296 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
the laud tenure, which are very uncertain and liable to be changed by any legislature. 
Without specifically outlining any law, I beg to suggest that from my extended prac- 
tical experience and special personal observation within and without the State, as also 
my observation in legislation on this subject, a statute is required that will do the 
greatest good to the greatest number in protecting the natural beds or reefs. 
The State should exercise exclusive jurisdiction and control over all fisheries. A 
positive and lasting definition should be made as to natural reefs and barren bottoms. 
In this it must be determined precisely by metes and bounds what areas can be used 
for cultivation. It takes an investment of money with energy and labor to engage in 
oyster-planting. 
An oyster and fish inspector should be appointed in the coast counties without 
the influence of local politics, requiring a graded license tax for boats, as well as a tax 
on the catch to defray the expenses of inspection and the due enforcement of laws. 
The use of dredges should not be permitted. 
If a bar is exhausted it should be closed to all fishermen for a time. 
No oysters under inches should be marketed. The practice of the older States 
is to permit not exceeding 5 per cent of small oysters or culls when marketed. 
Oysters should be culled on their natural beds, small oysters or culls and shells 
being returned to the water. 
Last, but not least — in fact, the most important of all — no oysters should be per- 
mitted to be used for any purpose whatever during the closed season except for trans- 
planting. Although the spawning season varies, depending on the depth of the water 
and temperature of the air as well as conditions of food, a fair and reasonable limit 
is from April 15 to October 15. I will tell the oystermen it is folly for them to attempt 
to cure these ills bylaw, for they know by experience it can not be done without their 
aid. I do not see any other way to bring it about except by public sentiment. The 
State can not do anything on this line without the cooperation of the oystermen, for 
it has so far in other States proved a failure. At no time has this subject received .so 
much attention as now. It has for many years been a subject for legislation, yet no 
system has been established equally satisfactory to oystermen and the public at 
large. 
An opinion prevails that the State should sell the natural reefs and let the owners 
thereof look to the protection or improvement. This would be against the interests 
of those dependent ou the oyster industry for support, and it would not promote or 
encourage peace and good order and should not be considered. 
Apalachicola, Florida. 
