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Approved for Publication, March 15, 1890. Bulletins are issued by the Survey from time to time as material for them accumulates. They are intended to give early announcement of work accomplished or information of importance obtained, and will in many cases anticipate the usual means of publication afforded by the Annual Reports. The pages will be numbered consecutively, and will be indexed when their number demands it, thus augmenting their value for preservation and reference. ——ON THE—— SOUNDS AND ESTUARIES OF GEORGIA, WITH REFERENCE TO OYSTER CULTURE. A report by J. C. DRAKE, Ensign U. S. Navy, Assistant, U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, a9? 4 Commanding Schooner ‘‘ Ready.” 1889-1890. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1891. Zz 77) = —f (S st oO Za . cyte $i o DS ied 4 a! SEES (ATS? Aatae selokee Meta vB ANNEUM ET, wT nO TRON ENan' MoOVNIAY UNITED STATES COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY. T. C. MENDENHALL, Superintendent. BULLETIN No. 19. Approved for Publication, March 15, 1890. Bulletins are issued by the Survey from time to time as material for them accumulates. They are intended to give early announcement of work accomplished or information of importance obtained, and will in many cases anticipate the usual means of publication afforded by the Annual Reports. The pages will be numbered consecu- tively, and will be indexed when their number demands it, thus augmenting their value for preservation and reference. ON THE SOUNDS AND ESTUARIES OF GEORGIA WITH REFERENCE TO ag = NOYSTER CULTURE, A report by J: C.{ Drake, Ensign U. S. Navy, Assistant, U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, Witces Commanding Schooner “ Ready.” 1889-1890. PREFACE. In 1889, while the legislature of Georgia was making an effort to frame a law for the development of the Oyster Industry in her waters, it was found that the information as to the capabilities in that direction was very incomplete. Consequently, in September, 1889, a resolution was passed by the legislature of that State requiring the Governor to make application to the Federal Government for assistance in col- lecting information destined to assist the State authorities in framing judicious laws. The request was made early in September, 1889, and referred to the Superintendent of the Coast and Geodetic Survey, Dr. T. C. Mendenhall. On September 13, 1889, the Superintendent of the Coast Survey issued instructions direct- ing me to assume command of the schooner “ Ready,” than at Charleston, S. C., and to pro- ceed to the coast of Georgia and make such hydrographic surveys and examinations as might be required in connection with the investigation of the oyster beds by the authorities of the State of Georgia. On September 23, 1889, the “Ready” was placed in commission, and, with a small hydro- graphic party on board, arrived at the mouth of the Savannah River, October 2, 1889, where active field work commenced. The general plan of work adopted by the chief of the party was to carry the investigations from the Savannah River southward to the Florida line. The appropriation available for the prosecution of this work was small, and the time limited to five months, so that at the outset it was discovered that the examinations could not be made as minute and comprehensive as was desirable. The experience of the chief of the party in this special work, and his information on the subject consisted: (1) in the knowledge he had gained while assisting Lieutenant Francis 4076——1 (179) Division of Molhzz:s Sactional Library 180 Winslow, U.S. N., in a similar work for the State of North Carolina, covering a period of three years; (2) in a personal inspection of the larger oyster farms in Connecticut, and from conversations with the oyster planters; and (3) in the information gathered from reading the _ reports of the Shell Fish Commissioners of New York and Connecticut, the articles by Prof. John A. Ryder, of the U.S. Fish Commission, and by Prof. W. K. Brooks, of Johns Hopkins University. As assistants in this work, I was enabled to secure the services of two of my associates in the North Carolina survey—namely, Mr. John D. Battle and Mr. W. F. Hill, and also those of Mr. W. N. King, jr., a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. Mr. Battle and Mr. King assisted with the field work, while Mr. Hill was principally occupied with the office work, plotting,and drafting. It gives me pleasure to testify here to the abilities, zeal, and good judgment displayed by these gentlemen. The labors of the party have been lessened and rendered more agreeable by the cordial assistance of the people living along and near the section in which the investigation has been prosecuted. Thenative oysterman, the tonger, and the packer, as wellas the most prominent men, have afforded assistance and extended courtesies which are gratefully appreciated. An enthusiastic interest was manifested by Dr. A. Oemler, of Savannah, Ga., an authority on the biology and propagation of the oyster, through whose efforts I was enabled in many ways to expedite the survey. Upon the approval of the Mayor, the health officer of Savannah, Dr. W. F. Brunner, placed a naphtha launch at our disposal, by which we were enabled to double the field working force. Not less than 1,500 miles of sounding lines were made in this launch alone. While the following report should be regarded as incomplete, and by no means exhaust- ive, still it is believed that the statistics gathered will be sufficient to point out to the State authorities what further legislation is desired in order to encourage the oyster industry. METHODS. The locations of the oyster beds in the mouth of the Savannah River were accomplished by the application of the methods of ordinary hydrographic surveying. That is to say, a sufficient number of the old triangulation stations having been recovered in the vicinity and signals erected thereon, the position of the sounding boat at any time was obtained by measur- ing with a sextant the angles subtended by three or more of these known signals. Moving southward from the Savannah River, it was soon discovered that it would be impracticable to continue this method of locating positions and make sufficient progress to enable the party to examine the entire area within the allotted time. Very few of the old triangulation stations could be recovered, and to establish new ones would require carrying the triangulation southward from the