34 
accessible oyster beds is near or remote, it is sure to force 
itself upon us some time. If we wait for that time the 
remedy will be slow and expensive, but prevention of the 
danger in time would not necessarily be attended with any 
very great expense. 
The investigation into the hydrography and general condi- 
tion of the oyster beds of Tangier and Pokamoke Sounds, 
which has been so ably conducted by Captain Winslow, of the 
United States Coast Survey, during the past two summers, 
will supply the necessary information ; and should these inves- 
tigations show that any of these beds are in immediate need 
of artificial help to save them from destruction, I hope that 
the observations I have detailed in this paper may point to 
the way in which this help may be given. 
