OYSTERS. 245 



men the right of sea-fishing and landing nets and fish on 

 the Canadian coast, and the like right to British fishermen 

 on the east coast of the United States above 39 N. lat. 

 There are no detailed regulations or police provisions of 

 any kind. 



4. As to Oysters and Shell-fish. 



A close time for oyster fishing (May I to September i) 

 has long been established in Ireland. 1 For Great Britain 

 as to all shell-fish, and for Ireland also as to crabs and 

 lobsters, the law now in force is contained in an Act of 

 1877 (40 & 41 Viet. c. 42). Deep-sea oysters must not be 

 sold or trafficked with between June 15 and August 4, nor 

 any other oysters between May 14 and August 4. Pre- 

 served oysters, and oysters taken in foreign waters or foi 

 the purpose of oyster cultivation, are excepted. (Fine up 

 to 2 for a first offence, 10 for repeated offences, and the 

 oysters may be forfeited.) And the Board of Trade may, 

 on the application of certain local authorities, restrict or 

 prohibit for limited periods the taking of oysters from any 

 particular bed. 



Crabs less than four inches and a quarter broad, and 

 lobsters less than eight inches long, may not be taken, sold, 

 or dealt with for sale. The same prohibition applies to 

 spawn crabs and " casters " or " soft crabs " (crabs which 

 have recently cast their shells.) The penalties are the same 

 as for selling oysters in the close season. Any crabs, however, 

 may be taken for bait. The Board of Trade (or in Ireland 

 the Inspectors of Irish Fisheries, with the approval of the 

 Lord Lieutenant), may restrict lobster and crab fishing 

 within specified areas. All shell-fish exposed for sale con- 



1 5 & 6 Viet. c. 106, s. 32. 



