THE OYSTER. 15 



flourish above low-tide mark, I have enjoyed the oppor- 

 tunity to explore the natural beds, and have spent 

 months, under the broiling tropical sun, wading over 

 the sharp shells which cut the feet like knives ; I have 

 planted oysters ; reared them by collecting the floating 

 spat; I have hatched from artificially fertilized eggs 

 more oysters than the number of people in the last cen- 

 sus ; in the West Indies I have gathered at low water, 

 from a boat, the oysters upon the mangrove bushes 

 overhead; and I boldly claim enough practical exper- 

 ience to acquit me from the charge that my views are 

 theoretical. 



