176 NINTH REPORT OF THE 



the fate of being stifled by the smothering mud. One oyster planter relates the 

 difficulties he encounters in oyster cultivation as follows: 



Dear Sir. — I am in receipt of your request to fill out blank relating to oyster 

 cultivation. It is impossible for me to fill this out as you request, but am 

 perfectly willing to give you all the information possible. 



In the first place, I do not know how much ground I have planted, as it is 

 all creek bottom. I have permission and in some cases pay for the privilege 

 of planting to the owners of adjoining uplands. The town presumably owns the 

 bottom, but it was voted in town meeting not to lease any creek bottoms. This 

 is largely an experiment, last season being the first year that oysters in any 

 quantity were planted in this creek. The bottom planted does not lie in any con- 

 tinuous tract or tracts, but follows the shore largely and wherever bottom seems 

 to be hardest. 



Last season I planted about 700 bushels and did very well with them. This 

 spring, in partnership with another party, I planted about 3,000 bushels; have had 

 bad luck with them, so far losing, I should think, certainly one third by reason 

 of a growth of moss or a mosslike substance growing from the bottom to a length of 

 about six inches, forming a solid mat and smothering whatever oysters it covered. 

 This growth occurred in the month of June. We also had another growth, which 

 grows from bottom to top of water; this we could seine off, but the first named 

 there did not seem to be any way of getting rid of. Have not as yet this season 

 handled any oysters to speak of, so cannot tell number of bushels or value. 



%%%%%%%*%% 



I am, 



Yours truly, 



Cultivation for Private Use. 



There are some instances of citizens who have peculiar facilities for growing 

 shellfish, or who, having wealth at command, can indulge their taste for fresh 

 salt-sea oysters and clams by cultivating private shellfish beds. To mention 

 a notable case: Last year Mr. Howard Gould leased from the State two tracts 

 of land under the waters of Long Island Sound, upon which he immediately 

 caused to be planted 2,500 bushels of young oysters. He reports under date of 

 October 14, 1903, that he now has in cultivation about five acres located off 

 Sands Point, and adds: 



The lands which I hold at Sands Point were planted with sufficient oysters 

 and clams for my own use only, and, as I have never sold any or kept any 

 account of the amount I have taken out, it is impossible for me to answer many 

 of the questions on the form you send me. 



