The morning call., 1893-12-27

they were, after all, only laboratory tests.
and 1t has remained for a resident of this
city. albeit not native born, to originate
and develop plan for the artificial
Matching and breeding of the oyster-not
the table dellcacy, however, but the valu-
aDle pearl oyster Of commerce.
Professor Christopher Schmitz came to
this country in 1876, and in 1860 settled in
Lower Cailfornis, where, from 1871 to
1876, he filled the position of United States
V lce-Consul at La PaZ. While there the
Idea first occurred 10 him that it must be
possible to propagate the pearl oyster by
artificial means. For years he expert
meDted with oysters which ne planted in a
small bed, and ultimately his efforts were
crowned with success. Returning to San
francisco be bent his energies to develop
Ing his scheme in such manner as TO
make 1t commercially profitable. This he
has done. and to secure himself has OBJ
tanned patent on his device in the United
States. Mexico and the United States Of
Colombia.
a commencement will be made in this
curious enterprise at La PsZ, in the Gulf
OF CorteZ. The Perifera Company of
Lower California obtained concession
from the Mexican Government for the
pearl fisheries of the gulf. and from this
corporation Professor Schmitz has OBJ
tained twenty-five years lease of the
coast line extending from La Paz to Point
Balandra, distance of fifteen miles, and
extending seaward for one league. Many
gentlemen prominent in the southern re-
public are interested in this new venture,
and active operations will in all pro liability
be lnaugurated In the early part of the
coming year.
The accompanying cut will, in some
measure, explain how the mysterious oper-
atoms of nature are anticipated. The vital
point in the process, however, not being
susceptible of protection by the patent
lzv UG 10 Ynrn und H.,
Schmiiz. This is judging as to the exact
time when the eggs are ripe and ready for
extraction, and furthermore, how they
shall be artihcially impregnated with a
maximum amount of success. 1t will be
readily understood that the test carried to
successful issue in the laboratory of the
scientist will not necessarily have equally
as favorable result when carried out on a
large scale and on commercial basis.
Herein lies the gist of Professor Schmitz' S
discovery.
The preliminary work OF obtaining the
eggs having been satisfactorily arranged,
they are then placed in the incubator,
which is supplied with a constant flow of
sea water from large tank kept fnll by
means OF small pump. The water ia
kept at nearly a uniform temperature
ranging from 10 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
As an oyster yields all the way from
5000, 600 to &c. 100000 eggs, one incubator.
NCopltO AhU plOpOIl!UDS VI luc
oya, could only suffice for the develop
ment OF com paratively small number
When placed under the microscope these
tiny offspring of the mollusk family, con-
tanning within themselves the seeds Of fu-
ture greatness. resemble in miniature the
humble and somewhat uncouth-looklng
tadpole. Filled with energy. however, they
soon make their way through the perfora-
tiOns In the incubator into the several
canals which have been prepared for
them. On the sandy bottom OF these ca
nails has been laid brush for the purpose CT
affording fit resting place for the young
oysters. On the tail Qf it can be termed
snch) of the mOllusk is gumlike SUBJ
stance that enables 1t to adhere firmly to
the brush, and here it rests until it is
strongly coated with a suit of armor.
This formation is rapidly deposited in
about four days, but it takes from six
weeks to three months for it TO attain the
size of 25-cent piece. AT that period it
is ready for tran splantng to the deep-sea
beds, when 1t arrives at sexual maturity In
year, but is not fit for market for three
years. During this time of growth vari-
Gus dangers threaten its life, the most no.
table of which is the stiBgaTe e, fish very
plentiful in the California Gulf.
Having outlined the scheme to CALL
reporter in general way Professor
SchmitZ spoke of the possibilities attend
ing the undertaking from financial stand
point. ''The pearl Shells" he remarked,
"ere quoted in the market al $3.50 ton,
and it takes on an average 1000 shells to
weigh ton, As an additional source of