185 
such proportions are the only ones that can be accepted as 
standards. 
We have established that upon the unworked beds in the 
Bay the ratio of young growth to mature oysters is about 1.5, 
but as this is the result of but one season’s observations, and 
those over a somewhat limited area, it would be rash to ac- 
cept that standard exactly or to draw rigid inferences from 
comparison with it. 
In order to allow a sufficient margin for the variations of 
different seasons and localities, it will be better to consider 
the normal ratio as between 1 and 2, and, hence, any increase 
or decrease of those ratios will be an indication of diminished 
fecundity, and, consequently, all things remaining the same, 
the eventual destruction of the beds. 
Comparing the ratios of the beds in the Sounds with that 
established as a standard, we find that — 
1st. All beds above the Grass Tangier fall below the mini- 
mum ratio. 
2d. That the groups including Tangier Grass and Muscle 
Hole are within the limit, as are the beds in the Manokin and 
Big Annemessex Bivers and the Woman’s Marsh Bock. 
3d. That all other groups exceed the maximum ratio. 
4th. That all beds in Pocomoke, with the exception of 
Parker’s Bock, are below the minimum. 
Instituting another comparison, that of the percentage of 
debris to the total amount brought up, we find that with the 
exception of Drumming Shoal and Harris’ and Jane’s Island 
Bocks, the percentage constantly increases to the southward, 
and that in Pocomoke it is larger than elsewhere, and larger 
on the Muddy Marsh and Bird Bocks than on any others. 
A coincidence will here be noticed in the increased ratios 
in lower Tangier and the increased percentage of debris, and, 
in Pocomoke, in the small ratios and very large percentage of 
debris. 
