REPORT OF THE FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 59 



has conducted such experiments, obtaining results which encourage him to under- 

 take further work and outlay in that direction. 



Perhaps the greatest problem with which oyster planters are called to deal is 

 that of the destruction of the natural enemies of the oyster, among which the star- 

 fish is without doubt most destructive. Improved methods of taking the stars are 

 now in use, and by the constant exercise of vigilance and care their numbers are 

 reduced to a degree which permits of profitable oystering. There is a community 

 of interest among planters in the matter of destroying "stars." Should one man 

 keep his ground ever so clean, his work might be entirely neutralized should his 

 neighbor allow the stars to grow and accumulate upon contiguous territory. 



Upon this principle the Suwassett Oyster Company has furnished a steamer, 

 without expense to the State, for the purpose of taking up the stars upon the 

 " natural growth " or free grounds, so preventing their spreading over the adja- 

 cent leased grounds. 



Facilities for the collection of complete statistics of the shellfish industry have 

 been lacking, but no doubt a few figures illustrative of the extent of the business 

 will be of interest. At the West Tenth Street Oyster Market, in the city of New 

 York, during the last year fourteen firms have handled 1,270,550 bushels of oysters 

 and 188,550 bushels of clams. At Fulton Market, five firms have handled 303,000 

 bushels of oysters and 129,900 bushels of clams. 



There is an extensive business carried on in seed oysters which is entirely 

 without the province of the market oyster dealers. 



The oysters produced in the waters of this State are reputed to be the best in 

 the world ; they are always in demand and bring prices as high, and generally higher, 

 than any other stock. Great quantities are shipped to the inland cities of the United 

 States, and thousands of barrels are annually exported to foreign countries. 



The present season, though opening late, on account of the continued mild 

 weather during the fall, promises to be one of the best that the trade has known ; 

 the larger acreage, and improved methods of handling, with the abundant "set," has 

 enabled the planters to keep pace with the increased and ever increasing demand, 

 while prices are such that the delicious bivalve, so long considered a luxury for the 

 rich, can be commonly found upon the tables of the poor, thus furnishing the 

 masses abundantly and at moderate rates, with one of the most wholesome and 

 appetizing foods known to our markets. 



Clams, until within a very few years, have been taken exclusively from the natural 

 beds, which, in consequence, have been greatly depleted, until in many localities the 

 supply has been practically exhausted, while the demand for these shellfish is ever 

 increasing. 



