The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-01-24
SATURDAY, JANUARY "a, 1891
TaE OYSTER PROBLEM.

When the Legislature next meets it will
have. as one OF the most interesting mat
tiers for its consideration, the oyster prob
lem. This is a subject in which the state
IL vitality interested. Ii is noticeable fact
that the luscious bivalyes, for which the
waters oi.Nirginia have 80 long been noted,
are decreasing both in quantity and in ex
celisnce TO such an extent A. 70 excite ap-
prehension lest in few years they be either
entirely eIterminated, or the supply become
90 reduced as 10 render them a luxury TO be
enjoyed only by the wealthy. Besides this
the oyster industry which could, and should,
be made source Of immense revenue to
the state, il now really an expense, official
statistics in the Auditors Office showing
that last year the receipts on account OF the
oyster fund were $40, 1881, while the ex-
penditures were Sl9,6l.7l.
The present laws should be so amended
as not only 10 transfer this balance on the
other side Of the ledger, but to have II large
ly increased in favor Of irginia, and IT
seems that this may be accomplished with
slight changes in the existing statutes and
their more thorough enforcement. In con-
Versation with a well-knOwn citizen Of
Gloucester a few days age, who has made
the oyster laws and oyster propagation
something Of a study, he said that, in his
opinion, the Legislature had so far made
two great mistakes: First, in paying too
much attention 10 the subject Of
dredging; and. second in not providing
sufficient guarantee to oyster planters TO
induce them 10 devote more time and atten-
ton TO the proper aud intelligent culture Of
the biyalve. lnjudicious dredging, Of
course, should be carefully guarded against,
piracy should be prohibited under
the severest penalties, and the laws
should be vigorously enforced. But dredging
10 by no means the chief evil 10 be prevent.
cd. JudiciOus dredging, said our inform
ant, is benefit rather than an injury. The
oysters grew in their beds layer upon LAYER
and in few years create formation SINH
lar in many respects to the coral formation
on the Southern coast. Dredging pre-
vents these layers from becoming so
thick as to be fatal TO the lower
strata Of oysters, and really tends TO keep
the beds in good condition. If the dredgers
will only take precaution to throw back the
smaller oysters and q supply Of clean shells
the oyster spawn will adhere 10 them and
thrive and grow. In this way well-regu-
lated dredging may be made positive
benefit.
The main point TO be considered and
settled in this connection, however is al
fording proper guarantees to the oyster
planters, and then carefully collecting from
them the taxes which may be imposed on
them in the way of licenses. As the law
now stands, riparian owners may be allotted
a half acre Of land under their own water
for the propagation OF oysters, and for the
exclusive use of this land, they
shall pay 70 the inspector one dollar,
and to the State an annual rental Of twenty
nve cents. All other portions of
those lands shall be open to the
public, upon the occupiers paying fee
Of 81 to the inspector, and an annual rental
of twenty-five cents an acre to the State;
but all these privileges may be revoked AT the
will and pleasure Of the General Assembly.
This is the general law, and it is qualified.
by sections 2lSs and 2l30, chapter VI, Code
Of Virginia, permitting Hampton nats and
adjacent grounds TO be open and eligi )le to
residents OF the State for the period of
twenty years, and allowing assignments to
residents for planting oysters in Hampton
Eats Of any portion Of oyster lands that may
be agreed upon, of which lands they may
enjoy exclusive use for one year, on GER
tain conditions, with the privilege Of re-
newing their contracts year by year.
1t is plain that there 10 not in these laws
sufficient guarantee to create feeling OF
security among oyster planters. No man
will feel inclined TO go to the expense OF
taking especial care Of leased lands, stalk
ing them out, and making a business o
carefully and intelligently cultiyating oys-
tiers when be knows that his tenure of the
land is, in the first place, subject TO the Will
Of the Legislature, and, in the next place,
IL only secured him absolutely y single |
year. What is clearly the duty ofthe State
is to give. leases for terms OF years to re-
sponsible and reliable planters, assure them
OF proper protection against thieves and
pirates, and collsc. promptly the rents
due. IL this is done oyster culture
will be properly conducted, the lus-
cious bivaNes will grow annually |
in quantity and quality, and the planters,
II surrounded 10y these safeguards, can
easily afford TO pay, and will no doubt be
glad promptly 10 pay, the State anywhere
from one TO Ave dollars per acre for the
privilege.
In the limited space OF an editorial arll-
Gle the discussion Of question of such vital
interest to the State as this must necessar
lily be contracted and TO a certain extent,
crude. Ii is subject Of which much has
already been written, while much yet re-
mains 10 be said. Some suggestions have,
however, been thrown out which. we are
convinced. are sufficiently valuable to be
worthy Of the careful reflection Of all our
citizens in general aud our Legislators in
particular.
THE WORLDS FAIR AND THE SOUTH.
While the legislatures OF Alabama, Ar
kansas and Tennessee may have posi-
bly, acted somewhat precipitately in re-
solving not 10 attempt TO make an
exhibit at the Columbian Exposition in
case the Force bill becomes law, they