Conditions in the Northern Field 191 



slowly and painfully solved the problems involved in 

 modern oyster culture. It was necessary for New York 

 and Connecticut to legislate and repeal and legislate 

 again until their present wise and effective laws govern- 

 ing the oyster industry had been developed. This, of 

 necessity, was a matter of slow growth. Unforeseen ob- 

 stacles continually arose. Interests clashed, and many 

 difficulties had to be adjusted by the courts. New ques- 

 tions arose with the development of the industry, and a 

 wise general policy of legislation came only after a long 

 course of demonstration and education. Not all that is 

 desirable has yet been gained, but a great and valuable 

 source of wealth has been established. 



The interest of the outsider still centers about the state 

 of Connecticut. From the beginning it has been the 

 leader in accomplishment on the oyster field and in legis- 

 lation. Neighboring states, and then those more distant, 

 have followed its example. It has been necessary for 

 them to do so in order to keep in the field. It may be 

 observed that in Connecticut it has really been the indi- 

 vidual culturist and not the state that has led in the won- 

 derful development of the oyster industry. The .culturist 

 has demonstrated his needs and the state has wisely sup- 

 plied them by legislation. On the other hand in Louisi- 

 ana and more recently in Maryland, the state itself has 

 become the leader; and this also is undoubtedly wise, for 

 neither state contemplates ownership of the industry. 

 The plan is simply to insure the success of private in- 

 terests that may engage in it, and this, under the laws 

 that have been formulated, seems to be assured. 



It may be interesting to contrast the old with the newer 

 plan of state control over the oyster industry in Connec- 

 ticut. There is still much to be learned, by states that 



