Survey of oyster bottoms in Matagorda bay, Texas

Congress from Texas, addressed to the Bureau of Fisheries a request that a survey of the oyster regions of that state be made for the purpose of determining their extent, condition, and the possibilities of their development and improvement.It being impossible with the Bureau's limited equipment and personnel to undertake a comprehensive examination of the extensive oyster-producing waters of the entire Texas coast, a work which would require several years, suggestion was made on February 15 that a specific locality be indicated and "that the proper state authorities make a formal request for this survey in order that the Bureau may know officially that the proposed work is agreeable to and desired by the state."Pursuant to this suggestion Hon. S. W. T. Lanham, governor of Texas, on March 14 made formal application for the survey, and in a letter dated May 14, in reply to a request of the Bureau, submitted correspondence definitely indicating Matagorda Bay as the most desirable region for the investigation.The steamer Fish Hawk was detailed to the work, with the requisite civilian assistants in addition

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