1882. ] ENGINEER’S REPORT. 87 
TRANSFERRING THE RECORDS. 
We have commenced a systematic transfer from the records, on 
file in the offices of the town clerks, of so much of each and every 
designation of oyster ground that is within the jurisdiction of the 
commission, as relates to the survey and mapping of the same. 
We will thus have at hand the vital part of each of these claims. 
The transfer is nearly completed for the town of East Haven. It 
is important that this be continued with great care, and that the 
copy be proof-read by the town clerk. These transfers are needed 
as aids in mapping, and also in planning the new survey. 
TOWNS WHICH HAVE MAPS. 
We are indebted to Mr. H. G. Scofield, civil engineer of Bridge- 
port, for a map of the oyster claims off Bridgeport. Mr. William 
M. Merwin brought to the office, the day it was opened, a tracing 
of the Stratford grounds and also his map of the Milford grounds. 
He also tendered to the superintendent of the coast and geodetic 
survey, dockage for the schooner Palinurus during the winter, 
should the vessel remain. 
The maps of Mr. Henry S. Lockwood of Cos Cob furnished us 
a large amount of detail. The same is true of the Norwalk maps 
of the Hoyt Brothers, 
Mr. Charles W. Bell drew for us a map of the western section 
of the claims outside of the Norwalk Islands. Mr. George M. 
Averill, chairman of the Branford committee, gave me a general 
idea of the ground claimed in that town and also drew a plan of 
the grounds. We have maps which give at least an idea of most 
of the old claims in the towns of Greenwich, Norwalk, Westport, 
Fairfield, Bridgeport, Stratford, Milford, Orange, New Haven, 
East Haven, Branford, and Guilford. 
As yet we have not secured any maps of grounds in Stamford 
and Darien. Some of the maps we have obtained are of consider- 
able value. while others are of little account. One of the Guil- 
ford maps shows pictures of the buildings which are taken as 
ranges. The Faulkner’s island lighthouse appears with a swelling 
on top that reminds one of the architecture of the orient. 
THE MAPS WHICH ACCOMPANY THE REPORT. 
In regard to the general map of the oyster grounds of the State, 
which accompanies this Report, I would say that much of the 
