9 -REPORT ON THE EUROPEAN METHODS OF OYSTER-CUETURE. 
BY BASHFORD DEAN, 
Instructor in Biology , Columbia College, New York. 
INTRODUCTION. 
Oyster-culture as practiced in France lias already been considered at some length 
in the publications of the U. S. Fish Commission,* most recently in a report by the 
writer, t summarizing the information obtained during the summer of 1891 in his visits 
to the centers of the industry in France. The present report, prepared under instruc- 
tions from the U. S. Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries, Col. Marshall McDonald, is 
intended to complete a review of the European system of oyster-culture. The methods 
in use along the ocean coast of France are, iu general, similar to those of the neigh- 
boring countries. It has, however, seemed important to understand the cultural 
modifications rendered necessary by changes in climate, shore characters, and saltness 
of water. Local conditions may not unnaturally have favored one particular locality 
to such a degree that methods of culture there in use might prove of little value in 
other and even neighboring regions. By general comparison a more distinct idea may 
be obtained of the actual character and extent of artificial culture. Thus may be 
seen by what manner and means one country of Europe has taken advantage of the 
practical successes of a neighboring one, has modified processes to suit local condi- 
tions, found by experiment to what limits imported methods might be carried, and 
succeeded or failed in securing the most judicious governmental aid in obtaining 
concession of cultural lands and in preserving the natural supplies of spawning 
oysters. 
Of course, it is no easy matter to state all the reasons why, for example, if one 
system of obtaining seed oysters has succeeded most profitably in France, the same 
system should not have succeeded along the German coast or in England. But it is 
certainly reasonable to expect that by contrast and comparison of local characters, 
processes in use, governmental aids and restrictions in a number of countries, the 
general causes and general effects may, with the greatest probability, be induced. As 
to European legislative measures, a comparison, more or less general, has been 
attempted, and a few deductions which appear especially suggestive have been empha- 
sized in the conclusion. 
In the present discussion oyster- culture in the following countries will be consid- 
ered: Italy, Spain and Portugal, Gei'many, Holland, Belgium, and England. 
* U. S. F. C. Bull., 1890, list of references, p. 385-388, numbers 9a, 23 b, 37, 47, 4 9b, 70 b, 79, 82. 
t U. S. F. C. Bull., 1890, p. 362-388. 
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