Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1903-01-09

observer OF the experiments that had
been made with the Eastern spat and
was convinced that in the past they
had not been properly treated. He
made a study of the San Francisco
bay beds and convinced himself that
if they could be cultivated there there
was a good reason why they could not
be here. He looked over all the ma
tive oyster ground on the Sound,
with which he was familiar, and salts.
fled himself that the flats at Toke
point, on the Willapa harbor, were
more similar to the beds on the At
lantic coast, in the character of the
soil and other ways, than any other
and here it was he decided to make
his experiments in practical way.
The Willapa Oyster Company was
formed, and in 1899 two carloads of
seed fresh from the Atlantic beds
were shipped here. Without delay
they were transferred to the Toke
point fats and preparations made to
care for them properly.
In the following spring they gave
every indication of proving success.
An examination showed they were
growing very rapidly, and it was also
noticed that there was slight change
in their flavor. In 1900 three car.
loads of seed were purchased by the
company and placed in the same
ground. One year later, in 1901. it
was found that the seed of 1899 had
matured SO that some OF the bivalves
were fit for shipment, and a few were
distributed in the markets OF Seattle
and more were sent to California. At
once they came in favor, and the ex-
panding Of the beds was determined
upon. Success so far convinced the
promoters that their experiments
would be met with reward and that
the Eastern oyster business here
would prove source OF profit.
However, there was very little ship
ping in 1901, as at the end OF the first
two years the Toke points were hardly
large enough.
In 1901 nine carloads of seed were
received at Toke point and planted,
and during the past year the order was
increased to thirteen cars. Another
year, next spring. there will be double
the amount Of seed placed in the
Willapa harbor grounds by this and
other companies.
At Oysterville, which is adjacent to
Toke point, three years ago a company
planted few cars. This year other
parties acquired control OF these beds
and they have placed two cars OF seed
in them. The Samish fats have been
experimented with, and il has been
found that they are equally as good as
the other fields. Two cars have been
put in there. and at other points in
that same vicinity beds have been
started. From these latter there will
be few shipped this year. In fact,
some of the Oysterville product are in
the local market at the present time,
and are pronounced among the best
oysters obtainable. At present, how
ever. there have been no regular con-
signments from other than the Toke
beds, and not until another year will
there be any.
Yeaa by year the beds which have
been started are being expanded and
others are being started, so that in q
very short time there will be regular
supply OF Eastern cultivated oysters
from Puget Sound offered for sale at
the principal eating places Of the
country.
The primitive ways Of handling the
product which to the present have
prevailed arc being dispensed with
and money is being spent in dikes,
boats. grapplers and other necessaries
for the conduct OF the business on as
large scale as the demand will war.
rant.
ssed oysters are shipped here from
the beds along the Atlantic coast in
the spring of the year. They are very
small yearlings, not larger than the
nail on mans little finger. The diff
ferent growers in this section do not
buy at the same place. Therefore diff.
ferent varieties are secured, and the
rivalry of the future will be to see
which will have the best product. In
this connection those who are compe.
tent to speak say the north coat
growers will have q natural advantage
over the growers of either San Fran
cisco or the Atlantic coast, for the
reason that these waters contain some
substance matter which conveys
flavor not obtainable at any other
place in the United States, and which
adds materially to the worth of the
product.
Eastern oysters will never propagate
in Puget Sound waters is the opinion
OF all who are engaged in the business.
Therefore it will be necessary to look
to the Atlantic coast perpetually for
seed. Government experts have looked
into the reasons for non-progagation
here, aud they, with the growers, have
come to the conclusion that it is ow-
ing 10 the difference in the tempera.
ture OF the waters. Puget Sound wa
ters are colder than those about the
Atlantic beds by several degrees. Some
OF the growers have an idea that by
erecting water proof wall about the