A406 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 
The oysters obtained from Tiger Island reef are probably not sur- 
passed by any on the Texas coast, either in abundance, condition, or 
shipping qualities. This reef is located about 3 miles from the mouth 
of the Colorado River, and about 28 miles from Pass Cavallo, the outlet 
of the bay, and where the fresh water from the river mingles with the 
salt water of the bay. The depth of water on this reef ranges from 6 
inches to 6 feet. Indeed, at times during the prevalence of a strong 
northeast wind some portions of the reef are uncovered with water for 
several days, and yet the oysters continue in excellent condition. The 
formation of the shell.of the oysters on this reef is somewhat peculiar. 
It is rather smooth on the outside, is very hard, quite deep and massive, 
without sharp edges, and somewhat resembles the shell of the quahog 
or southern clam. This is doubtless largely due to the great quantity 
of lime in the water. Many of the counties in the valley of the Colorado 
River are noted for their liberal deposits of limestone, and great quan- 
tities of it are washed down the river and over these oyster-grounds. 
The Trespalacios grounds are located about 15 miles W. by SW. 
from Tiger Island reef and just north of Half Moon reef. -The oysters 
‘on these grounds differ in many respects from those of Tiger Island 
reef; they are longer, with rougher shells, and usually are not in so 
good condition. It is reported that several years ago the oysters on 
Trespalacios grounds “died out,” on account of an overabundance of 
fresh water. After that time oysters were not fished for on these 
reefs until the spring of 1891, when a few were taken. 
The Old Town grounds are located off Old Town, a short distance 
north of the former site of Indianola. Prior to 1875 very fine oysters 
were obtainable from these reefs, but they gradually disappeared and 
the location of the reefs was almost forgotten. During the winter of 
1890-91 it was discovered that these beds were again productive and 
they were fished on at the time of my visit. These oysters resemble in 
appearance and flavor those obtained from the Trespalacios grounds. 
In the muddy grounds east of the Tiger Island reef many clusters 
of very large oysters are found. These grounds are frequently called 
the Live Oak or East Matagorda grounds. They cover a large area, but 
the oysters are very much scattered. These oysters are finely flavored 
and very large, some of the individual meats weighing 4 ounces or more. 
On account of the small demand and the poor marketing facilities, 
the oyster industry of Matagorda Bay has not reached. a full develop- 
ment. The home market requires only a small quantity. The nearest 
shipping-point to the Tiger Island reef is Port Lavaca, over 40 miles 
distant, and the facilities offered at that point are limited. ; 
The number of men living*on the shores of Matagorda Bay and en- 
gaged in taking oysters in 1890 was reported to be 84. They used 35 
sailboats valued at $12,400, and 45 skiffs which, with the tongs used, 
were valued at $926. The catch amounted to 109,350 bushels of oys- 
ters, for which the fishermen received $29,200, 
