4 
as for example, ‘‘ North by John Smith, East by William Brown,” 
and so on. And this was all the documentary evidence afforded for 
determining the correct position of any piece of designated ground. 
So far as the title came under consideration, the Commissioners had 
but little difficulty; for however imperfect it might appear, if there 
was any evidence that the designating committee had endeavored in 
good faith to make a grant according to law, the Commissioners 
were bound to recognize, and did recognize, it as sufficient, in pur- 
suance of Section 8, Chapter CLX. of the laws of 1881. 
But when it was attempted to ascertain the exact locality of a lot so 
designated, difficulties were presented that seemed insurmountable. 
Taking a group of designations mapped as above stated and going 
upon the ground to locate them, it was found in some instances that 
there was not ground enough to satisfy the claimants; and some had 
buoyed out what they honestly supposed to be their designated 
ground, but which on examination proved to be ona neighboring 
owner, or on land entirely outside the map. Fortunately, a large 
proportion of these grounds had not been cultivated, and shifting the 
owners on to their proper territory was accomplished with little or no 
trouble. But where there was not sufficient ground to satisfy all the 
designations, one of two results followed: either the claimants had to 
be recognized in the order of the dates of their respective designations, 
in which case the last claimants found little or no territory to satisfy 
their claims ; or, the claimants had to agree among themselves, that 
each should lose a little in order that all might havea share. ‘The 
first result has happened in one or two instances where no serious 
loss followed ; but the second result has been the more frequent one. 
The oystermen fully appreciating the situation, have generally acted 
in a commendable spirit of forbearance and good will towards each 
other, and under the advice of the Commissioners they have so ad- 
justed their respective claims that every one received something under 
his designation. Most questions of this character are now settled. 
There are some in the western part of the State that cannot be deter- 
mined until further surveys are made ; but it is expected that during 
the current year these too will be settled, and the way made clear for 
completing the State maps. 
COMMISSIONERS’ DESIGNATIONS. 
The number of applications made for oyster grounds between 
November, 1882, and November, 1883, was one hundred and eighty- 
three (183), covering an area of fourteen thousand six hundred 