stations near the Savannah River as a base. At the village of Thunderbolt, the oyster depot for Savannah, I was enabled to consult the most intelligent local oystermen, whose information, coupled with a personal reconnoissance of the surrounding waters, indicated to me that nearly all the natural beds lay along the borders of the marshes and on the slopes of the banks, and that almost invariably a portion of the natural growth was visible above low water. Thus having learned in general terms the localities to be carefully examined, an inspection of the Coast Survey Charts showed that, with observers trained in marine surveying, any position desired could be indicated on the charts to within a few yards, and with sufficient exactness to answer all the requirements of this survey. The narrow streams with their numerous and well-defined lines and curves, the minute topography, showing the innumerable small drains, the character of the marshes, clumps of shrubs, hummocks, Indian mounds, all served as marks by which to plot approxi- mately the results of the survey. Thus, on a boat running between known topographical points, an experienced seaman was continuously at work feeling the bottom with a pole, and the observer indicated graphi- cally on a Coast Survey Chart (scales of gp$o9 and gotoa) Spread out ona board before him, the characteristic soundings obtained. The observer would also make notes as to the 181 appearance of the water, the condition of the natural growth, sediment or deposit, or washing away of any parts of the shore lines, etc. Whenever the depth of water exceeded twenty-five feet, recourse was had to the hand-lead, and occasionally, as a means of checking, the lead and pole were kept going simultaneously. Having previously learned from the local oystermen and fishermen the general locality of those natural oyster beds which have been resorted to by the public, and with the methods of the survey modified, as above described, the examinations were continued southward to the Florida line. The weather was remarkably favorable for field observations until February, when it became foggy and rainy. I shall have occasion to refer again to the effects of the unusually dry season on the conclusions to be deduced from the observed specimens of the specific gravity of the water. It was anticipated that the rainy season would set in sufficiently early to admit of arapid series of density observations to be taken, for comparison, over the entire ground, as the vessel returned to Savannah, but such, unfortunately, was not the case. The field work closed February 28, 1890. The total expenditure to accomplish this work on account of the Coast and Geodetic Survey was $368.21. LIMITS OF THE AREA EXAMINED. The area which it was desired to examine includes all the waters under the jurisdiction of the State of Georgia in which oysters are found growing naturally, and in which it might be considered practicable to make them grow by planting or other artificial means. This area is composed of estuaries, sounds, and mouths of rivers along the coast of the State. Included between the latitude of 32° 03’ north and 30° 43’ north, and having a general direction of S. S. W., it is bounded on the north by the Savannah River, and on the south by the middle line of the St. Mary’s, and includes all the islands lying within the former. For the most part it consists of a network of tortuous rivers, creeks, and lagoons, connecting with each other and surrounding low and uninhabitable marsh lands. These marsh lands have a nearly horizontal surface whose height is about the plane of mean low water. On the illustrations (7 in number) which accompany this report, are graphically shown the location, limits, and area of the natural oyster beds, andthe specific gravity of the water reduced to a temperature of 60° Fahrenheit, that of distilled water being represented by 1.0000. The specific gravities are indicated in red figures, and when more than one specimen of water was taken at the same point, the mean of all the observations has been plotted, and the number of the specimens is indicated in blue figures in parentheses, following the red figures. In addition to the speci- mens taken by the sounding-boats while in the field, specimens were also taken every four hours, day and night, from the ship’s anchorage. ‘There are also indicated in black, lines 1,000 feet from shore, inside of which, under the present State law, one person can lease five acres only, while beyond he may lease five hundred acres. These projections are nothing more than Coast Survey Charts Nos. 440, 441, 443, 444, 446, 447, and 448, but they were made from dry proof plates on heavy drawing-paper. Nos. 441 and 444 are on a scale of z5t,;, the remaining ones being z4g5. It is believed the information collected can be better under- stood by a study of these projection-charts, so-called, showing, as they do, the characteristic depths of water bottom and the topography of the adjacent lands, than by having it plotted on original projections. In the following detailed descriptions the area examined divides itself naturally into the numerous sounds, estuaries, rivers, and creeks, nearly all of which have names, as can be seen from an inspection of the Coast Survey Charts Nos. 156 and 157. DESCRIPTION OF AREAS EXAMINED. Some general statements may be made here in order to avoid a monotonous repetition of certain facts for each locality. 182 Over the entire area examined it was found that the currents were nearly uniform, and were produced by the tides. In the fresh-water rivers, the Savannah, Ogeechee, Altamaha, and Satilla, the velocity of the current on the ebb was of course augmented, while that on the flood wasretarded. Wherever the vessel was anchored, current observations were taken, and for any particular place it was noticeable that the strongest current (greatest velocity) occurred when the flood had run about four hours, or two-thirds high water; and similarly the strongest ebb took place after the water had been falling about two hours. All the current observations were made on the surface of the water. It is believed that the currents, ranging, as they do, from 1 to 2 knots per hour, present the most favorable features for the successful and rapid growth of oysters that can be claimed for the waters examined. For the purposes of this report the rise and fall of the tides may be regarded as uniform for the entire area. For the most part, the mean rise and fall is seven feet, and the deviation from this is unimportant. In