422 ANIMAL FOOD RESOURCES OF DIFFERENT NATIONS. 



tub, with a lid securely fastened. Each, containing 

 a number of gallons, is furnished with handles, with 

 which it can be easily lifted. In warm weather ice is 

 put in with the oysters. Tin cans are used to a consider- 

 able extent. These are filled and soldered, then packed 

 in wooden boxes with ice between. Thus, as with the 

 tubs, oysters are carried long distances in good condition 

 even in summer. 



All sheU-fish are improved by an infusion of fresh 

 water. This explains the superiority of the shell-fish of 

 the northern coast of Long Island Sound to those on the 

 southern coast of the same water. Many fresh-water 

 streams flow in from the north. One reason of the fine 

 flavour of Fair Haven oysters is the flow of fresh water 

 from the Quinnipiac, Mill, and West Rivers. 



Cultivation has greatly increased the supply of good 

 oysters. In New Haven, ten years ago, it was difficult 

 to secure ten bushels at short notice. Now five hundred 

 bushels can be obtained in a few hours. 



One peculiarity is found in Staten Island oysters, 

 making them superior to most others for several pur- 

 poses. Their shells are unusually hard and firm, and 

 preserve their meats better than other kinds. Therefore 

 they can be shipped farther in good condition than 

 almost any other. They are in considerable demand for 

 the foreign and other distant markets, being sent in 

 large quantities north, south, and west. One firm for- 

 warded three thousand barrels to California a year ago. 

 They have been sent as far east as Constantinople. 



Some patrons are so attached to these oysters they 

 continue to send for single gallons of them, even when 

 they go to reside in distant country places. 



The demand for them increases in every direction from 

 year to year. They are sold in three grades. The 

 " box " is the finest grade, commanding the highest price. 

 They must be good size, good colour, good shape, hard 

 shells, and even size. The next are "barrel" oysters, 

 running a little smaller and a little less even. The third 

 are " ciUIs," The second grade are also called " counts." 



