OYSTER-CULTURE IN SOUTH CAROLINA. 
309 
oysters. They were small, but of good shape, yet they had the appearance of being 
stunted, and were foul with sponge. The fact is a noticeable one, for it is the first and 
only instance on the cruise when oysters have been found in deep water of this den- 
sity. The character of the bottom is favorable, and corresponds with the indications 
on the Coast Survey charts. Raccoon oysters extend in a narrow ledge, 10 feet wide, 
along the west shore from the mouth of Cooper River to the mouth of May River, but 
only a few are found on the east shore. The total area of the sound is about 2,944 
acres; area of natural oyster beds, about 4.8 acres. 
Broad Creek rises in the marshes of Hilton Head Island and, flowing westerly 7 
miles, enters Calibogue Sound opposite the mouth of the Cooper River. Ho density 
observations were made in the creek, but from information received the same forma- 
tion of raccoon oysters exists along the shores in ledges which were located approxi- 
mately. Total area of creek, about 496 acres; approximate area of natural oyster 
beds, 6.5 acres. 
May River, the principal tributary of Calibogue Sound, was examined from its 
mouth a distance of 12 miles. The topography of the Coast Survey charts had only 
been completed to a point 1 mile above Bluffton, and the additional part surveyed was 
sketched as accurately as possible. The general trend of ’this river is southeast, and 
it has an average width of three-eighths of a mile. Belonging throughout to the same 
system of salt-water circulation, no marked changes are noticeable at different times 
of the tides. The specific gravity at the mouth was 1.0206 at the surface and 1.0207 
at the bottom; at the highest point reached it was 1.0205 at the surface and the same at 
the bottom. The character of the bottom from its mouth to Bluffton is favorable from 
mid channel to the south shore. On the north shore a softer bottom is found. The 
soundings corresponded fairly with the characteristic soundings of the Coast Survey 
charts. The same type of raccoon oysters are found on both shores from the mouth 
to, and even above, Blufftou, but 3 miles above there they disappear entirely. Ho 
oysters are found below low- water mark, except the droppings from the parent ledges, 
and this limited area is over-fished. I see no reason why art can not assist nature and 
extend this area by removing the young oysters from the ledges to deeper water and 
a suitable bottom. The total area of the river is about 2,000 acres; area of the natural 
oyster beds, about 13.1 acres. 
Bull Creelc is a narrow, winding stream, connecting the Cooper River with May 
River, and separating Bull Island from the mainland. It is about 5 miles in length, 
and has an average width of 150 yards. Starting with a specific gravity of 1.0210 at 
the surface and bottom at its lower mouth, it reaches a maximum of 1.0213 at the 
surface and 1.0218 at the bottom at its upper mouth. The least density observed was 
at a point 2 miles above the lower mouth, being 1.0206 at surface and bottom, at half 
flood. The bottom is favorable, being generally hard, and the soundings correspond 
with those given on the Coast Survey charts. The same characteristic growth of 
raccoon oysters occurs along the shores in narrow strips about 10 feet wide, but no 
oyster beds are found in deep water* Total area of creek, about 340 acres ; area of 
natural oyster beds, about 7.6 acres. 
Maclcay Creek connects Port Royal with Calibogue Sound, and may be said to be 
a continuation of the latter. It is about 6 miles in length, and consists for the first 5 
miles of a series of flats or bays of shallow water, with an average width of a quarter 
of a mile. Commencing with a density of 1.0214 at surface and bottom at its lower 
