498 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



thioiiuli the inaisln-s to and iVoni tlic oyster .iiioniids. tlu'.ir dark hulls 

 hiddeu by the tall rccds or iiitcr\euiug" uplauil, and ouly the «uovvy 

 sheets of caiiV'as and the tall, tapering* spars showing above the river 

 bank. A large number of vessels owned at Port Norris and the various 

 towns on either side of the river make tlieir liouio i)ort at liivalve, while 

 nuiuj' others, owned in localities more remote, land their catch there, 

 and for that reason, and also on account of the safe and convenient 

 harbor facilities which it affords, seek it as a place of rendezvous. 



Second in importance to Bivalve as an oyster-shipping center is 

 Maurice lliver. It is the terminus of a branch of the West Jersey 

 Kailroad, which connects with the main line at Manuniuskin. The 

 shiiJ])ing business at Maurice ]ii\ er is not so extensive as at liivalve, 

 but is constantly increasing. 



About 20 miles farther np. the Delaware Kiver is Greenwich Pier, 

 where within the i)ast few years quite a large oyster-shipping trade 

 has been established. 



Regulations and methods. — In order to arrive at anything approxi- 

 mating a clear understanding of the methods now employed in the 

 oyster industry of Maurice lvi\er Cove, it will be necessary to consider 

 brietly the origin, growth, and some of the principal characteristic 

 features of the system under which this lishery is conducted. At an 

 early period the value of the oyster industry, not only as a means of 

 support to a large number of the inhabitants, but as a source of wealth 

 capable of extensive development, was lecognized. In all the coast 

 waters of the State oysters were abundant, but the larger areas of sea 

 bottom in Delaware Bay that Avere richly populated with these mollusks 

 were considered especially valuable and important. The improvement 

 of these natural resources, thei'efore, became at an early date a question 

 of much interest, and such steps as were deemed wise and proper by 

 the people of those times for the care of the oyster beds were lu'omptly 

 taken. It is an interesting fact also that every effort put forth looking 

 to the advancement of the industry in any particular locality, or 

 throughout the entire State, was characterized by two great funda- 

 mental ideas or principles. These are, first, the preservation and care 

 of the natural oyster beds in order to insure the continuance of an 

 abundant supply; second, the protection of the interests of resident 

 citizens of the State in their exclusive right to engage in the industry 

 on terms of equality, unmolested by (dtizens of other States, and to the 

 enjoyment of all benetits and emoluments arising therefrom. These two 

 principles were embodied in the first act passed by the legislature of the 

 State (then a province) relative to the oyster fisheries, and have been 

 apparent in the intention of all subsequent legislation beaiing on the 

 subject covering a period of one hundred and seventy-five years. The 

 act alluded to was passed in 1711) with the following preamble: 



Whereas it is loiiiul l>y diiily experience tliiit tlic oyster l)eds within tliis ))rovince 

 are wasted and destroyed by strangers aTid others at nnseasouablo times of the year, 

 the preservation of which will tend to the great beuetit of the poor people and 

 others inhabiting this proviuce. 



