OYSTEE EISHEBIES. 



Instructions to the Commission. 



Much public attention having been directed to the artificial 

 cultivation and propagation of oysters, Her Majesty's Govern- 

 ment are very desirous that some authentic information upon this 

 subject should be supplied to the public, with a view of encourag- 

 ing this industry in Ireland. 



The cultivation of oysters in this country is not in a satisfactory 

 state, and little progress appears to have been made in conse- 

 quence of recent legislation. 



Out of nearly ninety licenses granted by the Board of Works 

 for oyster planting, which embrace an area of about 15,000 acres, 

 scarcely half a dozen can be said to be successful. This is the 

 more surprising as Ireland is admittedly well calculated for the 

 successful prosecution of ostreoculture. The favourable tempera- 

 ture of the sea, the large inlets and bays on the western coast, con- 

 taining banks where oysters are already found in great numbers — 

 the habits and tastes of the coast population all show that this 

 most valuable industry might be prosecuted with great success. 



With the consent of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, 

 His Excellency has determined to appoint an unpaid Commission, 

 consisting of the following gentlemen — J. A. Blake, esq., m.p., 

 Francis Francis, esq., George W. Hart, esq., T. F. Brady, esq. 



The duties they are required to perform will be as follows : — 

 They will visit the principal places in France, England, and Ire- 

 land where oyster cultivation is, or can be carried on ; they will 

 examine the best authorities upon the subject, and endeavour to 

 ascertain the causes which have hitherto led to the many failures 

 which have been experienced. 



The places which should be visited in France would be the 

 great Government Establishments at Arcachon, near Bordeaux, 

 and the private breeding and fattening grounds at the He de Be, 

 He de Oleron, Marennes, and La Tremblade, all of which are 



