tel 
and outline two ways are open—one to examine the bed by careful 
dredging, and the other by taking the testimony of those who have 
long been employed in getting oysters from it. Most oystermen 
dredge over a bed by following on lines ranging with objects on the 
shore. Some have one set of ranges, some another, but when the 
ranges of a great number are combined the general outline of the bed 
is approximately determined. It is clear that from the irregular 
streaks and patches which together make up a natural bed, no uni- 
form lines are likely to be found along the edges of the bed, but 
they are necessarily sinuous and broken, and they vary from year to 
year with the changes on the bed. Consequently an exact deline- 
ation of the outline of the bed as it actually exists is not only imprac- 
ticable, but in a very short time it would be incorrect. Irregular 
lines, too, could not readily be indicated by buoys; and it would be 
extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the oystermen to keep 
within the limits of the bed. By adopting arbitrary boundary lines, 
which are approximately true, ‘these difficulties were overcome and 
great advantages secured. These lines are so chosen that the entire 
natural bed is enclosed by straight lines, each of which ranges with 
some prominent objects on the shore, so that any one can readily 
find the bed, and when working upon it can easily keep within its 
limits. ‘The Commissioners respectfully recommend that the outlines 
thus indicated be confirmed and established by law. 
Sometimes, but not often, natural beds become exhausted by over- 
fishing, or from other causes. The statute of 1881 provides that des- 
ignations may be made within areas which have not been natural clam 
or oyster beds for ten years. Several applications have been made for 
grounds within areas which were formally natural beds, but which are 
alleged to have been unproductive for the period named. In all 
these cases the evidence was so contradictory that grave doubts per- 
plexed the Commissioners as to what their decision ought tobe. On 
the one hand, it was urged that the evidence was positive that the 
grounds in question had been paying natural beds within ten years, 
and until the full expiration of that period the Commissioners were 
bound to protect them; that as it was possible that they might at any 
time become productive, it would be unjust to deprive the people of 
their rightful enjoyment. On the other hand, it was as positively 
asserted that the beds had been barren for more than ten years, and 
the applicants consequently had an undeniable right to a grant of 
such grounds; that they ought to be designated to the oyster grower 
without delay, so that the State might reap the benefit, not only of 
