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the probability is that the dredge would bring up a larger 
number from the old than from the new beds. 
The smallness of the proportions on the lower beds may be 
due to the greater depth of water and hardness of the bottom, 
though they do not differ greatly in that respect from the beds 
in the Bay, however much from those in the northern part of 
the Sound. 
It would not be wise to decide hastily upon the evidence of 
the proportions, that the beds are either deteriorating or the 
reverse, especially as the comparison has been but of two sea- 
sons. If, after they have been continued for some time, there 
should be an increased proportion shown, it may be considered 
differently, but as all experience testifies to the deterioration 
of the beds, the inconsistency of the results shown by the ta- 
ble can probably be explained in another way than by assum- 
ing the standard proportion to be too great, and this explana- 
tion will be subsequently attempted. 
INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM “ SPAT COLLECTORS.” 
In order to ascertain when the first attachment of young 
took place on each bed, the comparative extent of such at- 
tachment, the influence of bottom and depth of water upon 
the attachment, and, finally, the increase in size of the oyster 
and the number surviving each period of their existence, I 
placed, early in July, twenty-four spat collectors on the beds 
in the Sounds. 
It is a matter of regret that the collectors were removed by 
some ill disposed persons almost as soon as placed. 
The last hurdle, as the bundle of tiles were called, was 
placed in position on July 14th, and on July 15th only four 
remained in position, and after the 1st of August there was 
but one left (No. 7, in the Big Annemessex Kiver). 
The hurdles were composed of eight or sixteen half round 
tiles, lashed on a wooden frame, and so arranged that the 
frame rested on the bottom, the tiles being thus raised about 
six inches above the surface. 
The tiles were ordinary earthenware ones, unglazed, and 
were always placed so as to have their concave side underneath. 
