26 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
above referred to. An examination of the piles of neighboring wharves, 
however, showed the presence of adult oysters and spat ina flourishing 
condition, as well as an abundance of other forms of life which are 
generally found in such situations. The pungent odor of creosote was 
very strong under the nearest wharf, but it did not seem to affect the 
welfare of the oysters there, although they appeared to Mr. Battle to 
leave an astringent taste in the mouth. A sample of the water and 
specimens of oysters from the wharves were afterwards subjected to 
chemical examination in Washington, without discovering the presence 
of creosote or of any other poisonous matter. 
Besides the inquiries above referred to, Mr. Battle also located 
approximately all of the natural oyster beds in Galveston Bay. There 
are none in the deeper parts of the bay, probably owing to the soft 
character of the bottom, but they are situated on shoals, from which, in 
some instances, they have encroached on the adjacent soft bottom by 
yearly accretion. Except for the preponderance of this soft bottom 
the conditions seem favorable for oyster-culture south of Redfish Bar, 
in case the water is never fresher than in August for any length of 
time. The only enemies known are the drill, conch, and drumfish, no 
harmful starfishes, it is asserted, finding their way to the oyster beds. 
SHATISEE GEPY, N. di 
In the last annual report reference was made to experiments by Prof: 
John A. Ryder, of the University of Pennsylvania, respecting the col- 
lecting of oyster spat in accordance with an entirely new method, which 
promised excellent practical results. Formerly, while a member of the 
scientific staff of the Fish Commission, Professor Ryder’s energies were 
directed chiefly toward the solution of this important and perplexing 
problem, which involves the prosperity of a large proportion of our 
coastwise population. His work was then carried on mainly at St. 
Jerome Creek, Maryland, and at the Woods Hole station of the Fish 
Commission, and, although fair success was met with, it fell short, for 
some reason, of the practical benefits which had been anticipated. 
During the season of 1891, taking advantage of the facilities afforded 
by the marine station of the University of Pennsylvania at Sea Isle 
City, N. J., Professor Ryder started upon a new series of experiments 
differing radically from any he had tried before. The incidental 
expenses of the work that year were met by the university. During the 
next summer, 1892, codperation with the Fish Commission was accepted 
to the extent of paying for the appliances and supplies necessary to 
conduct the work upon a larger scale. 
The following extracts from letters written by Professor Ryder in May 
and June, 1892, will serve to explain his plans: 
I propose this summer to conduct a series of experiments on a wholly new line. I 
think most of us have been mistaken in our way of looking at the question. I want, 
this year, to produce from 30 to 60 bushels of seed oysters to the square rod. Ihave 
already experimented far enough at Sea Isle to show that such an estimate is not 
