CXIV 



of Valine and Auray ; tlie shingle^ slate, hrusli, pottery 

 and other forms of collectors, severally the favorites in 

 various localities. 



Having advanced thus far in our experiments, it would 

 be Avell for us to follow the methods of treatment and 

 preparation of the oyster in practice at Courseulles, Les 

 Sables D' Oleron and Marennes, where the energy of the 

 culturalist is devoted to the fattening of the oyster for 

 market. 



The oyster industry forms too considerable a portion 

 of the wealth of the Chesapeake Bay and is of too much 

 commercial value to be allowed to suffer decline. 



I trust that we may be enabled to prosecute our inqui- 

 ries so as to present to the consideration of the Legisla- 

 ture the unanswerable logic of facts and suggest the meth- 

 ods of protection and devise means for continuing an 

 ample supply of a great blessing which, although lavishly 

 enjoyed, has scarcely been fully appreciated. 



It is to be feared that much of the previous legislation 

 has been ineffective, as based on evidence defective and 

 misleading in its character, the result of misstatements 

 and convictions formed by conflicting advice given 

 by interested persons or by those misguided by too im- 

 perfect observation. 



Respectfully submitted, 



T. B. FEEGUSON, 

 Commissioner, 



