EUROPEAN METHODS OF OYSTER-CULTURE 
The arrangement of rope may best be understood by referring to the accompany- 
ing diagram (Fig. 2). The supporting ropes are rarely exposed, except where 
attached to the corner posts. In 
the parks established in deeper wa- 
lias suggested an arrangement which 
both separates the cross ropes from 
each other and enables them to be 
more easily turned at the corners, 
as illustrated in the figure. With 
so light a scaffolding to support the 
devices for collecting and growing 
the young oysters, it is evident that 
the question of the weight of appa- 
ratus has been a very important one. 
For this reason, as well as on account 
of lack of tidal ground, the tile, as 
a device for collecting the young FlG - 2 - 
oysters, has been found unsuited. Wood, on the other hand, has advantages in point 
of lightness and cheapness. The loose bundles of hazel or gorse boughs, termed fas- 
cines (A, Fig. 1), become quickly water-soaked and form the most convenient collectors. 
These, when covered with young oysters, may be broken into twigs and woven into 
ropes, which, when suspended, utilize the water volume from surface to bottom (B). 
Oysters that have become detached and fallen to the bottom, together with grown oys- 
ters, may be placed for storage and final growth in the suspended baskets (C). 
Thus outlined, the method of culture and its conditions may be more carefully 
examined. The supply of breeding oysters which furnish the spat is in any event a 
large one. The myriads of half-grown oysters lodged upon the suspended ropes 
spawn prolifically, and this supply is one that never decreases. A second source of 
spat is furnished by scattered oysters and beds of oysters that have either escaped 
little practiced. The largest supply of scattered oysters is said to be in the immediate 
neighborhood of the parks where dredging is impracticable. It is certain that the 
spawning season in the warm waters of the Mediterranean is an extended one, stated 
by the proprietors to extend from April to October. The greatest set, however, 
occurs about the end of June. It was clear, however, from fascines that had been 
put down in January, and which were examined by the writer in April, that spawn- 
ing had taken place during the colder weather, and it may in consequence be inferred 
that the spawning continues intermittently throughout the year. The development 
adventitiously of a portion of the generative product by lobes of testis or ovary has 
.already been commented upon in the case of the American oysters along the southern 
coast of the United States.* 
ter the matter of rope management 
becomes more complicated. The 
greater amount of rope required by 
the weight of the cultural apparatus 
e 
the knowledge of the culturist or are difficult to secure. General dredging is but 
U. S. I-'. C. Bull. ]890, i>. 352. 
