THU ECONOMIC MOLLUSCA OF ACADIA. 
79 
ported to the banks of estuaries where they are exposed for a 
time at low tides, and where the water is brackish. Both 
these conditions seem to be necessary to secure their rapid 
growth and fattening. The presence of some fresh water is a 
necessary condition to success in Mussel culture. The French 
method proceeds upon a different principle; it consists in 
placing convenient supports for the Mussel “ Spat,” or free- 
swimming young, to attach themselves to. For this purpose 
palisades of coarse wicker-work are placed in the path of 
currents which would otherwise sweep the young away. As 
soon as they have attained a length of an inch (which is in a 
little over a year, on an average) they are removed with hooks 
and placed on the bottom. Later, they are removed to above 
low-tide mark; again, higher up the beach, and again, still 
higher, there being four removals in all. In a year after the 
first removal they are ready for market. There are many of 
these Mussel-farms in France, the principal ones being at the 
Bays of Aiguillon and Chatellaillon, at Esuades, Charvon, 
Marsilly, at St, Yaleny-sur-Somme, at Arcachon and other 
places. The most perfect system is attained at the latter place. 
They are also cultivated in the Bay of Kiel, in North 
Germany, where small trees, fixed upright below low-water 
mark, have been recommended for catching the Spat. 
In England, there is comparatively little done in Mussel- 
culture as yet. Attempts so far have had to struggle with 
the drawbacks of imperfect legislation. It is agreed that the 
culturist should have the same exclusive right to work his 
area and dispose of his product as has the farmer, and there 
should be as stringent laws to protect the one from trespass 
and theft as they are for the other. Such laws, however, 
until very lately at least, were wanting. It is estimated that 
an acre of Mussel-beds, properly cultivated, will yield one 
hundred and eight tons, worth at least fifty-four pounds per 
year. 
The time will certainly come for Acadia when the Mussel- 
fishery will be a large industry. It is to be hoped that it will 
be wisely regulated during its life, and not left to be doctored 
when near its end. 
