[5] OYSTER CULTURE IN MORBIHAN. 9AT 
In 1875, a local fair was held at Vannes, in one of the departments of 
France. Those who visited the section of practical oyster culture were 
convinced that the enterprise was not only practicable, but had even 
grown tothe rank ofanindustry. Fifty-four oyster-culturists responded 
to the invitation of the prefect of the department, and displayed speci- 
mens of their productions, in a tank prepared for the purpose. In addi- 
tion, they thought it appropriate to exhibit their materials and tools, and 
the methods of using them. A first glance sufficed to show that this 
branch of industry had its principles, its methods, and its utensils, elabo- 
rated and adapted by study and experience. 
Two grand prizes, in addition to the ordinary awards, were specially 
offered for oyster culture. The first was to the culturist who, by his 
perseverance and success, had contributed most to the development of 
this special branch. The second was to the author of the best memoir 
on the general subject. The second prize was not given, but the first 
was doubled and divided between M. Chaumel and M. le Baron de 
Wolbock. Through the efforts of the prefect of the department, a spec- 
ial commission was organized, under the honorary presidency of the pre- 
fect of marine. The labors of this commission, consisting of the study 
of the memoirs presented by the competitors, the examination of the 
parks, and the discussion of the processes in use at Morbihan, excited a 
lively interest. Furthermore, it was decided that, in a general report, 
the commission should set forth the condition of oyster culture at Mor- 
bihan, in 1875, its progress, its prospects, and its demands. This was 
the consummation of its labors. 
Appointed to edit this report, we have attempted to perform this deli- 
cate and arduous task to the best ofour ability. If this memoir contains 
any valuable ideas, their merits should be attributed to the oyster-cul- 
turists of Morbihan. Weassume the responsibility of the imperfections 
that may be found, and invoke the indulgence which we hope will not be 
refused to good intentions. 
A. E. HAUSSER. 
LORIENT, July 25, 1875. 
CHAP TE RK I; 
BREEDING PARKS IN GENERAL. 
Time of spawning; extent of the parks.—The determination of the exact 
time when the oyster becomes milky and its ovaries become charged 
with millions of eggs, is of such importance that we must devote some 
lines to the subject. 
When the parent oyster, by a series of contractions, throws out about 
it that whitish cloud, so rich in life, it leaves to the forces of nature and 
_ to the instincts of its progeny the entire care of providing for the fixa- 
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