32 OYSTEE BOTTOMS OF MISSISSIPPI SOUND, ALA. 



Oyster Growth in Dauphin Island Bay. 



There are three areas of what this report designates as scattering 

 oysters, one of about 6 acres close to the Dauphin Island shore, and 

 two larger ones near Little Dauphin Island. It is stated that oysters 

 are planted or bedded in the bay, and it is possible that some of the 

 bottom included in the foregoing is not wholly natural bed. 



Included between these three patches is a considerable area of 

 very scattering growth. The depleted bottom lies around the shores 

 south and west of the preceding and in the entire northwestern part 

 of the bay where there are practically no market oysters and but a 

 limited quantity of small ones. 



The oysters in practically all parts of the bay were poor in shape 

 and quality. Some drills were found and many dead small oysters. 



Details of Examination of Dauphin Island Bay. 



