THIRTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING. 151 
like depredations of the dredging vessels upon the beds reserved 
to the tongers, into first, a systematic onslaught of periodic oc- 
currence; and second, into open, defiant and serious warfare 
with, not only the tongers, but also the civil, military and naval 
forces of Virginia and Maryland, lead to a more thorough and 
thoughtful discussion of the whole oyster subject, by both press 
and people. The results of the discussions and investigations 
are now before the public. It is not necessary that I should re- 
view them in detail. It will suffice if I mention but a few of the 
many indications of deterioration. 
The report of the commission created by Maryland and Vir- 
ginia in 1868, shows that the production of the Chesapeake was, 
in that year, 21,500,000 bushels. Possibly, saysa writer in Lzf- 
pincott’s Magazine, it went as high as 25,000,000,000 bushels. If 
these figures are trustworthy, in spite of the improvements in 
implements, boats and general apparatus of the fishery, the pro- 
duction has fallen off rather than increased during the last fif- 
teen years. Indeed, the testimony of all the oystermen isto the 
same effect. According to them, from three to seven times as 
many oysters could have been taken twenty years ago as at 
present, and a larger number actually were taken, some five 
years back. Iam inclined to doubt the accuracy of the figures 
quoted for 1868. I am rather of the impression that the yield at 
that time was considerably less than it is now. Possibly not half 
so great. But there are very safe indications of a decrease 
within the last few years, even if the yield was an absolutely es- 
sential factor in determining the condition of the beds. But it 
is not essential by any means. Anabnormally large production 
is quite as alarming, if not more so, than an abnormally small 
one, paradoxical as the statement may seem. 
According to Mr. Edmunds, the gentleman who investigated 
the condition of the Chesapeake beds for the census, not only 
has the trade in raw oysters been greatly hampered, but, during 
the year of 1882, the packers were frequently compelled to quit 
steaming oysters on account of a deficiency in the supply. My 
own investigations in 1883 confirm this statement. One of the 
most prominent and well known Baltimore packers stated to me 
that he was compelled to take stock at 25 cents per bushel, which 
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