OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT. 27 
render of grounds as hereinbefore stated, which had been entered 
in the tax lists as “cultivated grounds;” the other an actual reduc- 
tion of areas shelled, owing to a wide spread conviction that 
there can be no certainty of a crop without such effective protec- 
tion against the starfish as limited areas make possible. Five 
acres well watched and protected are worth hundreds of neglected 
acres. 
The past year, however, has been a prosperous one for the 
oyster growers who understand their business. From inquiries 
made in all parts of the State where the industry is carried on, it 
is believed that more oysters have been gathered from the Con- 
necticut grounds the past year than ever before; and they have 
found an ever expanding market. They have been shipped in large 
quantities westward as far as the Pacific, and eastward to Eng- 
land. Wherever they go they are recognized as superior in qual- 
ity to all others and the highest prices are paid for them. It is 
estimated that 150,000 bushels of oysters are shipped to England 
every month, and the greater portion of these shipments is from 
Connecticut. 
But prices have not ruled so high as many expected. Some 
American oysters have been shipped out of season, and reached 
the market in a bad condition. This has led the dealers in Liver- 
pool to take the following action at a conference of the National 
Sea Fisheries Protective Association, held at Fishmongers’ Hall 
in February, 1887: “ Resolved, That, in the opinion of this Con- 
ference of the Fishing Industry, it is most essential, both in the 
interests of the public and oyster planters of this country, that 
the importation of American oysters should not be allowed prior 
to November the 1st, nor later than June the rst.” It is for the 
interest of not only the Liverpool merchant but the American 
dealer that this resolution be not disregarded. 
This industry has been built up mainly within the last twelve 
or fifteen years; and notwithstanding the drawbacks which it has 
experienced in the last two or three years, it is gratifying to know 
that its annual growth and extension has been steadily increasing; 
and never were the prospects so promising as at this time. One 
of the best proofs of this statement is the increased number and 
tonnage of steamers employed in the business. Last year there 
were sixty steamers—this year there are sixty-four! Generally 
the new steamers exceed the old ones in tonnage and mechanical 
appliances. ‘The names and owners of these steamers, with the 
particulars, will be found in the following table: 
