124 FISH-CULTURAL ASSOCIATION. 
The third relates to the lobster question. It says: 
Boston, April 25th, 1884. 
DEAR SIR :—I would say in reply to the circular received this morn- 
ing thatI regret that I shall be unable to attend the meeting of the 
American Fish-Cultural Association, which promises to be so interest- 
ing and instructive. And I earnestly hope the matter in which I am 
particularly interested (the best method for the preservation of lob- 
sters), may be discussed and bring out the views of those familiar with 
fish-culture and protection in its broadest meaning, for I am confident 
of its importance as compared with other branches of fish-culture, and 
protection and its intelligent consideration will in the end be of great 
benefit to the people, for whose good the efforts of this Association 
are directed. With best wishes for a successful and profitable meet- 
ing, I remain, 
Yours respectfully, 
S: M: JOHNSONS 
The President then declared the reading of papers to be in 
order. 
THE SHELE FISHERIBS OF CON NECZICOR 
BY DR. WILLIAM M. HUDSON. 
Before beginning to read my paper I think it is fair to state 
that, in view of the papers in regard to the special matter of the 
propagation of oysters, etc., which we shall have from experts, 
I have thought it best to confine myself entirely to the relations 
existing between the State of Connecticut and the shell fisheries 
of that State, especially the oyster. 
The especial object of this essay will be to consider the rela- 
tions existing between the State of Connecticut and the public 
and private oyster beds in Long Island Sound, within the bound- 
aries of the State. Until 1855, all the vyster grounds of the State 
were treated as common land, open to every one, and no one 
having any exclusive right to any portion of them. In 1855, the 
legislature enacted a law providing for the appointment of com- 
mittees in towns adjoining the shore, who should have the right, 
for a given consideration, to designate and allot to private indi- 
