20 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
again to the Pacific through Bungo Channel. In this middle region the large island 
Shikoku approaches closely the mainland, and the Inland Sea is broken up by a 
maze of islands extending from Shodoshima on the east to Iwai on the west, a 
stretch of 130 miles; and it is here that the most favorable conditions exist for the 
Fig. 1. — Map of the region of Japanese oyster-culture on the north shore of the Inland Sea near Hiroshima 
(Sea of Aki). Oyster parks are indicated in hlack areas. Particular reference in the present report to 
Kaida Bay, Kusatsu, and Nihojima. The distance from Kaida to the island Itsukushima is 12 miles. 
growth of shellfish. Everywhere are bays and harbors, and the density of the 
shallow water is favorably tempered by the incoming streams of Aki, Bingo, Bitchu 
and Bizen on the north and Iyo and Sanuki on the south. Add to these advantages 
that there is a favorable tide fall of from 10 to 15 feet and an abundance of sandy 
HIROSb 
KAIDA 
NIHO- 
JIMA 
HATSUKA1 
I) ITSUKU 
SHIMA 
ETAJIMA 
'tj K.URE 
ONDO, 
1IJIMA 
