318 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
OYSTER PLANTING AND CANNING. 
During tlie years covered by this report, more attention was given to the question 
of oyster-culture than ever before in the history of the State, and two large companies 
were organized with a view to develop the oyster industry. In 1890 about 18,000 
bushels of seed oysters were planted, but at the time of the inquiry sufficient time 
had not elapsed to determine what the results would be. Owing to causes not defi- 
nitely determined, but probably on account of sand swept in by easterly storms, most 
of the plants of one company were lost. All the oysters planted in this State are 
placed in shallow water and are exposed at low tide. The opinion is prevalent that 
oysters deposited in deep water will not live or thrive because of a luxuriant growth 
of sea weed which collects sand and mud and ultimately smothers the oysters. Mr. 
Bavenel believes, however, that oysters will live and improve if they are planted in 
localities in which sand will not ordinarily accumulate, where the current is swift, 
and where the nature of the bottom is suitable; he states that experiments in deep- 
water planting have usually been made at the foot of some bank where mud and sand 
collect. 
Besides the two companies mentioned, about 18 men annually plant from 400 to 
2,500 bushels of oysters during the spring and summer months and take them up in 
the fall and winter for the Charleston market. They are planted in creeks near their 
homes, at a cost of about 30 cents a bushel, including labor, and bring from 50 cents to 
$1 per bushel when sold, 75 cents being the average price. 
In 1890 two firms, located in Charleston and Berkeley counties, respectively, 
engaged in canning oysters. The establishment of these works resulted in a large 
increase in the number of fishermen in these counties, with a corresponding increase in 
boats and in the quantity of oysters taken, though the low price commanded by the 
oysters intended for canning prevented any great augmentation in the value of the 
fishery. One of the factories cans fruits and vegetables as well as oysters, and the 
other did not begin operations until late in the calendar year 1890, so the results of 
this branch of the industry, as shown in the following table, were relatively small. 
Only 20,000 bushels of oysters were utilized and only 100,400 cans were prepared. 
30. — Table showing the extent of the oyster-canning industry in South Carolina. 
Items. 
1890. 
Items. 
1890. 
Number of firms ^ 
Number of persons employed 
Value of property 
2 
80 
$7, 000 
$4, 000 
$2, 800 
Oysters utilized bushels .. 
Value paid 
Cans prepared number.. 
20, 000 
$3, 000 
106, 400 
$7, 481 
$4, 481 
