THE OYSTER FISHERY OF CONNECTICUT. 
479 
New Haven and Norwalk. The quantities and values of seed oysters produced in the 
State during the past three years were: 299,180 bushels in 1887, worth $155,000; 
302,290 bushels in 1888, valued at $166,478; 446,249 bushels in 1889, worth $244,866, 
31. Growth of oysters, trade, etc . — Local conditions have much to do with the 
growth or development of the oyster, and in a large measure influence the planters in 
the choice of the special branch of work in which they engage. The iierception of the 
oystermen has been sharpened by keen competition; their judgment has been ripened 
by experience, and, with the active and enterprising spirit characteristic of them, they 
adopt such methods of work and trade as give the most protttable returns. 
It has been mentioned that large quantities of seed oysters are sold to parties on 
Long Island, and it may seem somewhat remarkable that the latter can purchase seed 
from Connecticut and still successfully compete with the planters of that State. The 
reason is this: Oysters grow much more rapidly in the waters off the south side of 
Long Island than off the Connecticut shore. Stevenson says it is claimed that 2 year- 
old seed planted in the spring at Jamaica Bay (on the south side of Long Island) attain 
a marketable size by fall of the same year, while it would require at least two years 
to reach the same size in Connecticut waters. Indeed, there is said to be considerable 
difference in this respect between the eastern and western part of the State. The 
oysters near New Haven and eastward mature earlier than farther west. AtNorwalk 
about 1,500 3-year-old oysters till a barrel of ordinary size; from 1,200 to 1,400 of 4-year- 
old; 1,000 to 1,200 5-year-old; 800 to 1,000 6-year-old, and 650 to 825 7-year-old. 
There is considerable variation due to character of bottom, etc., but the above figures 
represent the average and ordinary differences in oysters of the same season. 
The largest dealers, especially at New Haven, permit the oysters to remain on the 
grounds until of suflicient size to be placed on the market, which is about four years 
from the time of spawning. The age of marketable oysters varies, however, with the 
nature of the ground, the weather, and the locality. 
After oysters attain a marketable size it is only necessary to dredge them and 
earry them to the shipping-point, or to the shucking and packing establishments. At 
New Haven or vicinity they mostly goto the oyster houses, where they are opened and 
packed in receptacles of various sorts and sizes for distribution over the country. At 
Bridgeport and Norwalk they may be assorted for sale to the exporters, or for exporta- 
tion by the planter himself ; or perhaps they are taken directl.y to New York for sale. 
The Connecticut oystermen have four grades of oysters to which specific trade 
names are apjilied. Those 2 to 3 years old are “ culleutiues ”; “culls” are commonly 
3 years old or more ; “ boxes ” range from 4 to 6 years old, and “ extras ” from 5 years 
upwards. The first two grades are generally opened and shipped without the shell; 
they are chiefly used for stews. The higher grades are mostly marketed in the shell, 
and from these come the choice stock for export to Europe. In 1889 the price of “ culls” 
was about $3.50 per thousand, while “boxes” sold for $7 per thousand. 
It will be readily understood that there must necessarily be much variation in the 
manner of han.dling the products, which it is not practicable to fully describe within 
the limits of these notes. 
32. Planting southern oysters . — One important branch of oyster cultivation has not 
hitherto been described. This is the planting of southern oysters in Connecticut 
waters. This business is prosecuted only from New Haven Harbor, by the market- 
men at Fair Haven, which is that part of New Haven situated on the Quinepiac 
