Tidal Influence on Spat Fixation. 187 



of sickening. Tf poorly nourished prior to the generative act, 

 the result will be less productiveness, irrespective of the weather 

 at the immediate spawning time, and vice versa. In our District 

 tides have to be accounted for. Whilst the flow carries " float- 

 ing-spat " shore wards, our ebbs being stronger conversely carry 

 quantities of this to sea, beyond chance of fixation on the 

 natural beds, and therefore to be totally lost. 



The Roach layings have long been noted as in advance of 

 our other stations for the successful deposition of spat. This 

 we are inclined to believe comes about by the Crouch mouth 

 spat being sent up flood tide into the Roach. Exit at Haven- 

 gore, however, is delayed until the tide has swung round the 

 Maplins, and this latter finally nigh stops out-current of Roach 

 branch. A reverse action at ebb drains northwards with 

 greatly weakened current, and thus much spat is trapped. 

 Again, the Kentish Flats receive the spat of the Whitstable 

 layings, and the eddy current of ebb from the North Foreland 

 first sufficiently checks or modifies the north-easierly ebb 

 current to favour deposition of spat on said Flats. The Pont 

 natural beds gets its spat partly from its own stock, and, as 

 previously hinted, great additions from the layings of the 

 Colne, Tollesbury, Blackwater and Crouch, according to circum- 

 stances of wind and weather. Modifications may arise with 

 heavy rains and freshets bearing mud seawards. 



The conditions favouring the oyster's breeding are precisely 

 those for abnormal increase of various enemies of the " floating- 

 spat." It is a case of action and reaction between complicated 

 natural phenomena, and a toss up which should overcome. 



With all the above, human efforts avail little. The practical 

 outcome of the question is to watch and regulate, as far as 

 circumstances permit, that these natural oyster beds do not get 

 too much depleted, and that sufficient breeding adults and 

 plenty of culch be left. On how this is to be accomplished, 

 there doubtless may be divided opinion. The dredgermen 



