154 THE OYSTER. 



more harm than good ; yet we have permitted matters 

 to run on so long without attention, that little time now 

 remains for deliberation or experiment. 



It is with reluctance that I venture to speak at all on 

 the practical question of the reconstruction of our oys- 

 ter policy. I feel that I have done my part by show- 

 ing the capacity of the oyster for cultivation ; by 

 calling attention to the unexampled opportunities for 

 oyster-culture afforded by our waters, and by de- 

 scribing the methods which should be used to improve 

 these opportunities and to develop our resources. So 

 far I have dealt with facts, not opinions; and as facts 

 have permanent value, I hope that what I have written 

 will help to a clearer understanding of the needs of 

 our oyster industry, and that it will thus lead in time 

 to the adoption of wise measures for its protection, and 

 for promoting its growth and development. 



Here I feel that my work should end, and that the 

 practical details should be left to those who have had 

 experience in public affairs ; and if I venture to discuss 

 details, I do so with the full knowledge that I am out- 

 side my proper province ; that I am no longer dealing 

 with facts, but with opinions which must meet with 

 criticism and discussion. The reflections of any one 

 who has thought seriously upon the oyster problem 

 are worthy of attention, for the true solution can only 

 be reached through the examination of all sides of the 

 question, and I have therefore decided to devote the 

 concluding chapters of this book to the expression of 



