OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT. 7 
various signal structures; to survey grounds for which designa- 
tions are sought, and to buoy them out after designation has been 
made. He has been unable to give any attention to the mapping, 
except in certain cases where a conflict between neighboring 
owners made an investigation necessary. During the past year 
there have been several cases of this character which have been 
solved to the satisfaction of the owners. 
The expenses of the engineer department have been much less 
than at any previous time, and they have been kept within the 
appropriation. They amount to $1,537.59. The several items 
making up this sum may be found in the Engineer’s Report here- 
to appended. ‘The engineer has not been a salaried officer the 
past two years; and only so much of his time as the appropriation 
provided for has been devoted to the work of the Commission. 
STEAMERS. 
The fleet of oyster steamers has been increased the past year 
by newly built boats, making the whole number now engaged on 
the Connecticut beds 66, with an aggregate carrying capacity of 
166,875 bushels. ‘The new steamers are generally far in advance 
of the old fleet, both in size and equipments, and they have be- 
come essential agents in the successful prosecution of the busi- 
ness upon large areas. In the continued increase in the number 
and capacity of these steamers we have an unfailing proof of the 
progress of the oyster industry in the Sound. The particulars of 
the oyster fleet will be seen in the following table: 
