IS 
pense, and it may lead to valuable results. Many experiments with 
similar ponds have been tried in Europe, and in most instances they 
have failed. But Prof. Ryder, by ingeniously changing and simpli- 
fying the process, seems to have achieved a marked success. ‘This 
experiment deserves the immediate attention of Connecticut oyster- 
growers. If theycan make such method of cultivation profitable, 
there are large tracts of salt meadows near the Sound that could be 
made into valuable ponds. The stock reared in them would be. 
accessible at all times, it could be protected readily and gathered 
easily; and although such a method might not be so economical as 
the natural method, it is believed that it would still be very profitable. 
If carried on generally, it would greatly increase the area of cultivated 
grounds in the State. 
There is no lack of food for the oyster in the waters of the State. 
That in the neighborhood of the natural beds has been examined 
under the microscope, and the quantity of animal and vegetable 
matter found, especially of diatomaceous flora, is truly wonderful. 
In last year’s report the Commissioners expressed the belief that 
the muddy tracts which constitute a large portion of the bottom of 
the Sound would become valuable for cultivation at no distant 
day. From time to time in years past small tracts have been so 1m- 
proved; but the past year a hundred acre piece has been redeemed 
by Mr. H. J. Lewis, of Bridgeport. Sand, gravel and shells have been 
laid over the mud, and the bottom, thus hardened, has been made 
capable of cultivation. Every acre so redeemed virtually extends the 
area of the State and makes a substantial addition to its wealth. 
Other cultivators contemplate similar improvements of the now 
waste places under the water. 
The laws relating to the oyster industry which were enacted at the 
last session of the Legislature will be found in the appendix to this 
report. 
An inventory of the instruments and other property of the State, 
held and used by the Commissioners in the discharge of their duties, 
is on file at their office, and amounts at cost price to $1,216.51. 
During the past three years small implements, etc., have been worn 
out, to the value at cost price of $5.20. 
The work in the office and the field has proceeded uninterruptedly 
and satisfactorily to the Commissioners during the past year, and they 
only discharge a pleasant duty when they here testify to the faithful- 
ness and zeal with which Secretary Botsford, Engineer Bogart and his 
assistants, Sandford and Pike, Jr., have discharged their respective 
duties. 
