14 OYSTER BOTTOMS OP MISSISSIPPI EAST OF BILOXI. 



Oyster Growth on Patches Near Scranton Reef. 



The area of scattering growth, which covers about 10 acres, Ues 

 northwest of Scranton Reef proper in the shallow channel running 

 into West Pascagoula River. The larger of the patches of scattering 

 growth and the depleted bottom he on the eastern edge of the sand 

 spit between Scranton and West Pascagoula Reefs. 



The following data are derived from the examination of these 

 patches: 



Details of Examination of Patches Near Scranton Reef. 



WEST PASCAGOULA BEEF. 



This body of oysters lies on the west side of the sand spit off the 

 mouth of West Pascagoula River, in a depth of water ranging from 

 2 feet on the eastern and northern edges to about 3^ feet on the west 

 and south. It consists of an area of dense growth almost surrounded 

 by very scattering oysters. The northern third of the bed, although 

 prolific in young, is rated as depleted, owing to the practical absence 

 of oysters over 3 inches long. The oysters on the bed as a whole are 

 undersized and badly clustered. 



The following table summarizes the area and conditions of oyster 



growth: 



Oyster Growth on West Pascagoula Reef. 



