162 FISH-CULTURAL ASSOCIATION. 
when it first affixes itself, there was proof that the fry-shell 
had been attached to the surface of fixation for a considerable 
time before the spat-shell was formed, and that the fixation 
of the fry-shell was continuous with the fixation of the spat- 
shell, which may last until the diameter of the lower valve is 
nearly two inches. I take it that the fixation occurs in from 24 
to 72 hours. There is, however, this fact opposed to it. I have 
found embryo oysters not larger than 1-250 inch, still free; that 
is about twice the size of the larvze oysters ordinarily observed 
in our waters or obtained by artificial fertilization. These large 
free oyster larve were obtained from the stomach of adult 
oysters. 
Prof. Goope: It seemsto me that, from what we have to-day 
heard from Dr. Hudson, Lieut. Winslow, and Professor Ryder, 
we cannot fail to see what no doubt we have all partially real- 
ized before, namely, that there is a great cause for alarm as to 
the future of the oyster fisheries. I have already stated that the 
natural oyster-beds of Europe have become almost extinct, 
except as a source of seed ‘for private ‘cultivation, and ie 
seems as if our own beds were becoming similarly destroyed. 
I think that Professor Ryder has not in the least overstated the 
importance of theartificial culture of the oyster, as developed by 
himself and others. One of the most striking events connect- 
ed with the participation of the United States in the fishery ex- 
hibition at London last summer, was the receipt of a telegram 
from Professor Baird, stating the results of Professor Ryder’s 
work at Stockton, Maryland. The substance of the telegram 
was printed in one of the English papers, and in less than a 
week it had been reprinted in at least 5,000 papers. Letters began 
pouring in from Russia, Denmark, Holland and Scotland, ask- 
ing for details, and the general enthusiasm over the matter was 
indeed astounding. 
Some of the recommendations which Lieut. Winslow has made 
with reference to the encouragement on the part of the Govern- 
ment by the establishment of model farms, are of great import- 
ance, as also are many of the other suggestions which he made. 
It seems desirable that the United States should carry out that sys- 
tem, as has been done at St. Jerome, Maryland. I think that a 