regard to the deposits, it may be said that a certain amount of mud is brought out of the adjacent marshes on every tide, but during the spring tides the greatest amount of deposit takes place, and during this time the entire river in some places was very muddy. This almost universal deposit of mud in the waters examined is considered the greatest obstacle to the successful propagation of oysters. It is particularly a disadvantage in the spawning season, when the planter deposits the shells or cultch to get a set. Hence, it would be well to note the time of spring tides in the spawning season, and shell the ground directly after this time. The temperature of the water does not change rapidly on the coast of Georgia, and there is no marked difference in the temperature of the northern and southern parts of the State, although there is a difference of about 1oo miles in latitude. ; As a rule the oysters are not fat until late in December or early in January, which is prob- ably due to the length of the warm seasons, and, in some localities, to the absence of rains. The past winter was known as a very dry season—far more so than the average, and was also a very warm winter. Hence we heard the native oystermen complain that the oysters were unusually poor and unfit for market until January and February. Savannah River.—The Savannah River being a well-known and an important commercial stream, scarcely requires for the purposes of this report a hydrographic description. By reason of the large volume of fresh water, oysters are only found in this river near its mouth, where they are kept alive by the influence of the flood tide. Thetwo principal beds examined were those on the Tybee Knoll Spit, and those on the shoal known as the Oyster Bed. The oysters are generally poor in quality, and small and well covered with barnacles. Part of them ebb out at low water, while the other part extend into the water for a depth of 20 feet and less. The bottom is more or less shifting, and also shows that deposits are constantly taking place. In a few instances the sounding pole, after probing through a foot or more of surface stratum on the Tybee Knoll Spit, came into a substratum of dead shells. On St. Michael’s Shoal, and to the northward and westward of it, are found scattering beds of oysters more or less killed by the deposits and the effects of freshets in the rivers. These beds were not surveyed, and are therefore not indicated on the illustration. Samples of the oysters, however, showed them to be superior in size and shape to those on the surveyed beds. But sufficient information was collected to show that it was not advisable to undertake the cultivation of oysters in any part of the Savannah river, unless possibly at or near the mouth of Lazaretto Creek. The improvements to deepen the channel for navigation purposes also render an attempt to cultivate oysters in this river unadvisable. Specific gravity—While making the soundings in this river the vessel was anchored one and a half miles east of Fort Pulaski, in the Tybee Roads, where the average specific gravity, from twenty-nine observations taken every four hours, was 1.0146. The greatest density was 1.0211, and the lowest 1.0084. At low water on the Oyster Bed Shoal it was 1.0090. 185 The currents are strong, and are produced by the tides combined with the outflow of the river, and influenced to some extent by the force and direction of the wind. The mean rise and fall of the tide at the mouth of the Savannah River is about 7 feet. The area of natural oyster beds at the mouth of the Savannah River is about 80 acres, but of this area at least one- half will be found to be dead shells. Wassaw Sound—This sound lies between Tybee Island on the north, and Wassaw Island on the south. It is 2 miles in width at its mouth, and only extends that distance inland to Cabbage Island. With the exception of the deep channel leading into Tybee River on the north, and the Wilmington River on the south, it is for the most part very shoal, and the bot- tom is generally shifting sand. The adjacent shores are nearly all marshy, and along Cabbage Island shore there isa narrow streak of the so-called raccoon oysters and many dead shells. No part of this sound is suitable for oyster cultivation. Besides being exposed to the heavy seas, the shoal water, and the shifting bottom, the water itself is entirely too salt. The currents are those produced by the rise and fall of the tides, which are augmented by the northeast winds. Tybee River.—Tybee River is about 7 miles in length, and is formed by the junction of St. Augustine Creek and Turner’s Creek. It enters Wassaw Sound on its northern side, has a general direction of north for the first three miles from its mouth, and an average width of one-fourth of a mile. It separates Tybee Island on the east from Wilmington Island on the west, bending to the northwestward, and narrowing to about one-eighth of a mile; it then separates Wilmington Island from McQueen’sIsland. The depth of the water over the major part ranges from 20 to 4o feet. The bottom is for the most part soft mud, but in the deepest part of the stream, and where the current is strongest, it is sticky and sometimes hard. Scattered along the borders of the marshes, and partly above low water, the total area of oysters in this river is 39 acres. Atone point only do they extend across the stream, and are there found in water as deep as 30 feet. All the beds are, however, nearly depleted from excess- ive fishing. ‘The specific gravity of the water at the mouth is 1.0196; at the head it is 1.0132. A heavy overflow from the Savannah River would make the upper half of this river too fresh for safety in oyster cultivation. Otherwise, by improving the bottom, it is practicable to bring nearly all of this river into oyster grounds. There is more or less mud deposit all over it, but it is believed that only at marked places, as eddies and shoals, is the sediment so great as to prevent at least the growth of planted oysters. The total area is 900 acres; that beyond 1,000 feet from the shore, 28 acres. Lazaretio Creek—This is a narrow, winding stream, averaging not more than roo yardsin width. It is atributary to the Tybee River, and is about 5 miles in length. It flows through the marsh between Tybee and McQueen’s islands, and enters Savannah River just south of Cockspur Island. The depth of water ranges from 7 to 20 feet. The bottom is generally of very soft mud except in places of very small area, where it is sticky, and where may be found ~ a few scattering oysters of a very superior quality both in shape and flavor. ‘These beds, how- ever, have been nearly destroyed by excessive fishing. Lazaretto Creek receives the bulk of its waters from Tybee River, and during the first part of the ebb the water flows out both in the Savannah River and in Tybee River, while in the last of the ebb the water from the Savannah River enters the creek, thus possibly accounting for the superior flavor of the oysters. found in this creek and its tributary called Oyster Creek. Specific gravity—The specific gravity of the water in Lazaretto Creek is 1.0204 at its Tybee River mouth at low water, and 1.0118 at its Savannah River mouth at one-half flood tide. The total area of the creek is 250 acres. Area of natural oyster beds, 1g acres. Oyster Creek is a small winding stream, about 100 yards in width, which enters Lazaretto Creek about one mile from Tybee River. It is 3 miles in length and trends westward, then northward and westward in the marshes of McQueen’s Island. The depth of water ranges from 7 to 25 feet for the first mile, after which it widens somewhat and becomes ashoal. The bottom is variable, but more favorable for oyster cultivation than Lazaretto Creek. Soft mud ae) Ose ee 184 prevails, but there is more or less of sand near the mouth, and hard mud and sticky bottom near the head. Very few oysters are now found in this creek, but they are of a fine quality. There are a few scattered oysters and dead shells over the upper half of the creek, but they have not been considered thick enough to be indicated on the chart. There is every indica- tion here that excessive fishing has almost depleted a once valuable bed of oysters. An over- flow from the Savannah River for any length of time would endanger the lives of oysters in this creek. Otherwiseit presents many very favorable features for oyster culture. The total area is 180 acres. Area of natural oyster beds, 2 acres. Shad River.—This narrow and winding stream connects with Tybee River about four miles from its mouth, trends southward and eastward through the marshes of Wilmington Island, divides into two branches, and joins again about one-half mile before re-connecting with Tybee River, about 2 miles from its mouth. It is about 4 miles in length, and averages about 150 yards in width. The bottom is generally soft mud, but contains spots of sand and sticky bottom, particularly toward the northern end. The depth of water ranges from 6 to 25 feet. Very few oysters were found except those which were planted near the northern end by Dr. A. Oemler, specimens of which proved the ground to be very desirable for oyster propagation. Specific gravity—Through the kindness of Dr. Oemler, who resides one-half mile from the northern end of Shad River, I was enabled to get aseries of density observations at that point. Three specimens of water were taken daily, with few exceptions, at 8 A. M., noon, and 4 P.M. These observations, 192 in number, were commenced on the 12th of October, 1889, and ended on the 6th of December, 1889. The mean of all the observations is 1.0163; the lowest observed is 1.0102, and the highest, 1.0208. From a study of these observations it will be seen that the change of density is not large, and is dependent upon the tide, the flood increasing and the ebb decreasing the density. It will aiso be observed that the force and direction of the wind modify somewhat the density, the easterly wind increasing: and the westerly wind decreasing it. So far as concerns the specific gravity of the water with reference to oyster culture, the conditions of Shad River leave nothing more to be desired. Again, it would not be very expensive to regulate the amount of fresh water entering Shad River from Tybee River. The flavor of the oysters grown in this vicinity is highly spoken of in Savannah, where a ready market is found for them. The total area of Shad River is 350 acres. Wilmington River—This River enters Wassaw Sound at its southern and western side. For the first 8 miles it has a general northwest direction to the village of Thunderbolt, which is the oyster depot of Savannah. For the first 5 miles it lies between Wilmington Island on the north and east, and Skiddaway Island on the south and west, and has an average width of half a mile. It then narrows to one-fourth of a mile, running about 3 miles with this width to Thunderbolt. Beyond this, connecting with the Savannah River, it is too fresh for the propagation of oysters. The depth of water for the greater part of this river lies between 20 and 4o feet. The bottom is variable, there being several long strips of soft mud where deposits are constantly taking place. These are particularly noticeable in the shoal waters and near the marsh. Above the three small islands called The Sisters, the bottom is generally soft mud, but the deepest part of the channelis a little sticky. Below The Sisters, and in the water deeper than r2 feet, as a rule, it will be found to be hard bottom, some sticky mud and some sand with mud; also toward the mouth some hard sand. More or less mud is brought out of the marshes by the first of the ebb, and is deposited in the river, particularly at eddies and at shoal turns in the river. Along the wooded portions of Wilmington Island the left bank is washing away, and hence oysters should not be planted very near this shore. A few natural beds were found in this river, principally between Thunderbolt and Turner’s Rock, but they are of no consequence, having been about exterminated by excessive fishing, being so near the oyster market. It is believed that oysters can be grown successfully in the major portion of this river, especially in the deep and harder bottom from Turner’s Rock to the mouth. 