300 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
to $2 per barrel, according to the reputation of the place from which they come. 
These “barrels,” however, are what are technically called “bank measure”; that is, 2 
“bank measure” barrels make about 3 barrels when sold in market. When the planter 
finds that this crop is sufficiently matured and fat, ready for market, say six or eight 
months after being transplanted, he bargains and sells to the “luggerman” on the 
ground. A few planters own or have their luggers and ship for their own account. 
The “luggermen” transport their purchase to market, generally to New Orleans. The 
trip to the city usually takes from two to three days, a part of the journey consisting 
in threading narrow, shallow, and tortuous bayous. Adverse head winds sometimes 
delay the passage so long that the cargoes are unmarketable on reaching their desti- 
nation. Sometimes, where practicable, “ cordelling,” or hauling the luggers by horse or 
man power, is resorted to, and at times steam towage, when accessible, is employed, 
all of which, of course, is an element of further expense. 
Arrived at New Orleans, the luggerman disposes of his load to the dealers, who 
supply the local trade and ship to neighboring cities. Prices range according to the 
supply. Favorable winds may serve to bring in on the same day a large fleet of 
oyster-laden craft to “Lugger Bay,” as their lauding opposite the French Market is 
called. The market consequently becomes overstocked and glutted. If to this is 
added simultaneously a sudden change of weather from cold to warm, a not unusual 
thing in this climate, the luggerman is forced to sell at a very heavy loss on purchase 
price or unload his cargo into the river. Besides these adverse contingencies, there 
are the ordinary accidents of navigation, such as grounding and remaining so for 
several days in the low tides in the shallow lakes and bayous, and storms of several 
days’ duration, when the timid luggerman, who shortens sail ordinarily on the slighest 
rise of wind, now anchors or “ties up,” and awaits its cessation. Then, too, the cargo 
is in considerable risk of being killed while in transit. A violent collision with the 
bank or another vessel, a violent hammering on the deck, and even heavy peals of 
thunder, have been known to “deaden” the whole cargo, and if the weather be warm 
and the market not close at hand there ensues a complete loss. 
With all these disadvantages, however, which could easily be obviated by prudent 
and proper precautions, and in spite of the heedless, thriftless, and primitive manner 
in which the trade is carried on, these Austrians amass, in nearly every instance, con- 
siderable profits, make what are to them handsome sums and respectable fortunes, and 
usually retire to their native land, there to live, with their few wants and the Conti- 
nental cheapness of living, the balance of their lives in comparative affluence for people 
of their class. These fortunes are ordinarily realized in a few years, seldom more than 
ten or twelve. On retiring, the fisherman disposes of his hut and outfit, oyster-beds, 
tools, boats, etc., with the good will of an established business, to some relative or 
friend whom he has imported to the country for the purpose, or perhaps to some of 
his helpers who have saved a little money. In some instances good round sums are 
realized by these sales. In others, the retiring vendor retains a share in the business 
and draws a portion of the profits, occasionally paying flying visits to this country to 
look after his interests. 
Most of these men can neither write nor read English or any other language, nor 
do they speak or understand any tongue save Slavonic, and when dealing with those 
other than of their own nationality require the services of an interpreter. These small 
fortunes, which they amass in so short a time, generally consist of sums varying from 
$5,000 to $15,000 or more. Considering the smallness of their operations, the light- 
