CHAP. VIII.] 



VIEW OF OYSTER-CLAIRES. 



357 



Some gentlemen from the island of Jersey who visited Ee 

 report that an incredible quantity of oysters has been pro- 

 duced on that shore, which a few years ago was of no value, 

 so that this branch of industry now realises an extraordi- 

 nary revenue, and spreads comfort among a large number 

 of families who were previously in a state of comparative 



OYSTER-CLAIRES. 



indigence. But more interesting even than the material pros- 

 perity that has attended the introduction of this industry 

 into the island of Re is the moral success that has accrued 

 to the experiment. Excellent laws have been enacted 

 by the oyster-farmers themselves for the government of the 

 colony. A kind of parliament has been devised for carrying 

 on arguments as to oyster-culture, and to enable the four 

 communities, into which the population has been divided, to 

 communicate to each other such information as may be found 

 useful for the general good of all engaged in oyster-farming. 



