Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1858-07-20
THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT AND THE
OYSTER LAW

OYSTER Law.
Il will interest many of our readers to learn that
the same work of destruction which is impairing the
value OF our Oyster beds, has already damaged those
of France to an extent requiring governmental inter-
ference not only for the protection OF beds which still
exist but outlay for the purpose CT restoring beds
entirely destroyed. The French Emperor will doubt,
less take measures without delay, to restore and pre-
serve this great source OF profit TO the Empire.
1t repains to be seen whether next legislature
will take time by the forelock and protect the
oysters of the Chesapeake, while such prot tection
will yield revenue; whether our legislators will
initiate the example of France, and await the pro-
gress of destruction now going on until it shall be
necessary to plant new beds at State expense.
We clip the following from "Galignsni's Messen.
ger:
The "Moniteur" publishes very interesting re-.
port to the Emperor by NJ. Coste, on the subject OF
replenishing the oyster beds of France and on the
means to be employed for that purpose. 1t com
meuces thus:
HSire:-The domain of the sea may be put under
cultivation we'll as the land, but being general
property it is the State which must accomplish that
great design The production OF oysters has fallen
into such state OF decay that unless prompt RENE
dy be applied, the source OF al production VIII be
soon exhausted. At Rochelle Marenues, Rochetort,
hanks hicb only short time since, formed one of
the sources of wealth of that portion OF the French
coast there are eighteen completely destroyed while
those which st urnsh certain supply are seriously
endanuersd by this increasing invasion OF muscles
Tbe hav of ST. Breuc, no admirably suited for the
reproduction OF the oyster, and Whlcn lormefy mad
fifteen beds in full activity, has now only three, 30
that with twenty boats evasy oyster might De re-
moved, whilst when the bay was IN iun Prosperity
mora than 300 boats and 400 men were occupied
every year from the Let October to the ist April and
furnished return Of from 300 OOOfr TO 4ueoootr In
The roadstead of Brest. and at Inc hou'ns OF ine
rivers Of Brittany, the decay mas oeen Tess LaP.u, De
cause they have not hitherto been 20 actively worked
but in proportion as the decrease in The other oeds on
the coast compels the fishermen TO come 10 tnen Tor
a supply they will soon fall into the same RUIN. Al
Csncals and Granville, thoso two great qaerters lot
the breeding Of shellGsh il is only by care and good
,nsnapement that similar decline has been prevent
M. Cose then states that, notwithstanding thie de-
plorabe state Of things remedy OF easy apPhcat'on
and OF certain s at hand, ana tnen Proceeos
| to point it oui
aTbe remedy consists in undertaking nj the ex.
pense of the State, by the care ot the marlime au-
ihorities and by government vesses' 20 'epeoe toe
oyster beds on the coast, which s'e ~ s.a'e % .,
dscay: 10 extend those which Gt prosperous ana
TO form new wherever the nature OF tns bottom
will allow. When by this generous ini''snve these
productive fields sha!l have acquired sumc'eht ue-
y.loument, they must be subjected to proper sys
tam leaving some 10 remain undisturoed while
1,hers are worked-a system which preserved Inc
beds in The bays of Carcale and Of Granville rom
m. d.sructon which want of il hrs caused IN other
parts cf the coast l have the honor to propose 10
yonr i-sty that the bay of St Brieuc shall oe made
IN. 20 he. of this undertaking. ;hs sure.'aEce IN
that limited space will be essy and in irS' Than 81
m1obs al, estimate might 6e formed Of lis ir"haeie
rsuis. 4 sum Of from 6,OoOr. TO SOoo;r' fiared NJ
~. ,,;sno.. of the cOmm-saty o insr.t" tt lie uls
,r;rt will suffice 10 purchase the qnautiy OF 'ys'-rs
necessary to repopuiss this bay. These oysters will
be- drsd9ed up In the oomuon sea, and may be i'm
msdstsjy sep9sysd b5 gaIeQNs9t HssR& "