The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-02-03
SOME PECULIARITIES OF THE
CONNECTICUT OYSTER INDUSTRY

There are certain peculiar conditions
connected with the growing Of oysters
in Connecticut waters. Originally
there was a moderate supply of oys-
tiers on the natural beds which seemed
to be sufficient for the small demand.
When an increased supply was neces-
sary the growers commenced the culti-
walton Of oysters on land secured un-
der the franchise law. This indus
try, which began little before 1880,
has continued with large increase in
developments, many vicissitudes, and
many remarkable successes until the
present day.
Originally the seed was grown and
the oysters were matured in Connecti-
cut waters. After a while, however,
it became evident, because of certain
unexpected experiences. that the oys-
tiers grew more satisfactorily and
reached a better condition for mar
ket il transferred to oyster grounds in
Rhode Island or on the Long Island
Shores. The violent storms and ac-
companying gales on the open Sound,
occasionally, caused great loss of
oysters. but the principal reasons for
the transfer to other grounds was, as
stated above. because of the appear
ance of a green color in the oysters.
This is supposed to be caused by
vegetable substance, although some
oystermen claim it is caused by the
contamination Of the waters by shore
industries. In any event, the green
appearance makes the oysters less de-
srabIe for market and forces the grow
ers to transfer them to other grounds
for maturing While 1t is not claim
ed that the green color makes the oys-
ters unhealthful, the trade will not
buy them. As one consumer said.
Don't send me another green oyster.
send me some ripe ones"
In addition, the transfer from one
locality to another seems to hasten
the development and to produce
more attractive oyster in every way
very large portion Of the cultivated
oyster grounds in Connecticut are US
ed for raising seed and for growing
oysters for two or three years prior
to transfer There are certain firms,
however, who have continued to leave
the oysters in Connecticut waters up
to the time of catching for opening
purposes. This happens at Stony
Creek, New Haven and possibly other
places west of those points where the
green color is not evident.
Further. the contamination of the
streams and harbors by sewage and
waste from factories has made it alb
solutely necessary to transfer oysters
from many beds to purer waters be-
fore they are opened. The Connecti-N
cut waters are very uncertain in pro-
ducing a set as compared with those
in some other states. and on some
parts OF the oyster grounds in this
State there has not been a set for
several years.
In spite, however. of the above un-
certainties 1t Is we'll known that seed
oysters from Connecticut grounds are
the most desirable of all in the esti-
nation of the scientific oyster growers.
4 l. 10
ferred to suitable waters, produces
the best oysters in size, appearance,
and taste, and they command good
price throughout the country. Prac-
tically all the celebrated Blue Point
oysters are grown from Connecticut
ed or shucked in this State are oys-
tiers that were originally started in
Connecticut waters. from Connecticut
seed. transferred to Long Island or
Rhode Island for q varying period Of
several months, and brought back
again to the Connecticut opening
houses to be shucked and shipped to
different parts of the country.
All the above facts should be TAX
en- into consideration in comparing
Connecticut conditions, both as to
production and revenue with those of
any other state
Comparison With Rhode Island
Considerable has been said in Con-
necticut public prints relative to the
oyster grounds of Connecticut as
compared with those of Rhode Island,
both in their productivity, and the rev.
enue derived therefrom. Investiga-
ton by this Board has convinced 1t
that the conditions in the two states
are quite different.
In Connecticut, there are 81 060 acres
which are cultivated and which vary
in value from $500 to $4,000 per acre.
OF these there are 4S9 acres assessed
per acre; 5,458 acres at $500; 1924
acres at $1,000; 7,434 acres at $500;
1861 acres at $1,000. There are also
38,679 acres of ground not cultivated
because Of mud or other reasons. The
Connecticut grounds vary greatly in
ton, nature Of the bottom, depth of
water, freedom from contamina ton,
and general productivity. Connecti-
cut has followed the policy of selling
a perpetual franchise on these oyster
grounds.
Rhode Island has not adopted the
policy Of selling franchises, but has
retained the ownership of all their oys-
ter grounds. and has leased certain Of
the same for a period not less than
five nor more than ten years, subject
to renewal at the expiration Of said
period. The total ground thus 1eas-
ed in Rhode Island under such condi-
tions January 1, 1910, was 16S14.7 acres.
For all such ground where the water
Is of the depth Of less than 12 feet
at average low water, the annual rem
tai is SO per acre. For all grounds
where the water is Of the depth of at
least IL feet, at the average at low
| water, the annual rental is not less
than $500 per acre. The leased
ground Is divided as follows: 5,561. g
| acres at $1,000 per acre, yielding an
annual rental Of $55,61O, and II 252s
acres that is leased at $500 per acre,
or an annual rental Of $56264, making
a total Of $111,883 per annum which
Rhode Island thus receives. Com
pared with the revenue from Connec-
ticut this is certainly large sum.
| Rhode Island is able to secure this