240 



LA.KE FUSAHO. 



then, was overshadowed by thick plantations, had been con- 

 secrated by the superstitious to the use of the infernal gods. 



The mode of oyster-breeding at this, place, then as now, was 

 to erect artificial pyramids of stones in the water, surrounded 

 by stakes oT wood, in order to intercept the spawn, the oyster 

 being laid down on the stones. I have shown these modes in 

 the accompanying engravings. Faggots of branches were also 



LAKE FUSARO. 



The accompanying engraving gives a general view of Lake' Fusaro (tlie Avemus 

 of the ancients), showing here and there the stalces surrounding the artificial banks, 

 the single and double ranges of stakes on which the faggots are suspended, and at 

 one extremity the labyrinths, in the face of which is a canal of from 2J to 3 metres 

 broad and ij metre deep joining the lake to the sea. A small lake, believed to be 

 the ancient Cocytus, communicates with this canal. The pavilion in the lak6 is the 

 ordinary residence of the persons in charge of the fishery. 



used to collect the spawn, which, as I have already said, requires, 

 within forty-eight hours of its emission, to secure a holding-on 

 place or be lost for ever. The plan of the Fusaro oyster-breeders 

 struck M. Coste as being eminently practical and suitable for 

 imitation on the coasts of France : he had one of the stakes 

 pulled up, and was gratified to find it covered with oysters of 

 all ages and sizes. The Lake Fusaro system of cultivation was 

 therefore, at the instigation of Professor Coste, strongly recom- 

 mended 'for imitation by the French Government to the French 