185 The specific gravity varies considerably according to the state of the tide, and is modified somewhat by the freshets in the Savannah River. In October, at ‘Thunderbolt, the mean of forty-two specimens, taken every 4 hours, was 1.0140, the maximum 1.0149, and the minimum 1.0074. At low water, near the mouth of Herb River, it was 1.0096; at high water 1.0134; at Turner’s Rock the mean of two specimens was 1.0167. At The Sisters the mean of nine specimens was 1.0189. At high water, 1 mile below The Sisters, it was 1.0173, and 2 miles below it was 1.0208. Near the mouth of the river the mean of six specimens was 1.o212. The maximum was 1.0271, the minimum being 1.0188. The mean rise and fall of the tide in this river was about 8 feet, being a few inches higher above Turner’s Rock, and a few inches lower below it. At Thunderbolt the strongest current observed was 1.3 knots per hour. The total area from Thunderbolt to the mouth is 2,116 acres; that beyond 1,000 feet from the shore, 460 acres. Area of natural oyster beds, 8 acres. Herb River —This is a tributary of the Wilmington River, which it enters about 1 mile below Thunderbolt. From its mouth it leads through marshes in a general southwesterly direction, and separates Dutch Island on the east from the main land on the west. It is about 4 miles long, and averages about two hundred yards in width. The depth of water for the greater part ranges from 8 to 20 feet. The bottom is variable, but the greater part is mud. Near the left shore there is hard mud, and in some places there is sticky mud with occasional sand. There is very little shifting bottom near the right bank. In places of small area con- siderable deposits of mud are going on, and dead shells are found beneath the mud. Specific gravity—The specific gravity at low water at the mouth was r.o119. Two miles above the mouth, at one-half flood, 1.0123. The areaof the first three milesis 160 acres. Area of natural oyster beds 11 acres, the greater part being about depleted by fishing. This stream has some very favorable natural advantages for the cultivation of oysters. Itis only indirectly affected by the freshets in the Savannah River, receiving sufficient fresh water to make the oysters fat in the winter, and sufficient salt water, with the flood tides, to give them a good flavor. ; Skiddaway River is a tributary of the Wilmington River, into which it flows nearly opposite Turner’s Rock. It leads through marshes in a southwesterly direction, separating Skiddaway Island on the east from Dutch Island, and the Isle of Hope on the west. For the first 3 miles it averages about one-fourth of a mile in width. It then narrows and divides into two branches, after which it is called Isle of Hope River. For the most part the depth of water ranges from 12 to 25 feet. The character of the bottom is soft mud, with an occasional small area of hard and sticky mud and sand. _ Specific gravity—The specific gravity at the mouth at one-third tide was 1.0167. Two miles above the mouth at low water, 1.0144. The total area from Isle of Hope to the mouth Was 450 acres; area of natural oyster beds 12 acres. The oysters found in this river were small and scattering, and there were many deadshellsamong them. Itis believed that oysters can be profitably grown inthe deeper water of this river, especially in the channel, where the current is strong and the deposit least. Grimball’s Creek—This is a small tributary of Skiddaway River, which it enters on its western side about 2 miles above its mouth,separating Dutch Island from the Isle of Hope. It is only about 1 mile in length, and averages about 100 yards in width. The depth of water ranges from 2 to 6 feet. The bottom is soft mud, but not too soft to prevent planted oysters from growing. Thetotal area of thecreek is 54 acres. Areaof natural oyster beds, 3 acres. This creek is only adapted, by reason of its shoal water, to the cultivation of oysters by the use of tongs. : Half Moon River flows into the Wassaw Sound through the marshes of Wilmington Island, just south of the mouth of Tybee River. It averages about 400 yards in width for the first mile, when it narrows and extends through the marshes north and west to the wooded portions of Wilmington Island. It is shoal, ranging from 3 to 10 feet, and the bottom is soft mud and } } | | | | 186 generally unfit for the cultivation of oysters. The specific gravity at the mouth, at one-half flood, was 1.0196. The total area of the river is 360 acres. Area of natural oyster beds 7.5 acres. Tybee Cut is a small shoal stream separating Cabbage Island on the south from Wilming- ton Island on the north. The bottom is too soft for the cultivation of oysters. At the mouth entering Wilmington River the specific gravity at low water was 1.0195; at high water, 1 mile above the mouth, 1.0124. Total area is 145 acres. Area of natural oyster beds, ro acres. Turner's Creek is a narrow, winding stream, separating Wilmington Island on the south from White Marsh Island on the north. Itis about 4 miles in length, and about two hundred yards in width, and is the connecting link between Tybee River and Wilmington River. A few oysters of a poor quality were found in this river, but the water is too fresh, or liable to become so, to admit of oyster cultivation. The bottom is soft mud with an occasional spit of hard sand. The total area of the creek is 192 acres. Area of natural oyster beds, 10 acres. Tybee Creek and Little Tybee Creek are two small streams which flow through the wooded hummocks of Tybee Island intothe sea. They were not examined, being of little commercial importance, as their mouths are obstructed by shoals with but 2 or 3 feet at low water. I was informed that a few oysters of a fair quality could be found in places along their shores. Romerly Marsh Creek comes into Wassaw Sound near the mouth of Wilmington River. For the first two miles it extends west, and is about four hundred yards wide, and the depth of water ranges from 12 to 30 feet. Beyond this it narrows and divides into several small, tortuous, and shoal streams, containing here and there a small natural bed of oysters of inferior quality. The bottom is soft and generally unfit for oyster cultivation, the water being also very salt. The total area of this creek, with its small tributaries, isz50 acres. Areaof natural oyster beds, 10 acres. The specific gravity at its mouth, at three-fourths flood, was 1.0228; 2 miles above the mouth, at two-thirds flood, 1.0222. Odingsell River begins in the Romerly marshes and flows nearly south for about 3 miles, where it empties into Ossabaw Sound. It separates Wassaw Island from Little Wassaw Island, and averages about one-eighth of a mile in width. The depth of water ranges from 13 to 4o feet. The bottom is generally soft mud, with an occasional sticky spot and streaks of sand and mud. The water in this river is very salt, the specific gravity at the head being 1.0224 at low water. A greater portion of this river may be made available for oyster cultivation. It has a total area of 350 acres, including Rhodes and Curtis creeks. The area of natural oyster beds is 34.5 acres. On the natural beds there are more dead shells than oysters, and the latter are very small owing to excessive fishing. In Rhodes and Curtis creeks the bottom will generally be found to be soft mud. Wassaw