314 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
In changing oysters from one locality to another, depth and temperature of water 
should be observed as well as other natural surroundings. If any great change is 
necessary, it will be found that the young oysters will stand it much better than the 
grown. 
Regarding the best artificial bottoms and collectors, I would say that these depend 
entirely upon the original bottom. If in deep mud and but little or no current or sea, 
brush, brush mats, old shoes, and leather can be used. If in current or sea, the mats 
would have to be anchored and the brush stuck in the bottom as a stake. Upon hard 
bottom oyster shells are considered the best and cheapest collectors, but will not do 
in soft mud unless fine shell be used as a foundation. In the planting of oysters, as 
in other things, the nearer we approach nature the more certainty there is of success. 
Owing to the mildness of the climate and long growing seasons in this State, the 
oyster is very prolific. The spawn being less liable to injury from cold, a good spat 
for each year is more certain. 
Many inquiries are made as to the maturity of a marketable oyster. Under favor- 
able circumstances some mature in three years from the spat, but four years will 
ordinarily produce a good marketable oyster where favorably located on any part of 
our coast. 
In this State the oyster has but few enemies, the drumfish being the only one 
dreaded. There are no starfish and but few worms or conchs. 
Our present law gives to any citizen of the State the right of locating as much as 
50 acres of land covered with water for an oyster-bed. The locator pays a surveying 
fee of $10 and a rent of 10 cents per acre for the first five years and 25 cents per acre 
thereafter. As long as the rent is promptly paid he is amply protected. He is allowed 
to gather seed oysters from certain reefs for planting without culling. 
We have along the coast of our State about forty bays, lakes, and coves. But 
few if any of these are without a natural oyster-bed. Hence, there is no lack of seed 
oysters within easy reach of good grounds. 
The above facts, with the climatic advantages and over 300 miles of coast, enable 
Texas to offer inducements in the oyster industry equal if not superior to any other 
State in the Union. 
Poet Lavaca, Texas. 
