30 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
source or another. There are several bays along that coast which seem 
to be suitable for the introduction of Atlantic stock, and it is now pro- 
posed by the Fish Commission, as soon as the necessary arrangements 
can be perfected, to make a small planting of the eastern species, prob- 
ably at Willapa Bay, Washington, where the character of the bottom 
and salinity of the water appear to favor the success of such an experi- 
ment. Great interest is now manifested along the entire extent of the 
Pacific coast in respect to the oyster question in general, and letters 
requesting advice as to where the best seed can be obtained or as to the 
conditions necessary to insure the growth and welfare of this mollusk 
are constantly received. 
EUROPEAN METHODS OF OYSTER-CULTURE. 
The last annual report contains a reference to important studies 
respecting oyster-culture in France, made for the benefit of the Fish 
Commission during the summer and fall of 1891 by Dr. Bashford Dean, 
of Columbia College, New York.’ Before the close of that year Dr. 
Dean extended his inquiries on the same subject to Spain and Portugal, 
and during the one just past he has visited Italy, Germany, Holland, 
Belgium, and England on a similar mission. A report upon the results 
of his observations in those several countries, accompanied by many 
instructive illustrations based upon photographs made by himself, has 
recently been received and published.’ It will prove of great interest 
to all the practical oystermen of this country who are desirous of 
improving the condition of their industry. Dr. Dean’s field inquiries 
were conducted with great care, strict attention being paid to all impor- 
tant matters of detail; and in the preparation of his report he has taken 
exceeding pains to present in a concise form the different subjects of 
which it treats, without omitting, however, anything essential to their 
complete understanding. 
The reasons for extending these researches to other countries than 
France are explained by Dr. Dean as follows, in the introduction to his 
last paper: . 
The methods in use along the ocean coast of France are, in general, similar to those 
of the neighboring countries. It has, however, seemed important to understand the 
cultural modifications rendered necessary by changes in climate, shore characters, 
and saltness of water. Local conditions may not unnaturally have favored one par- 
ticular locality to such a degree that methods of culture there in use might prove of 
little value in other and even neighboring regions. By general comparison a more 
distinct idea may be obtained of the actual character and extent of artificial culture. 
Thus may be seen by what manner and means one country of Europe has taken 
advantage of the practical successes of a neighboring one, has modified processes to 
suit local conditions, found by experiment to what limits imported methods may be 
carried, and succeeded or failed in securing the most judicious governmental aid 
in obtaining concession of cultural lands and in preserving the natural supplies of 
spawning oysters. 
1Report on the Present Methods of Oyster-Culture in France, by Bashford Dean. 
Bull. U. S. Fish Comm. for 1890, pp. 363-388, plates 68-78. 
2Report on the European Methods of Oyster-Culture, by Bashford Dean. Bull. 
U.S. Fish Comm. for 1891, pp. 357-406, plates 75-88. 