Creek enters Odingsell River on the east side near its mouth. It is about 4 miles in length and from 1o to 20 feet deep, but only averages 100 yardsin width. For the first mile it has along each shore a narrow strip of natural oyster beds, the quality being inferior and the beds containing many dead shells. Thebottom is soft,except at a few points near the shore, and generally unfit for the cultivation of oysters. The specific gravity 1 mile above the mouth at low water was 1.0232. Total area of creek, 130 acres. Area of natural oyster beds, 17 acres. Adams Creek comes into Ossabaw Sound to the westward of Little Wassaw Island, which it separates from Skiddaway Island. It is about 4 miles long, connects with Odingsell River, has a general southwest direction, and averages about 10 yards wide. The depth of water ranges from 6 to 25 feet, and the bottom is soft mud, except near the shore in places where sand and mud and sticky bottom is found, and which is the only area here fit for the cultivation of oysters. Total area of the creek is 256 acres. Area of natural oyster beds, 8 acres. The specific gravity 2 miles above the mouth, at one-third flood, was 1.0234. At the junction with the Odingsell River, at half flood, it was 1.0239. 187 Delegal Creek joins Vernon River near its mouth on the east side, and separates Green Island from Skiddaway Island. It is about 3 miles long, averages about 200 yards in width, and ranges from 4 to 20 feet in depth. The character of the bottom near and along the shore is sand and mud, and is suitable for oyster cultivation, while in the middle of the stream it is generally soft mud. The specific gravity of the water 3 miles above the mouth was 1.0208. One mile above the mouth 1.0212. The oysters, which are scattered along the shore and partly ebb out at low water, are small, from excessive fishing, and poor, possibly from not receiving enough fresh water. The total area of the creek is 246 acres. Area of natural oyster beds is 22.5 acres. Vernon River enters Ossabaw Sound to the northward of Raccoon Key. It has a general northwest direction, andis about 9 milesinlength. For the first 3 miles itis about five-eighths of a mile in width, then it narrows to three-eighths and to one-fourth of a mile. For the most part the depth ranges from 20 to 4o feet. The character of the bottom varies, according to the location, from very soft mud to hard sand. Above the mouth of Burnside River the bottom is generally very soft and unsuitable for oyster cultivation. Below this, however, and in the chan- nel and deeper portions, the bottom becomes sticky and sometimes hard. There is also a marl formation opposite the mouth of Little Ogeechee River, which extends more or less to the mouth of the Vernon River. With the exception of a heavily-wooded hummock, knownas Green Island, the Vernon River flows entirely through marsh as far as Beaulieu, and must, therefore, contain a large amount of mud brought out of the marshes on the spring tides. Through the kindness of Mr. H. J. Lewis, of Stratford, Conn., Iwas enabled to make several hauls with a steam oyster dredge in the Vernon River and in the mouth of the Ogeechee River. In the Vernon River, opposite Hell-Gate, the dredge brought up a quantity of dead oyster shells, most of them being very old and large. In the mud and marl also brought up in the dredge, were found three or four drills, but none of the oyster shells indicated that the drills had been the cause of the destruction of the oysters. A considerable amount of brown sponge was found attached to the shells. Several hauls were also made along the shore over the strip of natural oyster beds, and no star-fish were found, although the water in this vicinity is very salt. The oysters were of inferior quality, and there were many dead shells. The average specific gravity at Montgomery, from 151 specimens, was 1.0204; the maximum 1.0224; the minimum 1.0184. The change of density of this river being due to local rains, the above record of densities may be regarded as the highest, or containing the largest amount of salt that may be anticipated in this river. A prolonged local rain would make it extremely doubtful as to oysters living above White Bluff, and for cultivation it is recommended to go no higher than Montgomery and no lower than Hell-Gate. The current due to the tide is strong. A series of observations at Beaulieu showed the maximum to be two knots per hour on the service. The total area from Montgomery to the mouth is 1,728 acres; area beyond 1,000 feet from the shore, 1,080 acres. Area of natural oyster beds, 20 acres. Burnside River is a tributary of Vernon River, coming into it on the northeastern side of Skiddaway Island. It is about one-fourth mile wide, and extends eastward about 2% miles, when it divides, the principal branch taking the name of Back River. The depth of water ranges for the most part between 8 and 30 feet. The bottom is variable, soft mud prevailing, but it is believed that at least one-half of the area is suitable for oyster culture. There is some deposit going on adjacent to the marshes on the northern side, and also for a short distance on the shoal water on the south side, parti- cularly near the mouth of the river. In February, 1889, about 4,000 bushels of oysters were planted near the shore in Burnside ‘River, adjacent to the wooded portion of Skiddaway Island. These oysters came from Bradley’s Creek, near Ossabaw Sound, and Walburg’s Creek, near St. Catherine’s Sound. They were planted in water from 2z to ro feet at low tide, and the character of the bottom was part hard sand with dead shells, hard and tenacious mud, and soft mud. It was also found 4076——2 ee SO -188 that a marked deposit was taking place at one point where the oysters were planted. The maximum current over the entire strip is about one knot per hour. In February, 1890, one yearafter planting, I made a haul with a steam dredge over the different parts of the bed. It was found that the oysters had grown rapidly, and in one more year would be marketable. In only one spot had they been killed, and that was where they had been covered with the soft mud deposit. No young from last summer’s spawning were observed, hence the oysters must have been covered with mud before the spawning season. While all the samples examined showed a healthy and superior oyster, yet the ones from the hard mud bottom were the fattest. , In the mud brought up from these hauls were found about half a dozen drills, and there was quite an abundance of the brown sponge which