302 



S. Henry Ayers 



Tabulated Results of the Examination. 



group w^as isolated, from the other, a proteus form. From the finding 

 of one coli-like organism in 24 oysters it could not be said that the 

 oysters were seriously polluted. However, it seems to show the possi- 

 bihty of pollution and indicates that the oyster beds were probably 

 located in a more or less contaminated water. 



From market No. Ill 26 oysters were examined. Two dextrose 

 tubes showed gas. One proteus and one organism of the colon group 

 were isolated. The same may be said of that supply as was said about 

 the oysters from market No. II. 



The same applies to the oysters from market No. IV, of which 58 

 were examined; one coh-hke organism being isolated. 



Regarding the oysters from market No. V, there is no doubt that 

 the first lot, collected February 27, was badly sewage-polluted. 

 From seven of the 12 oysters examined colon forms were isolated. 

 The oysters did not appear to have been fattened and seemed per- 

 fectly fresh. On attempting, some two weeks later, to obtain more 

 oysters at the market, it was found that the dealer no longer kept 

 shell oysters for sale. He explained that the oysters "went bad" 

 and opened before he could sell them. The market suppHed oysters,, 

 however, if they were ordered. On examination of 26 oysters thus 

 obtained, none of the tubes showed gas. It was impossible to find 

 out just where the oysters came from, except that both lots came from 

 Baltimore. 



