340 GEOGRAPHICAL REVIEW OF THE FISHERIES. 



causes, prevails. In all about 800 acres are under cultivation, all in shallow water, and the total 

 annual product for last year of the whole region may be set down at 33,000 bushels, the majority 

 of which was taken to New York in the boats of the respective owners, and sold to the dealers at 

 the foot of Broome street. 



"The number of families supported in this township out of this occupation it is hard to state. 

 I estimate it at about forty. The craft employed amounts to one steamer, about thirty sloops, and 

 perhaps one hundred small open boats. These, with other estimated fixtures, foot up an invested 

 capital approaching $30,000, exclusive of oysters now growing on the beds." 



