18 



NATURAL OYSTER BEDS OF DELAWARE. 



bottom lies on the west side of the bed, but there is a narrow strip 

 along the eastern edge and embracing the southern end of the dense 

 and scattering growth. Much of the depleted area is in reality 

 denuded or barren, and although most of it lies on hard bottom 

 there are numerous muddy spots, especially near the southern edge. 



On this bed as a whole and especially on the more productive 

 areas small oj^sters are in great preponderance. In many cases 

 there were quantities of oysters so small that they fell between the 

 teeth of the tongs. 



The following observations were made on this bed : 



Details op Examinations op Ridge Bed. 



SMALL BEDS NORTHEAST OF RIDGE BED. 



Northeast of the Ridge is a small patch of about 7 acres of very 

 scattering growth which is estimated to contain about 200 bushels 

 of oysters, most of them over 3 inches in length. 



The following results were obtained from an examination of this 

 area: 



Details of Examinations op Small Beds Northeast of Ridge Bed. 



