242 FISH—-CULTURAL ASSOCIATION. 
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, etc. 
Lieut. WINsSLow reads preamble, and adds: The demand for 
oysters has far outgrown the supply. No remedy is likely to be 
of any practical value which does not have in view an increase 
of the supply, and upon that principle the preamble is drawn. 
It sets forth that an extension of the oyster area is necessary , 
and it has been proved by the experience of every oyster com- 
munity and country in the world, that an extension of the area 
and increase of the industry has resulted only when private in- 
dividuals have taken it into their hands. The only government 
that ever attempted it was the French government, and if you 
look at the translations on this subject by the Fish Commission, 
you will see that one of the most eminent of authorities says 
that the failure of Coste’s efforts was due to the fact that the 
government attempted to go into the oyster business, and that oys- 
ter culture was made a success only when private individuals un- 
dertook it. A private oyster area iscertain of a most conservative 
treatment, for it can be handed down to the descendants of the 
owner. Ownership begets that most powerful influence, self- 
interest, upon which success depends. If money is needed for 
its cultivation, money can be raised on it by mortgage. I am 
not alone in this opinion. It is supported by the experience of 
all other fisheries, and by gentlemen who have had greater ex- 
perience in the elaboration of details than I. That being, then, 
the essential principle upon which depends the extension of the 
oyster areas, the committee thought it more advisable to deal 
with that alone, and leave the details to be decided by the 
legislatures of the different States. I do not think that this So- 
ciety wishes to commit itself in this matter, other than to advise 
the adoption of a principle, as I have already explained. 
Mr. Wittcox: I favor the resolution; but, if I were partici- 
pating in the legislation concerning the subject, I should pro- 
vide that the owners should only have the exclusive use of the 
areas for the cultivation of oysters; and only as long as they 
use them for that purpose. I shall vote for the resolution. 
