292 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
Barren bottoms . — It is claimed by many that the utilization for oyster-culture of 
extensive areas of ground now unproductive would add largely to tlie extent and 
revenue of the oyster industry in Maryland. 
Of the water area of Maryland about 2,000 square miles is now unproductive of 
oysters. In 400 square miles of this the salinity of the water is probably not sufficient 
for the growth of these mollusks A very large area of the remaining 1,600 square 
miles is covered with grass, thick mud, sand, or is otherwise incapable of utilization 
with profit under present financial conditions. The area of such ground is a very 
uncertain quantity. In Connecticut the experience has been that only one-fifth of the 
water area can be profitably utilized. But three-fourths of the unused ground is in the 
eastern half, where the barren condition is caused by heavy storms. Should a culti- 
vating law be adopted in Maryland the crabbing interests would doubtless demand 
consideration and thus further reduce the possible area. All of these restrictions 
would probably limit it to from 400 to 1,000 square miles, if the conditions in other 
States are trustworthy guides. 
It is unnecessary in the present paper to discuss the practicability of oyster-cul- 
ture on areas not provided by nature with those mollusks, for this is no longer a living 
question, it having been answered years ago in many practical ways and in innumera- 
ble waters of varying physical and biological characteristics. Already only one-half 
of the world’s product of oysters is marketed directly from the public reefs. At 
present the trade in high-grade oysters is dependent on the product of private areas, 
notwithstanding the slight encouragements received. Nearly every celebrated variety 
on the American market is the product of private grounds ; among these might be 
mentioned the “ Providence Bivers,” “Norwalks,” “Blue Points,” “Maurice Coves,” 
“Parker Bays,” “ Chincoteagues, ” “Cherrystones,” “Lynn Haven Bays,” “Hamp- 
ton Bars,” “Stone Bays,” “Bayou Cooks,” etc. 
Inhundredsof sheltered coves, andinmuchof the deep waters of Maryland where 
the bottom is muddy or grassy, or other conditions have heretofore prevented a growth 
of oysters, the difficulties might be overcome and the cultivation thereof be made prof- 
itable. The harvest is not always certain, but the chances are greatly in its favor, 
and the profits are sufficiently large to have merited more encouragement than has 
heretofore been accorded the industry. The situation of the Chesapeake, between the 
cold waters of the North and the warm waters of the South, protecting it from great 
extremes in temperature, is favorable to oyster-culture. Except in the extreme south- 
ern portion, this bay is also comparatively free from the severe storms and predaceous 
enemies that effect such enormous destruction on the oyster beds of Northern States. 
Localities favorable to the development of oysters are not always best adapted to 
their reproduction, and places where oysters breed rapidly are sometimes not favorable 
to their growth. Generally the growth of oysters is practicable in waters having less 
saline constituents than appears necessary for breeding purposes. There is probably 
no locality of equal area in America, if in the world, in which oysters are produced in 
such numbers as on the flats on the sea side of Accomac and Northampton counties, 
Virginia; yet, if left on their native grounds, they scarcely ever exceed 2J inches in 
length. The famous “ Kettle Bottom ” oysters of the Potomac Biver are of great size, 
but do not breed in abundance there. Under the present regulations in Maryland 
grounds suitable for the growth of oysters, but not adapted to their reproduction, 
are idle and barren, but under a planting system might be utilized with profit. 
