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the beds were raked, scraped and made clean and suitable, and clean shells 

 or broken stone carefully distributed over the ground and everything pos- 

 sible done to attract the minute seed to settle down and grow about its soft 

 but potential atom, the shells which constitute the walls of a dwelling within 

 which it might safely set up housekeeping, the inducement was insufficient 

 and the newly swept and garnished beds were eschewed. As the season 

 advances, say about the latter part of August, the oyster planters with in- 

 tense interest watch for the appearance of the set, examining with the aid 

 of magnifying glasses the shells and stones upon the oyster beds for the 

 very first indication. A satisfactory set is not by any means a matter of 

 annual occurrence, and naturally at this time of year developments are 

 anxiously awaited. When it is definitely ascertained that there is a good 

 set, there is reason for rejoicing, as an abundant set means a replenishment 

 of stock which may be made to extend over several years. The great 

 seasons of 1899 and 1904 are still spoken of, in this respect, and may not 

 soon again be equalled. In those years the young oysters deposited them- 

 selves upon the beds prepared for them, and everywhere else where a footing 

 might be found, in quantities so as almost to cover the ground, making glad 

 the hearts of the planters. Though we cannot always be favored by a 

 blanket set of this description, fortunately it is seldom that there is an entire 

 dearth. The young oysters may appear in spots, skipping many areas 

 where they were hopefully looked for but showing here and there throughout 

 the shellfish territory. With such an occurrence of seed the planter must, 

 in the lean years, be satisfied, and he proceeds to make the best of the situ- 

 ation. He does everything in his power to improve the prospects, a very 

 usual device being to convey to the beds from a distance mature oysters, 

 known as " spawners." The milt and spawn from these mixing with that 

 of the mature stock, will it is believed, counteract any tendency of the 

 oysters to decline in quantity or quality from constant inbreeding. These 

 spawners are brought considerable distances, from all favorable localities 

 and high hopes are usually based upon their use. New York is exceptionally 

 well situated for the production of shellfish of fine quality, and it is no 

 wonder that oysters from here have won reputations abroad. The very 

 names of our brands, such as Blue Points, East Rivers, Rockaways, Saddle 

 Rocks, as also in respect of our Little Neck clams, have been imitated, 



