16 THE OYSTER. 



salesman in his rostrum, the wealthy purchaser who can 

 lay out his hundreds and buy his thousands — all to be 

 met with, together with that noise and bustle, and, far 

 beyond it, all that incredible earnestness which always 

 distinguishes an English market. 



Oysters, says Diyasdust, in his very useful commer- 

 cial work — in which, however, he makes alarming mis- 

 statements — oysters ai-e consumed in London in incredi- 

 ble quantities, " and notwithstanding their high price, 

 are largely eaten by the middle and lower classes !" 



Thanking Dryasdust for his information, and being 

 one of the great middle class ourselves, we can safely 

 assert that oysters are not high in price. Fancy being 

 able to purchase twelve succulent dainties for one six- 

 pence at Ling's or Quin's, at Proctor's or Pim's, or any 

 other celebrated shell-fish shop! Twelve ''lumps of 

 delight," as the Mussulman — not mussel man — calls his 

 sweetmeats ! and then fancy Dryasdust saying that they 

 are high in price ! Oh shame, where is thy blush ! 



A farm of four acres, if well handled, may give occupa- 

 tion, and even bring pecuniary gain, to the possessor. A 

 garden, for those who thoroughly understand and enjoy 

 it, may secure untold pleasures, and perhaps help to pay 

 the rent of the cottage. But an " oyster-bed" is a plea- 

 sure — an el dorado — a mine of wealth, in fact, which fills 

 the owners' pockets with gold, and aff'ords to the million 

 untold gastronomical enjoyment and healthy food. On 

 the money part of the question, the Scientific and Use- 

 ful column, of Number 825 of the " Family Herald" fur- 

 nishes the following information : ''A very interesting 

 report has been recently made to the French Government 



