12 SEVENTH REPORT OF THE SHELL FISH COMMISSIONERS 
18. Considered many points of importance that led to the 
recommendation of various laws for the benefit of the industry 
and facilitating the work of the Commissioners. 
tg. Made thorough and careful inquiries into the extent of 
the industry, the number of persons engaged, their methods, im- 
plements, vessels, and other matters necessary to an intelligent 
discussion of the various important questions constantly coming 
up for solution, and for the report required by the law. 
20. Examined natural beds with a view to the best methods of 
protecting and using them. 
21. Prepared preliminary maps, of which two were printed 
and annexed to the first report. 
22. Made a survey and triangulation of the shore from 
Sachems Head to the Connecticut River as a basis of reference in 
the surveying and the mapping of lots. 
23. A great deal of the Commissioners’ time was occupied with 
the hearing and settlement of disputes touching applications, 
boundary lines, and defective deeds. Some of the hearings were 
continued through several days, and were conducted by able 
counsel on both sides. The questions of fact and points of law 
involved in these cases required of the Commissioners prolonged 
and patient investigation and study. 
24. At every meeting of the Commissioners they were called 
upon by the oystermen and others interested in the work in quest 
of information, and much of their time has been spent in advising 
and directing them. 
25. In the discharge of their duties they were often called 
upon to make journeys by land and on the water on all parts of 
the shore and the Sound, and they were frequently occupied from 
early morning to late in the evening, and sometimes were required 
to be absent over-night. 
Finally, they prepared and published their first report. 
Now, from the foregoing abstract some idea may be gained of 
their first seven months’ work—the initiatory period,—when they 
were getting the work systematically laid out and started. From 
this time forth the duties of the Commissioners constantly in- 
creased. 
To get an adequate idea of what was done in the five succeed- 
ing years, the Commissioners reports must be carefully read. 
But, ina general way, it may be stated that of all the multi- 
farious and important duties that demanded attention, they do not 
know of one that has been neglected. 
