THE OYSTER. 175 



infant industry should not be hampered or taxed for 

 the sake of public revenue. 



These provisions, if sustained by a sound and liberal 

 public sentiment, would put it in the power of any 

 citizen to engage in oyster-planting, and thus to pro- 

 vide for the support of his family. 



The encouragement of oyster-farming upon the bot- 

 toms in the open waters of the bay now remains to be 

 considered. 



After the natural beds have been surveyed and 

 mapped and set apart as public grounds, provision 

 should be made, ultimately, for the encouragement of 

 private oyster culture upon all bottoms, outside those 

 limits, not otherwise appropriated. 



As nearly all of this book has been devoted to the 

 subject of oyster- farming, it is not necessary to add 

 anything more to show its great importance. Its en- 

 couragement is a matter of vital interest to every citi- 

 zen of Maryland, for, wisely fostered, it will be an ines- 

 timable contribution to the prosperity of all our peo- 

 ple; it will provide permanent, stable employment for 

 our oystermen; it will increase the packing business, 

 it will benefit all oyster dealers, all shuckers and can- 

 makers, all the business men of the community ; it will 

 provide cheap and abundant food for our people, and 

 it will contribute to the revenues of the State ; but from 

 its very nature it cannot be successfully carried on 

 upon a small scale, and steps must be taken to attract 

 capitalists to this field of industry. 



Many thoughtful persons believe that all private 



