Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1906-11-02
FISH AND OYSTER NOTES

The long continued northeast spell has
seriously interfered with the oyster and
fishing industry at Chincoteague. High
tides almost put stop to the catching
OF CLAIMS and the taking up of oysters.
The shocking houses have opened, with
but little stock to handle.
The State Corporation Commission
has granted charter to the Chesapeake
Shellfish Corporation, Onancock. Will
liam Comrades, president; j. w. Curtis.
secretary and treasurer; w. r. Evans.
all of Onancock. Capital, $50. 900:
objects, to conduct general oyster,
fish, clam and crab business.
The Maryland and Virginia police and
Virginia inspectors on the Potomac are
keeping dredgers good" Of the Vir-
ginia navy the 'Rappahannock,'' Cap
tain Hudgins, is there permanently for
while The ''Accomac" made a f1yinp
trip there Friday and caught several
boats roughing and collected sl1O in
fines.
The Fish Commission will soon shin
to Virginia large consignment of
dream fish to be placed in Virginia
streams. The major part of the con-
signment will be used in STOCKING the
James, but other streams will also be
supplied. The dream fish is very valu-
able for food. 1t much resembles the
"sun-perch, also called the ''sun-fish"
and the ''tobacco-box.
Virginia has law demanding that
oysters must be at least three inches
long before they are taken from their
beds This prompts the belief that the
bivaives we see marketed in Savan-
nah are pulled before they are ripe.
Wouldn't similar legislation in Georgia
help the industry and at the same time
give the consumers bigger, fatter and
more juicy oysters? Savannah (Ga.O
News.
Fishing with hook and line was never
better in Potomac creek, a tributary of
the Potomac river, ten miles from this
city, than this fall. Fishing parties go
from this city nearly every day to these
waters, returning in the evening well
supplied with splendid specimens of
black bass. Wild ducks are also plenti-
full, and many persons are now ENJOYING
squirrel hunting. Fredericksburg Free
Lance.
A York river oyster planter says that
because of the excessive rainfall dur
ing the summer much of the Young
growth that is due to come to market
this year from York river and Mobiack
Bay has not grown as it should have
done, and will not be ready to be
caught until next season-one wear late
Reports from the Potomac and the Pa
tuxent river oyster counties are equally
puzzling, and Baltimore packers con-
TESS that they are totally in the dark in
regard to the outlook.
Police steamer Accom- &C went up the
Potomac last Friday when she was
supposed to be in other waters and five
pirates were caught red-handed. The
men were engaged in dredging and,
being caught in the act, they could make
no defense They were given the choice
of paying their fines or being forced 70
pay larger fine and the costs before a
magistrate and wisely concluded to nav
up without fight. The total amount
collected as result of the raid was
$1,000.
The oystermen are shorthanded and
those who were fortunate in getting
men have to pay from $25 to S35 per
month and board, which, with loss of
time on account of failure or excess of
breeze, rains, etc., it is a very preca-
rious business. Some have double
crews and work smaller boats. Oysters
are fairly plentiful, but if culled to the
requirements of the law, selling even
as they are here at 40 to SO cents per
bushel, will not make a profitable sea-
son. Weather conditions have also re-
quired full rig of oilskins, hats and
gum boots.
Hope is a dream of the waking
man." Let this tonic, brother OYSTER
man, enter into all your plans for this
season, but note that it is the dream
OF a man, who is wide awake. You
will make no advance in business this
season unless you keep your eyes omen.
A sleepy man has no business in the
oyster trade this day. Yes, you must
have both eyes open if you get there
with both feet this year. Remember
that even the Almighty can not. or
'ather Will not, use discouraged man.
II your stock is not just up at the
opening of the season let the hope DOS
'ess you that before this season closes
7ou will get your crop to market at a
rood price. There are whispers that in
certain localities the stock is not so
'ood at this writing, but in few weeks
nder the good hand of God your stock
nay be IN the finest form. Let us hope 2
o. The Oysterman" wishes every I
ROVER and dealer capital season and {
ne blessing of God. The Oysterman.
Never before in my life have seen
UGH scarcity of OYSTERS said Cant
" c. Aherron, one of the LARGEST
ar NnrfcIlr s1As