THIRTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING. 241 
Te RN eee ee 
The Prestpenr: You have heard the names which have just 
been read. We will now vote on them. 
This was taken and carried. 
The Presipenr: The Committee on the Oyster Resolution 
will please report. 
The Commirree has the honor to report: 
WHEREAS; The oyster industry of the United States exceeds all] 
other fisheries in the number of its employees, capital invested, and 
value of its products, which are not articles of luxury but a veritable 
food supply; and it having been shown that this important industry is 
in danger of extinction; and it being the opinion of this Association 
and of all competent persons, that the preservation of the industry 
and the increase of the supply of oysters is dependent upon artificial 
extension of the present oyster-area, which extension can only be 
achieved through private ownership and cultivation of oyster ground, 
therefore be it 
Resolved, That this Association most earnestly recommends the 
adoption of the principle of individual ownership of oyster grounds, 
that the oyster culturist may possess the surety of gathering the re- 
sults of his labors. And it is likewise the opinion of this Association 
that an investigation of all the conditions affecting the life of the oyster 
is eminently desirable and should be immediately undertaken. And 
furthermore be it 
Resolved, That a copy of this preamble and the resolution be for- 
warded to the Governors and legislative assemblies of the oyster pro- 
ducing States, and that copies also be transmitted to the President and 
Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States. 
Lieut. WiInNsLow added: I am also instructed to move the im- 
mediate adoption of the preamble and resolution. 
Mr. Roosevett: I question the propriety of the resolution 
that has just been read. I beg that it may be read again. 
WHEREAS, The oyster industry of the United States exceeds all 
other fisheries in the number of its employees, capital invested, and 
value of its products, which are not articles of luxury but a veritable 
food supply, and it having been shown that this important industry is 
in danger of extinction; and it being the opinion of this Association 
and of all competent persons, that the preservation of the industry 
