OYSTER BOTTOMS OF MISSISSIPPI SOUND, ALA. 



41 



PORTERSVILLE BAY, STATE-PLANTED BED. 



This bed is said to have been planted in June, 1910, and it was 

 examined by the survey party on January 11, 1911. The bottom 

 was of a consistency rated in this report from stiff to soft. The 

 oysters were found to be growing in dense clusters and were fit for 

 steaming only. They were evidently planted too thickly and irreg- 

 ularly to secure the best results, and apparently the clusters were not 

 broken up. If they had been separated so as to give the individual 

 oysters room for growth, they would have produced much better 

 and more valuable stock. It is said that the seed oysters, when 

 planted, were about 1| inches long. When examined six months 

 later, 40 per cent were between 1 and 3 inches long, 40 per cent 

 between 3 and 4 inches, and 20 per cent over 4 inches. 



The experiment indicates that if oysters be planted in this region 

 in accordance with the best practice the results should be excellent. 



The following tables exhibit the general condition of this bed : 



Details of Examination op Portersville Bay, State-Planted Bed. 



PORTERSVILLE BAY, NORTH END. 



This is a small bed of very scattering growth, about 700 yards 

 from the north shore of the bay. It is probable that there may be 

 other insignificant patches in the vicinity. The character of the 

 bed is sufficiently indicated by the following tables : 



Oyster Growth in Portersville Bay, North End. 



