16 SIXTH REPORT OF THE SHELL FISH COMMISSIONERS 
most careful examination. ‘To every bushel of shells there were 
two or three live periwinkles and a half dozen or more dead 
ones, three or four crabs, one or two star-fishes, and three or 
four small skates. All the shells were covered thickly with small 
barnacles, and some few showed the sand-cells of the Sade//aria. 
The shells that had been planted constituted the principal part 
of the haul, and were readily recognized. The dredges were 
thrown, one on each side of the steamer, several times at differ- 
ent points, and always with the same result. There could be no 
question of the complete failure of the costly experiments con- 
tinued by Mr. Rowe through three successive years. The causes 
of this signal failure are obscure, and, at present, can only be 
surmised. The requisite data for their discussion are wanting— 
data that only a prolonged period of repeated observations can 
determine with scientific accuracy. 
The successful growth of the oyster, apart from its enemies, 
depends upon a variety of conditions, chiefly the proper density, 
temperature and saltness of the water; the prevailing currents; 
the character of the bottom; and the quantity and quality of the 
food brought by the currents within the reach of the oyster. Slight 
changes in any of these conditions tend to check its growth and 
sometimes to destroy its life. 
Every oysterman has his theory of the causes of failure, but 
there is little or no agreement among them. Plausible as some 
of their explanations are, they are mere speculation and guess 
work. Not until a thorough study of the best grounds and the 
poorest grounds is made and the results compared can any 
approach to a satisfactory explanation be made. Such a study 
would involve great labor and expense, continued through a 
series of years, and through the varying seasons of each year. 
Until this is thoroughly done the grower must grope in the dark, 
slowly gathering here and there, through perplexing and costly 
experiments, the facts that combine to insure his success. 
Besides owners who have taken their designations through 
the Commissioners, there are a few who took them through 
town committees prior to 1882. ‘This latter class, although they 
do not come under the law above cited, seem to be entitled to 
some consideration from the State. ‘They are not numerous, but 
they find themselves in possession of grounds that, after fair 
trial, have proved unfit for growing oysters and are compara- 
tively worthless. They cannot surrender these grounds to the 
