OYSTER BOTTOMS OF MISSISSIPPI SOUND, ALA, 



21 



the so-called market stock being between 3 and 4 inches in length 



and growing m heavy clusters. The scattering growth lies in a zone 



between the dense growth and the soft muddy bottom of Mississippi 



Sound in an average depth of water of about 5 feet. Practically 



none of the oysters of marketable size are over 4 inches long. On 



both this area and on the bottom covered with dense growth young 



oysters are abundant, varyhig from 180 to 546 bushels per acre, with 



an average density of over 300 bushels per acre. 



The following data state the results of the examinations made on 



this bed: 



Details of Examination of Dutch Island. 



BIG GULLY. 



This bed, which it is understood is also known as Grants Pass 

 Gully, lies between the dolphin, or cluster of piles marking the eastern 

 entrance to Grants Pass, and Dutch and Grant Islands. The depth 

 of water varies from 9 or 10 feet close to the dolphin to less than 1 

 foot near the island. 



The area of density of growth and total content of small and 

 marketable oysters are shown in the following table: 



Oyster Growth on Big Gully Bed. 



In the deeper water close to the dolphin and for a distance of 200 

 or 300 yards west and northwest in the area indicated as ''depleted" 

 on the chart, there are practically no oysters, either large or small, 

 the bottom being composed in large part of soft mud with buried 



