BIOLOGY OF THE OYSTER-GROUNDS OF SOUTH CAROLINA. 
355 
IX.— GENERAL SUMMARY. 
In the foregoing notes a number of suggestions have been deduced relating to 
oyster-culture in the State of South Carolina. We may, for example, infer: 
(1) That marketable single oysters may be cultivated in the neighborhood of 
oyster ledges in all shallow streams whose bottom is sufficiently firm to bear up the 
weight of the shells and sufficiently unshifting to prevent their engulfment. To estab- 
lish in any particular locality the suitable character of the bottom, experiments may 
readily be made. 
(2) That the supply of seed oysters may be obtained at once and in great plenty 
from raccoon ledges and flats. That the oysters should, if possible, be separated from 
the cluster with due regard to character and size. That the size of the raccoon “seed” 
should be at least that of a silver dollar, to enable it to resist the invasion of mud and 
the silt-bearing character of the water. That the seed, although sadly impoverished 
in its raccoon condition, will in time become changed decidedly for the better in size 
and quality. That the time required to render the oysters of a marketable quality 
will depend upon the feeding and living conditions of the locality, and upon the care 
with which the seed clusters have been separated. A single season, judging from the 
growth of oysters of a known age (attached to phosphate barges) would probably be 
sufficient to render the oyster of marketable value. 
(3) That if spat is to be collected for purposes of culture, the use of floating collec- 
tors of any design is preferable. The down-turned faces of the collector prove most 
valuable by reason of the lack of sediment accumulation. The destruction by teredos 
of floating collectors made of scraps of wood or bark suitably disposed, will allow the 
seed oysters to be planted gradually and automatically. 
(4) That to plant, in deeper water, clean shells as spat-collectors would in this 
region be futile. This result will prove true in waters apparently free from silt. 
(5) That marginal waters from the level of low tide to about a fathom in depth 
will be found best suited for oyster-culture. In this zone the oyster will no longer be 
exposed to the hardship of raccoon life. If the bottom is favorable, it will here be 
least subjected to accumulating silt and will receive the most favorable conditions of 
temperature and feeding. 
In conclusion, I desire to express my thanks to those who have so kindly aided me 
throughout my studies. To Lieut. Robert Platt and the officers of the Fisli Hawk and 
to my associates I am indebted for very many courtesies extended to me during the 
Avinter. To Dr. C. Bunting Colson, of Charleston, my thanks are due for many 
valuable notes upon oyster- culture in South Carolina. 
