122 COMMISSION OF CONSERVATION 



be best adapted to different sets of conditions, yet in nature all the stages 

 are confined to the situation in which the parent oysters are placed. The 

 culturist can move oysters to more favourable places or change the con- 

 ditions in which they are found. Transplanting oysters from one region 

 to another does not add to the total number of oysters. But, if left to 

 breed instead of being taken up for sale, it will eventually increase the 

 numbers by offering greater advantages in space and food and diminishing 

 competition. 



The best outlook in the whole field appears to be to increase the set 

 of spat. To this end, extend old beds and prepare new ones. Place spawn 

 oysters on the new beds. Have ready an abundance of good cultch. By 

 the method described, determine the time for maximum spatting, and 

 plant cultch to suit the occasion. Leave undisturbed for a few weeks 

 or months, as the case may require, to let the young spat grow. When 

 large enough, separate and transplant to where there is plenty of room 

 and an abundance of food. Remove sediment, weeds and enemies. 



To accomplish this, oyster fishermen must become oyster farmers. 

 They cannot expect to troop to the natural oyster beds and continue to 

 carry away a bounteous harvest without assisting in its production. 



Hitherto there has been no inducement for fishermen to expend labour 

 upon the beds, because others would join in the fishing and reap the benefit 

 of their labour. Now culturists are able to obtain leases to water areas, 

 to have these areas surveyed and protected as private property. Lease- 

 holders ought to be exempt from close season and other restrictions. 

 Areas not leased may be regarded as public property and subject to the 

 same regulations as at present. 



With this encouragement many fishermen and farmers may be induced 

 to take up oyster culture as an industry, and devote their labour and 

 their earnings to the improvement of oyster beds, the increase of pro- 

 duction, the benefit of the trade, and the supply of a wholesome food. 



To facilitate, encourage and warrant these undertakings the Dominion 

 and Provincial governments have come to an agreement whereby the 

 Federal authority recognizes the right of the Provinces to grant leases, 

 though still retaining the right to regulate the fishery. This puts an 

 end to that conflict of jurisdiction which so long exerted a depressing effect 

 upon the industr}^ 



Education of Fishermen. — In addition, the Government might origin- 

 ate a campaign of education of fishermen, farmers, culturists, overseers, 

 traders, shippers, or others concerned, with regard to the importance of 

 the new departure and the best methods to be employed. The instruction 

 could be imparted in two ways: (1) through demonstrations, and (2) 

 • through suitable printed literature. The demonstrations could be some- 

 what after the type of our government agricultural, experimental and 

 model- farms, and could exhibit the important stages in the development 



