122 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
The total water area surveyed amounts to about $1,280 acres, or 127 
square miles, of which it is estimated that about one-fourth, in its pres- 
ent condition, is suitable for oyster-planting. The extent of the natural 
oyster beds in the same area is placed at about 775 acres. Other ter- 
ritory, which was not examined, from the lack of time, would greatly 
increase these figures, and much of the bottom not now regarded as 
favorable might be rendered so by proper treatment. Furthermore, 
it is believed that the marshes and flats along the coast channels are 
well adapted for the establishment of tidal ponds, which could readily 
be constructed by excavating the soft material to a slight depth or, in 
some places, by building dikes. In this manner the oyster-producing 
territory could be greatly extended, and the plan suggested would give 
the oysterman complete control over his stock. 
Two reports respecting this investigation have been published. One, 
by Mr. John D. Battle,* contains a detailed account of the hydrograpnic 
survey, including the density observations at all the localities visited. 
It is accompanied by seven charts, showing the topography of the coast 
region, the location and extent of all the natural oyster-beds discov- 
ered, and the specific gravity of the water in each stream. The base 
charts used for this purpose were furnished by the U.S. Coast and 
Geodetic Survey. A second report, by Dr. Bashford Dean,t treats 
especially of the character and conditions of the natural oyster-beds 
and their environment; the food of the oyster, its character, distribu- 
tion, and abundance in the region examined, and the chemical composi- 
tion and physical characteristics of the water upon the oyster-grounds. 
The account of the general natural history of the region has not yet 
been completed. 
MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA. 
The oyster inquiries were extended to the waters of Chesapeake Bay, 
adjacent to the States of Maryland and Virginia, during the spring of 
1891. Tangier and Pocomoke sounds, located on the east side of Chesa- 
peake Bay, were first selected for examination, both because they have 
been for many years the seat of very extensive and important fishing 
operations, and because their oyster-beds had previously been sub- 
jected to careful investigations, which furnished a suitable basis for 
comparison. The Fish Hawk began its work in this region on May 15, 
1891. The middle of June, however, this vessel was temporarily with- 
drawn to engage in the hatching of Spanish mackerel, and her place 
was taken by the launch Petrel. The survey was stillin progress at 
the close of the fiscal year, and was continued until late in the fall. 
*An investigation of the coast waters of South Carolina with reference to oyster- 
culture. By John D. Battle. Bull. U.S. Fish Com., vol. x, 1890, pp. 303-330, 7 charts. 
tThe physical and biological characteristics of the natural oyster-grounds of South 
Carolina. By Bashford Dean. Bull. U.S. Fish Com., vol. x, 1890, pp. 335-361, pls. 
LXII-LXVU. 
