1882. ] SHELL-FISH COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT. 71 
It becomes a question of grave consideration, therefore, 
whether the natural beds of the Connecticut coast may not 
be in danger from excessive or unseasonable fishing; and 
whether any statutory regulations are necessary for their 
preservation. The commissioners regret to find that there 
is a wide difference of opinion upon the subject among 
citizens equally familiar with the history and character of 
the beds. Some assert that the natural beds, at present 
existing on the shore, cannot be destroyed by excessive 
fishing; they claim that these beds receive their supply of 
spat from neighboring river and harbor beds; and whatever 
amount of seed is removed, at any time of the year, the 
bed is sure to be amply replenished at the next spawning 
season. Others assert that there should be a close time 
during the spawning season, and the beds should be work- 
ed only after the spat has set. Still others claim that the 
beds should be worked only in alternate years, so as to 
give the young oysters time to grow. Still others claim 
that the perpetuation of the beds ¢an be secured only by 
working them just before and during the spawning season, 
giving them a period of close time immediately after 
spawning has ceased. They say that working over the 
beds at the time named stirs up and cleanses the shells 
and other materials on the bottom, and so prepares the 
cultch for catching and holding the spat. After the season - 
of spawning is over, a close time leaves the young cysters 
to grow undisturbed until just before the next spawning 
season approaches. Then, when the yearlings are remoy- 
ed for seed, the cultch is again stirred up and again 
cleansed, ready for a new set of spat. 
Each of these methods has its advocates, whose practical 
knowledge of the beds would entitle their views to great 
weight, were it not for the fact that men of equal intelli- 
gence contradict their statements and reject their deduc- 
tions. In this deplorable diversity, any conclusion that 
maybe reached without a more certain and complete 
knowledge of the facts must be considered as only approxi- 
mately true. The largest and most important of the nat- 
ural beds is the one off Bridgeport. The commissioners 
