated oyster beds 

 were then considered: Palux Channel, near the village of Bay Center; 

 Willapa Channel, opposite Bruceport, and the channel off Sealand. It 

 is quite possible that the shallow head of the bay Avill eventually be 

 found to have the highest summer temperature and would therefore 

 afford the most favorable conditions for the propagation of eastern oys- 

 ters, but its remoteness from the present oyster-growing districts makes 

 it undesirable on account of the lack of such protection as au interested 

 oystering community would afford. The sandy districts near the mouth 

 of the bay are unfavorable, the bottom being constantly shifted by the 

 action of the sea. 



Upon examination, Palux Channel seemed on the whole to offer the 

 best conditions. It lies well back of very extensive flats, which would 

 have a teiuiency to increase the summer temperature; the bottom is 

 firm, and is well supplied with native oysters, while starfish are said to 

 be less numerous than elsewhere. It is within sight of the village, 

 which insures its security against poachers, and has a depth of 8 feet 

 at low water, full security against the winter frosts that injure oysters 

 on shallow transplanted beds. 



On October 26, 1894, the J. & J. W. Elsworth Co., of New York, under 

 the directi(»n of the United States Fish Commission, shipped a carload 

 of oysters from New York to South Bend, on Willapa Bay, Washington. 

 It was stated by the shippers that the car would be eighteen days en 

 route, but, owing to fortunate circumstances, the trip was made in 

 thirteen days, the car reaching South Bend on November 7, my own 

 arrival being unfortunately three days later. I arrived on the evening 

 of the 10th, according to instructions received from the Commissioner, 

 and at once examined the oysters, which proved to be in good condition. 

 A number of oystermen from Bay Center had volunteered to transport 

 the oysters on Monday, but not wishing to delay planting them a tug- 

 boat and lighter were secured and everything arranged for a start at 

 daylight the next morning (Sunday). 



Mr. James Crawford, fish commissioner of Washington, who had 

 been requested to assist in the work, had been looking over the ground. 

 We agreed in favor of the Palux Channel location, and tlie oysters were 

 accordingly deposited there in good condition at noon on November 11, 



