The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1908-12-21
OYSTERS AND PEARLS.
Both scientifically and Successfully
Cultivated by the Japanese.

In the last few years a remarkable
new industry has developed in Japan.
In many parts of the immense coast
line Of the archipelago are found
pearl oysters Al some points they
abound in considerable quantities,
though not till recently have at
tempts been made to apply scientific
culture for their increased and sys-
tematic production. The fine pearls
from time to time obtained at length
stimulated regular enterprise in this
direction. The old fishery had dwin-
died down to insignifcance, when
experiments we're tried with such
brilliant success that large culture
grounds were organized. and now an
immense pearl oyster farm exists on
which millions of oysters are laid
down and a fine annual crop OF
pearls is being gathered.
On the eastern coast of the great
main island of the japanese archi-
pelago. Hondo, facing the vast Pa
cifio, are numerous deep bays. One
of these. the BAY of Ago. was fixed
on as unique in its adaptation for
the ostreous cultivation. This inlet
is a beautiful and picturesque section
of the coast. II IS broken up into
many irregular coves. where the
waters are quiet and every nook IL
sheltered from storms. Oysters here
multiply prodlgously, and all the
conditions are wonderfully favorable.
SO here an immense farm has been
established. II is very scientifically
managed. being divided into two
sections. one OF which is devoted TO
the young spat under 3 years of age.
the other TO the oysters over that
age.
During the springtime of the year
are made for the sum
mer breeding season by depositing
stones in the shallower reaches to
which the spat may attach Itself.
The baby oysters fasten themselves
with their byssus to the pebbles in
great numbers, increasing as the
breeding season proceeds, and the
shells are allowed to lie quiescent
IN, the beginning of winter. In
work begins afresh for
he culturist. who shift into depths
Of about ten feet the oysters that lie
m shallower waters near the shore.
The stones are removed together
with the shells. There is a special
need for this process. The winter
would Kill the little creatures In
slight depths. The oysters are now
eft 10 grow for three years without
A very curious technical operation
Is performed at the end of this
period OF three years Of repose and
growth. The young oysters are now
about three inches long. Each Is
taken up and a nucleus is carefully
ana skillfully inserted within the
bivalve. with equal care all are
placed in the depths again, about
four to every square foot of space.
For four more years the oysters are
permitted to enjoy life in the quiet
and beautiful BAY. and at the age
OF seven they are harvested for
pearls.
Il is not to be imagined that they
are free from foes. or that the pur-
suit of raising this remarkable crop
is without special difficulties. The
most formidable enemy of these
pearl oysters is the octopus, but
they also become the prey Of a
minute worm which corroies the
shell. On the coasts OF Japan
sponges are found in abundance. OF
coarse variety ana many an oyster
Is enve'oped by these parasites.
which fix their roots on the she, and
stifle the creature within.--Pall Mall
Gazette.
Most women are credulOug enough