had grown on these oysters since they had been planted. There were no positive indications that the oysters had been killed from any other cause than the heavy mud deposit. The specific gravity here at one-half flood was 1.0176; at the mouth of the river, 1.0194. The total area is 302 acres. Area of natural oyster beds, 10.5 acres. Back River, an extension of Burnside River, trends northward and westward for about 4 miles, dividing into small streams and terminating in the marsh. The first 2 miles, the only part suitable for oyster culture, is about 400 yards wide, and ranges from 3 to 12 feetin depth. The bottom is sticky for the most part, the deepest portion being little soft mud, while the shoal is sand, with here and there sand with mud. Altogether Back River may be regarded as favorable for oyster culture, both in the char- acter of the bottom and the density of the water, the principal objection being the depth of water, limiting the greater portion to cultivation by tongs instead of steamers; and also a liability in case of heavy storms, by reason of the shoal water, to shifting bottom. Oysters have been planted in this river near the shore and gave a rapid growth. The specific gravity was, at one-half flood, 1.0179. The total area is 224 acres. Area of oyster beds, 7 acres. Little Ogeechee River joins the Vernon River about 3 miles above its mouth and opposite Green Island. Extending westward it is about three-eighths of a mile in width for the first 2 miles, when it is obstructed by three marshy islands and shoals, beyond which the bottom is unfit for the cultivation of oysters. Of the above area the greater part has a depth ranging between 12 and 30 feet. The bottom is sand in the shoal parts, and is partly shifting. In the deeper water the bottom is hard mud and marl, and well adapted to oyster culture. At low water, at the mouth, the specific gravity was 1.0199; two miles above the mouth, at one-half flood, 1.0193. The area to the marsh islands is 420 acres; area beyond 1,000 feet, 120 acres; area of natural oyster beds, 7 acres. Little Ogeechee River extends inland for about 25 miles, and during the heavy rains a large volume of fresh water is brought down, thus endangering the lives of oysters, at least above the area above described. : Ossabaw Sound lies between Wassaw Island on the north and Ossabaw Island on the south, the distance across the mouth being about 3% miles. It extends inland only 2 miles to Raccoon Key. No part of this sound was considered fit for oyster culture by reason of its shoal water, shifting bottom, and exposure to the heavy seas from the ocean. Ogeechee River enters Ossabaw Sound on the south side of Raccoon Key, and really appears as a prolongation of the sound as far asthe Middle Marshes. It is the second largest river on the coast of the State, extending into the interior of the country in a northwesterly direction for some 250 miles. By reason of the large volume of fresh water flowing out of this river only a short portion of it is available for oyster culture, namely, from its mouth to about 1 mile above the Florida Passage, making a distance of about 5 miles. For the first 2 miles it is 189 about 1 mile wide; for the next threeit isabout one-half mile wide. Besides the Middle Marsh Islands and Egg Islands, situated in this river, and the flats which make off from them, at least one-third of the above area is too shoal and bottom shifting to admit of oyster cultivation. In the channels, and where the depth is 8 feet or more, the bottom is hard, generally marl, and suitable for oyster cultivation. A series of density observations were made near Egg Island, the maximum being 1.0219, the mean 1.0198, and the minimum 1.0169. Similarly at the mouth of the Florida Passage we have maximum 1.0180, mean 1.0161, and minimum 1.0138. The total area in that part of the river described is 1,809 acres; area beyond 1,000 feet from shore, 612 acres; area of natural oyster beds, 38.5 acres. The oysters are for the most part inferior, and partly ebb out at low water, being scattered along the edges of the marshes. Bradley's River comes into Ossabaw Sound from the north end of Ossabaw Island. It is about 5 miles long, and averages about 200 yards in width for the first 3 miles, and having a general direction of southwest. Only the first 2 miles of this river were examined. There is only about 4 feet at the mouth, but once in the river the depth for the first 2 miles ranges from 6 to 15 feet. The bottom is generally soft, increasing in hardness as you ascend the river; but very little area is considered suitable for oyster culture. Around the mouth, and scattered along and near the shore, are a series of natural oyster beds, generally of the raccoon grade. About the mouth of this river were observed several beds, ro or 20 yards in diameter, of raccoon oysters, which ebb out at low water, and show that the formation of the bed has taken place on soft mud, and each year the spat have caught on the previous year’s growth, thus forming a mass of coon oysters and dead shells at least 2 feet in thickness. At low water the specific gravity at the mouth was 1.0224; 2 miles above the mouth, 1.0208. It is very natural to infer that the upper and narrow portion of this river is well adapted to the cultivation of oysters so far as concerns the density of the water. - Total area of first 2 miles of the river, 128 acres. Areaof natural oyster beds, 8.5 acres. The Florida Passage is a tributary of the Ogeechee, and, with Bear River, separates Ossabaw Island from the main land. It is about 2 miles long, and averages about 4oo yards in width. The depth of water ranges between 1o and 20 feet for the greater portion. The bottom is soft mud, with occasional small areas of sticky bottom, particularly near the shore, where a few oysters of an inferior grade may be found. The specific gravity at the lower mouth, where it is joined by Buck Head Creek and Bear River, was 1.0146, being the mean of 25 observations, the maximum being 1.0176, the mininum 1.0119. The total area is 320 acres. Freshets in the Ogeechee will endanger the lives of oysters in this river, otherwise the area of sticky and hard mud bottom is suitable for oyster planting. Red Bud Creek, a small narrow stream about 3 miles wide, comes into the Florida Passage on the west side, about 1 mile from its mouth. The water in thiscreek is too fresh for oysters, except near the mouth, and even there oysters are liable to be killed by the overflows from the Ogeechee. The total area of thiscreekis 112 acres. Theareaof natural oyster beds is 25 acres. Queen Bess Creek is a small stream coming into the Florida Passage on the east side, and nearly opposite Red Bud Creek. It is not considered suitable for oyster culture by reason of the very soft bottom, and is also liable to become too fresh from its proximity to the Ogeechee River. Buck Head Creek comes out of the marshes on the west side of Ossabaw Island, and joins Bear River at its junction with the Florida Passage. It is about 2 milesin length. The first mile averages 400 feet in width; the second about 100. The depth of the water ranges from 4 to 16 feet. The bottom for the most part is hard sticky mud, with an occasional deposit, especially along the shores. This creek has a total area of 96 acres, and contains no natural oyster beds of any consequence. 