994 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. [52] 
the need of it seemed to us, a short time ago, as real as irremediable ; 
a lesson, because it is only in making of the sea-coast, not a special do- 
main, but one subject to the ordinary rights of ownership, that we can 
accustom the people to sea-coast affairs, and thus build up and perpetu- 
ate a race of seamen, like that of which America is justly proud. 
In England, where there has also been a falling off in the cultiva- 
tion of oysters, an inquiry has been instituted. The principal con- 
clusion of this inquiry is remarkable, and the duty of the government is 
marked out in the following terms: ‘Let it be provided that associations 
or persons may easily obtain a title of possession, sufficiently secure, to 
such portions of the bed of the sea as they desire to work, in order that 
they may be induced to employ the capital necessary to furnish and 
keep up their fisheries.” 
No doubt is possible upon this point. French oyster culture will never 
become an industry destined to thrive, until its future shall be assured. 
It depends upon the government alone to remedy the evil, by conceding, 
with guarantees as to duration of lease and facilities of transmission, 
parks sufficiently extensive for the double purpose of breeding and 
raising. 
What is it they oppose to us? Is it that public interest might neces- 
sitate labors which would lead to a dispossession, in the case of conces- 
sions for a certified time with acquired rights? That navigation or some 
other maritime interest might require freedom of the coast, understand- 
ing by freedom its remaining entirely in the hands of the state? The 
answers are readily made, and upon this basis of discussion oyster cul- 
ture is impregnable. Where there is a willthereisa way. It is acknowl- 
edged that, so far as concerns the public welfare, the recruiting of our 
sailors, our marine power and our marine industries should be sustained, 
at any cost. This is the main point, the end to be attained, and all 
that is secondary to it should be disregarded. By hesitating, on account 
of objections in the matter of details, which may, perhaps, have some 
value, we are led astray, and soon lose sight of the greatness of the 
object. The state must be constantly reminded of this object; it must 
be convinced that here is a work which the government alone can under- 
take, and which we confidently hope it will perform. 
Reforms of detail.—Besides these reforms and innovations, which we 
so earnestly desire, there is still a good deal of progress to be realized in 
detail. 
We have shown the importance of the current for reproduction and 
raising; now, these currents being found in the deeper portions, it must 
systematically be permitted oyster culture to approach the channels. 
We have shown how powerful the current is in sweeping away the 
mud, accidentally deposited in the deeper places, and consequently all 
facilities for the cleansing of the parks should be fearlessly afforded. 
We have shown how great was the solicitude of our culturists for 
the restocking of our oyster beds; let them be permitted to approach 
the banks, which will become, for those interested in them, objects of 
