1882. ] SHELL-FISH COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT. 69 
Many are killed by the drill, the star-fish, and the peri- 
winkle, and probably other creatures not known. So that 
probably not more than one oyster out of a million grows 
to maturity—and this is a high estimate. All the dangers 
above alluded to are common in shallow waters, but if the 
spat chances to set in deep water it escapes the most of 
them, though the star-fish and periwinkle war upon the 
oyster at all stages of its growth. 
The brood oyster continues to eject ova for a period of 
about four weeks, the operation being intermittent. On 
the natural beds the young are found of such different 
sizes that it is probable the spawning season begins earlier 
with some than with others, or else spat flows over the bed 
from different sources at different times. 
Many jingles breed along the shores of the Sound; they 
are especially abundant about the harbor of Bridgeport 
and that neighborhood. They afford the best materials 
that can be found for stools. As they spawna little in ad- 
vance of the oyster and grow more rapidly, there is always 
anew supply found upon the Bridgeport bed, ready to 
catch the new spat. 
From what has been said about the nature of the oyster 
and its cultivation in Connecticut waters, it will be readily 
seen by those who are familiar with oyster cultivation in 
other countries that there is lttle in common between 
their methods, and but little can be gained by the oyster- 
men of this State in studying either English or French 
ways. The Connecticut grower has learned his methods 
through long years of careful watching and experiment. 
His ways are suited to Connecticut waters, and are pecul- 
iarly his own. They are different from all others, and are 
probably the most economical and profitable yet devised. 
He has a good deal yet to learn in order to be sure of two 
things which too often now perplex him: First, of catching a 
good set upon all his beds; and second, of adequate pro- 
tection against marauders under the water and above the 
water. Much is yet to be learned of the sources and move- 
ments of spat. It is believed by many that the natural 
beds are not entirely self-sustaining; that they get their 
