The state chronicle. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1883-1893, 1884-09-06
UNITED STATES COMMISSION
OLE FISH AND FISHERIES


WASHINGTON, y. c., Ang. 6, 1854
DEAR SIR:-I have at hand your letter re-
lating to publications regarding oyster
matters, and though | am familiar with
the Report of the Maryland Commission,
vet, nevertheless, | would be pleased to
have copies of your extracts if it is con-
venent for you to send them. | have
given so much time to the study Of the
oyster question that | am sure you Will
not think me Officious in MAXIM few
suggestions as to the industry in North
Carolina | would preface my remarks
by saying:
Successful oyster culture in any local
itv depends upon the following condl-
tons:
/. Suitability of natural conditions.
3 Proximity of market and facilities
for transportation.
3. Amount, quality and price Of labor.
4. Character of the laws governing the
industry.
l. Now, as regards natural conditions, l
find that though oysters will and do grow
in many parts Of the North Carolina
sounds, vet they do so under conditions
which impair their real market value.
In the first place, the water is too fresh
and has not a sufficient amount OF lime I'D
it to make solid shells. The oysters, con-
sequently, are less able to stand exposure,
or long journeys, and are not likely to be
of much value for the shell trade.
That is, they can be used only for pack
ing and canning which means they must
be sold for the lowest market prices. The
temperature of the sounds being more
equable than that of Northern localities
and also some degrees higher, is a favor
able circumstance in some respects; but
that Of the Summer and Spring makes
the transportation of oysters, especially
the Young ones or g seed " oysters, tinan
cially hazardous, which IS unfortunate, as
that branch Of oyster farming Is OF con-
siderable consequence. In addition find
that lage portion of the bottom of the
sounds. While not absolutely unfit for the
oyster growing, will require extensive and
expensive treatment before being entirely
suitable. Taking all things into consider
alton. the natural conditions are not near
ly so favorable as in the Chesapeake or
Delaware Bays, or in Long Island Sound.
?. The proximity of markets and facilities
for transportation. Naturally capital
ist investing in the business must see
something beyond mere local trade.
Yet, in the sounds there is not even local
trade of any Importance. The yield
Of the farms must be carried to
Elizabeth City or New Berne first, and
thence shipped North and West. Nor
folk would Of course, be the main point
Of delivery; but several hundred miles of
water with canal tolls in addition must
be overcome before Norfolk can be reached.
Indeed to reach market at all, the Oy
ster farmer must employ his own vessels
for TRANSPORTATION The steamers are few
and far between, and will not stop for
small freights at out-Of-the- way points,
and the railroads can not be easily
,of, ,of
isfied perfectly.
3. The amount of labor to be obtained
is of course somewhat probleinatical, but
so far as my recent examination goes,
labor is scarce. is high and is inferior. /
should not like to take contract for
anv work if its execution depended upon
nv ability to find the necessary labor
falong the shores of the sounds. The
population is scant, the people live from
haad to mouth, and are not skilled
workmen. Repairs OF vessels and ma
cdnery and even mere manual labor Will
We to be imported for quite time.
Summing up the foregoing, the natural
conditions are not particularly favorable.
Markets are distant and transportation
both difficult and uncertain, and labor is
scarce, inferior in quality and high in
price These are great obstacles to sue
Cess in oyster culture, but they can new
ertheless, be overcome and without doubt
will be overcome if it is made worth
while for capitalists to undertake the
labor This can be accomplished only by
50 altering the present laws, that not
outstanding all other drawbacks, the oy-
ster farmer in North Carolina will have
fair chance to compete with those en-
gagged in the business in more favored To-
calities
Of course there is no chance to enter, |
except to a very limited extent, in the |
Northern markets. They are already sup |
Piled by Long Island Sound and the New
Jersey waters. But over 80 per cent. of
the oyster business is dependent upon the
Product Of Chesapeake Bay, and as | have
continually pointed out for many years,
that product is not only diminishing but
Is in danger of total failure. 1t is there
lore possible to take such steps as will
give North Carolina an excellent opportu-
nlty to enter into the business and divert
large portion Of the trade now centering
/ n Baltimore and Norfolk to the shores of
iPanlieo and Albemarle Sounds. This can
oe accomplished, however, only by in
eseasing to an enormous extent the pres