18 American Fisheries Society 



they were fifty years ago, this would be no just ground 

 for satisfaction in this age of progress, to a generation 

 which has seen all other resources developed and im- 

 proved." 



This criticism was undoubtedly deserved, and caused 

 efforts to be made by both states looking to the restora- 

 tion and conservation of this great industry. Laws were 

 enacted establishing closed seasons ; requiring the culling 

 of the oysters on the beds and the returning of the small 

 oysters and shells to the bottons to form a nucleus for an- 

 other crop; and prohibiting the taking of oysters at all 

 by injurious and destructive methods. 



These laws were at first very unpopular and were very 

 difficult to enforce. Gradually, however, their beneficial 

 effects became apparent even to the oysterman ; and now 

 these laws are enforced to the letter with little difficulty ; 

 and the oystermen as a body would be the first to oppose 

 their repeal. 



So generously does nature respond to proper treat- 

 ment that our natural beds, with few exceptions, are now 

 restocked with as an abundant supply as formerly; and, 

 too, the prejudice against leasing the barren bottoms for 

 oyster culture is fast passing away. Especially is this true 

 in Virginia, where vast areas are now under cultivation, 

 producing millions of bushels annually. The oyster 

 planting industry, however, is still in its infancy with 

 us, and has been confined entirely to the shallow waters 

 of our rivers and small bays ; and not until this year has 

 deep water planting in the bold waters of the Chesapeake 

 Bay been demonstrated to be a success. Thousands of 

 acres of this deep water territory are now being leased, 

 and the methods of deep water planting, which have 

 proved so successful in Long Island Sound are now to be 

 applied to the Chesapeake Bay. And, too, the Virginia 

 law prohibiting the investment of non-resident capital 

 has been repealed so as to permit sufficient capital to be 

 secured to develop this great industry. 



I feel that the prophecy made by Professor Brooks in 

 1890 is soon to be realized, certainly as to the Virginia 



