188 Supervision of Natural Beds; Breeding. 



have interests in these free fishing grounds, and our Committee, 

 as a matter of public policy, are bound to uphold them. This, 

 of course, without losing sight of the public duty of protecting, 

 and improving if possible, the chances of obtaining a steady 

 supply of brood. The companies, needless to say, are anxious 

 to see these natural beds kept in a good state of preservation, 

 and not depleted, otherwise the supply of the genuine native 

 might in time share the same fate as other famous oyster 

 centres, and become extinct. It would come to be a nice 

 adjustment of how best to serve both. It is not, however, a 

 matter of mere ex parte opinion, for investigations of the actual 

 state of the natural beds is a primary necessity. At all events, 

 it is hardly likely that the Oyster Bye-laws of 1697 be revised 

 in extenso.* 



Dates and Age of Breeding. With us oysters as a rule become 

 " sick " chiefly in June and July. On occasions, with a prema- 

 ture spell of hot weather, this may even occur in early May. 

 On the other hand there are numerous instances of spatting in 

 September and October ; moreover, a Whitstable oyster has been 

 found full of spat on Lord Mayor's Day, 9th November (Buck- 

 land). This latter of course is quite exceptional. Dilnotf has 

 recorded spat in oysters taken off Herne Bay in January, 110 

 bigger than a pinshead, and Fryer J has seen similar specimens 

 at Whitstable in December. Buckland has even supposed there 

 were two falls of spat in the River Roach in 1868, one early 

 June the other late September. Oysters are regarded as com- 

 mencing to breed in their second year, but at Reculvers speci- 

 mens 1 and 1J inches diameter, inferred to be only a year old, 

 have been observed in the " white-sick " condition. This, how- 



* This contains some 17 Bye-laws and Ordinances. It was issued by the Company 

 of Free Fishermen, and applicable to the area from London Bridge to N. Foreland and 

 on to Harwich, embracing " waters, rivers, creeks and places " within the bounds of 

 their charter. Among other items it put restrictions on oyster fishing at certain 

 seasons and places, and was severe on encroachments of oyster layings, &c. Only by 

 permission of the Company could any river, creek or fleet be dredged which did not 

 naturally stock itself. Apprentices must serve seven years with a freeman, and no 

 outsiders were allowed to dredge for oysters under any pretence. Unlawful nets and 

 engines were to be destroyed, and resistance to oflScers on duty to be severely dealt 

 with. 



t Land and Water, January, 1869. t 8th Ann. Rep. Inspectors for 1893. 



