CHAPTER XIV 

 THE CHESAPEAKE 



VERY one is familiar with the frequently re- 

 peated statement that Chesapeake Bay is the 

 most extensive and prolific oyster territory 

 in the world. The statement is undoubtedly 

 true. When one compares it with the northern field, 

 the marvel of its natural fertility is astonishing. The 

 colonists of New Amsterdam left many enthusiastic ac- 

 counts of vast stores of " brave oysters " that Providence 

 had provided for them in their new home. " The oyster 

 bankes," it was written by a New England colonist, " do 

 barre out the bigger ships." And yet even in early 

 colonial times, these natural beds became so im- 

 poverished that laws were formulated to prevent 

 their entire annihilation. In the beginning, oysters 

 became an important article of food of the inhabitants of 

 Maryland and Virginia also. As population increased, 

 greater and still greater numbers were removed from 

 the waters of the Chesapeake. Inland towns began to 

 be supplied. Oysters were transported by wagon, as 

 roads extended into the interior. Finally, when rail- 

 roads began to lead northward, and westward across 

 the Alleghany Mountains, the ever increasing supply of 

 oysters found a market in the rapidly growing territory 

 far from the coast. Decade after decade passed, millions 

 of bushels finally being marketed every year, and now, 



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