378 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



better protected from their enemies, develop rapidly, and become 

 saleable in about half the time required by the French or Dutch 

 bedding method. Observations taken at Spezia show that out of 

 one hundred Oysters reared on the Tarantine plan, at fifteen 

 months of age one-third were saleable as second quality Oysters, 

 with a mean diameter of 3J- to 3f in. ; one-third as third quality, 

 with a mean diameter of 2f to 3J in. ; and one-third required 

 further cultivation. At eighteen to twenty-four months of age 

 one-half the Oysters were of first quality, that is, more than 

 3J in. diameter; and of the other half, part were of second quality, 

 and part of third quality — all being saleable. 



It would therefore seem that where a keen demand and high 

 prices exist, any method of suspending Oysters during growth is 

 likely to be most successful. 



It may not be amiss to add a few words as to the stakes that 

 form so important an item in the Italian Tarantine method. The 

 experience of Dr. Carazzi tends to show that Pinus pinaster, also 

 called Pinus maritima, or cluster pine, is the most durable 

 material. That grown on dry siliceous soil exposed to the sun 

 is preferable to that grown on damp clayey ground, sheltered from 

 sunlight; for the bark of the former is found to adhere more 

 firmly to the wood, and to resist longer the attack of the Teredo, 

 or shipworm. This adhesion is also favoured by planting the 

 stakes as soon as possible after they are cut. As a further pro- 

 tection against the worm, a certain number of the stakes should 

 be withdrawn every year, and taken ashore to dry until any 

 worms are killed, when they can be replaced. The life of a stake 

 varies from three to eight or ten years. 



For protection from the Teredo, ambulances are usually 

 dipped in gas tar thinned with petroleum. This can be con- 

 veniently done by building a brick bath heated by a small 

 furnace. 



