300 BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 



to $2 per barrel, according to the reputation of the place from which they come. 

 These "barrels," however, are what are technically called "bank measure"; that is, 2 

 "bank measure" barrels make about 3 barrels when sold in market. When the planter 

 finds that this crop is sufficiently matured and fat, ready for market, say six or eight 

 mouths after being transplanted, he bargains and sells to the "luggerman" on the 

 ground. A few planters own or have their luggers and ship for their own account. 

 The "luggermen" transport their purchase to market, generally to New Orleans. The 

 trip to the city usually takes from two to three days, a part of the journey consisting 

 in threading narrow, shallow, and tortuous bayous. Adverse head winds sometimes 

 delay the passage so long that the cargoes are unmarketable on reaching their desti- 

 nation. Sometimes, where practicable, " cordelling," or hauling the luggers by horse or 

 man power, is resorted to, and at times steam towage, when accessible, is employed, 

 all of which, of course, is an element of further expense. 



Arrived at New Orleans, the luggerman disposes of his load to the dealers, who 

 supply the local trade and ship to neighboring cities. Prices range according to the 

 supply. Favorable winds may serve to bring in on the same day a large fleet of 

 oyster-laden craft to " Lugger Bay," as their landing opposite the French Market is 

 called. The market consequently becomes overstocked and glutted. If to this is 

 added simultaneously a sudden change of weather from cold to warm, a not unusual 

 thing in this climate, the luggerman is forced to sell at a very heavy loss on purchase 

 price or unload his cargo into the river. Besides these adverse contingencies, there 

 are the ordinary accidents of navigation, such as grounding and remaining so for 

 several days in the low tides in the shallow lakes and bayous, and storms of several 

 days' duration, when the timid luggerman, who shortens sail ordinarily on theslighot 

 rise of wind, now anchors or "ties up," and awaits its cessation. Then, too, the cargo 

 is in considerable risk of being killed while in transit. A violent collision with tin- 

 bank or another vessel, a violent hammering on the deck, and even heavy peals of 

 thunder, have been known to "deaden" the whole cargo, and if the weather be warm 

 and the market not close at hand there ensues a complete loss. 



With all these disadvantages, however, which could easily be obviated by prudent 

 and proper precautions, and in spite of the heedless, thriftless, and primitive manner 

 in which the trade is carried on, these Anstrians amass, in nearly every instance, con 

 sidcrable profits, make what are to them handsome sums and respectable fortunes, and 

 usually retire to their native land, there to live, with their few wants and the Conti- 

 nental cheapness of living, the balance of their lives in comparative afll-uence for people 

 of their class. These fortunes are ordinarily reali/ed in a few years, seldom more than 

 ten or twelve. On retiring, the fisherman disposes of his hut and outfit, oyster beds. 

 tools, boats, etc., with the good will of an established business, to some relative or 

 friend whom lie has imported to the country for the purpose, or perhaps to some of 

 his helpers who have saved a little money. In some instances good round sums are 

 realized by these sales. In others, the retiring vendor retains a share in the business 

 and draws a portion of the profits, occasionally paying flying visits to this country to 

 look after his interests. 



Most of these men can neither write nor read English or any other language, nor 

 do they speak or understand any tongue save Slavonic, and when dealing with those 

 other than of their own nationality require the services of an interpreter. These small 

 fortunes, which they amass in so short a time, generally consist of sums varying Irom 

 $5,000 to $15,000 or more. Considering the smallness of their opera) ions, the light- 



