36 



OYSTEK BOTTOMS OF MISSISSIPPI SOUND, ALA. 



There is an area of dense growth at the northern end of the bed, 

 apparently extending on to the planted bottom inside of the northeast 

 arm of the bay. These oysters are in small clusters and are of good 

 size and fair shape and quality. There is another dense patch near 

 the southern end of the bed, where the oysters are smaller and 

 inferior. 



The scattering growth lies in a narrow strip along the western edge 

 of the southern half of the bed. The bottom consists in large part of 

 firm mud and shells lying in a substratum of soft mud. The very 

 scattering growth Hes in a small patch near the southern inshore 

 part of the bed and the depleted area stretches nearly the entire length 

 of the bed and for a considerable distance comprises its entire width. 

 The following examinations were made: 



Details of Examination op Heron Bay, East Side. 



HERON BAY, WEST SIDE. 



The oyster growth on the western, or, more accurately, on the north- 

 western, side of Heron Bay stretches along shore for a distance of 

 upward of one-half mile from the mouth of northwest arm. 



The following table exhibits the area, density of oyster growth, and 

 estimated total content of oysters: 



Oyster Growth in Heron Bay, West Side. 



The area of dense growth lies at the northeast end of the bed on a 

 very hard sand and shell bottom, gradually becoming softer toward 

 the depleted bottom. The oysters are elongated, sharp edged, and in 

 rather heavy clusters, bearing a few mussels. 