190 While there is a considerable deposit brought out of the marshes at high tide, yet it is believed that oysters can be cultivated in the greater portion of the creek. The specific gravity near the head is 1.0152; at the mouth the mean of 25 observations is 1.0146. Bear River begins at the junction of the Florida Passage and Buck Head Creek, and flows through extensive marshes in a southerly direction, separating Ossabaw Island from the main land. It enters St. Catherine’s Sound on its north side, being 8 miles in length, and at its mouth 144 miles wide, but narrows rapidly to one-fourth of a mile, which is its average width. The depth of water ranges from 8 to 30 feet for the greater portion. The general character of the bottom is soft mud, with here and there a small area of hard and sticky bottom, the soft bottom prevailing generally toward the mouth of the channel. The natural oyster beds lie along the shores and partly ebb out at low water, and are about depleted by excessive fishing, there being now more dead shells than oysters. At one point, about 1 mile from the head, the natural bed extends nearly across the stream. The oysters found in this river are small, but of a superior quality. The specific gravity at the head or junction is 1.0146; at the mouth of Kilkenny Creek, 1.0093; at the mouth/1.0025. Totalarea, 1,424acres. Area beyond 1,000 feet from the shore, 740 acres. Total area of natural oyster beds, 815 acres. The currents are strong, from one to two knots per hour, and are increased by freshets from the Ogeechee, which also change the density of the waters. Kilkenny Creek enters Bear River at the west side about 2 miles above its mouth. It is 5 miles in length, and flows westwardly for the first 2 miles with a width of 400 yards. It then narrows to about 100 yards and flows northerly, connecting again with Skippers Narrows into the Florida Passage For the first 3 miles the depth of water ranges from 6 to 30 feet. The bottom is soft mud, except along the shores, where it is a little sticky and sometimes hard with mud. The remaining portion of this creek has a depth ranging from 2 to 12 feet, and the bottom changes from hard mud, sand and tenacious mud to clay, and is well adapted to the cultivation of oysters. Scattered along the borders of the shore there is a series of small natural beds about depleted, and containing many dead shells. The specific gravity 2 miles above the mouth is 1.0185; at the mouth of Cabbage Creek, 1.0191, and at its mouth, 1.0193. Total area of the bottom, 352 acres. Area of natural oyster beds, 10.5 acres. Skippers Narrows is well adapted to the cultivation of oysters, the bottom being hard mud and sticky, with the exception of small areas where mud deposits are taking place. The area is small though, and can only be cultivated by the use of hand implements, Both Skippers Narrows and the upper part of Kilkenny Creek are liable to be affected by the freshets from the Ogeechee River. But for this these areas are admirably adapted to the cultivation of oysters. Experiments with planted oysters have been carried on in Skippers Narrows and the head of Kilkenny Creek by Mr. George Appleton, of Bryan county. Samples were shown of the planted oysters of 1, 2, and 3 years’ planting, and indicated that the oysters had greatly improved and had rapidly grown, being for the most part marketable after 2 years’ planting. A few barrels of Blue Point oysters were brought by Mr. Appleton from the north and planted in this locality. The oysters so planted showed a rapid growth and appeared to retain their peculiar flavor. Newell's Creek is asmall stream about 50 yards in width and 2 miles in length, entering Bear River from Ossabaw Island. The depth of water ranges from 4 to 20 feet, and for the first mile of this creek the bottom may be considered as a solid rock of natural oysters. Although excessive fishing is carried on here the natural bed is not yet exterminated, but the oysters taken up are very small, being generally of not more than 2 to 3 years’ growth. The total area of the creek is 70 acres; that of natural oyster beds, 33 acres. St. Catherine's Sound separates Ossabaw Island on the north from St. Catherine’s Island on the south. It is about 13g miles in width, and extends inland into the marshes about 2 miles. This sound is totally unfit for the cultivation of oysters by reason of the water being 191 too salt, by reason of its exposure to the heavy seas, especially the northeast gales, and also by the large amount of its area being very shoal. Medway River is the principal tributary to St. Catherine’s Sound, of which it appears as the prolongation. That part of it examined extends about 7 miles inland. Beginning witha width of 1 mile, it extends in a westerly direction 2 miles, then narrows toa half mile in width running northerly and westerly. The depth of water in this river ranges from 1 foot to 30 feet, there being many shoals making out into the middle of the river. The character of the bottom is sand and soft mud, the sand being, as arule, shifting and making shoals. It is there- fore unsuitable for oyster cultivation, unless possibly in the vicinity of Sunbury. Along the shores are a series of natural oyster beds of the raccoon type, the total area of which is 49 acres. There are a few beds which do not ebb out and they show the oysters to be of a very superior quality, although the size of the oysters indicated that the beds are very much depleted by excessive fishing. At one place on this river the shore had changed so that the depth of 8 feet shown on the chart by the survey of 1857 is now dry at low water. The specific gravity 2 miles above Sunbury is 1.0174; at Sunbury, 1.0182; at the mouth of Goulds, 1.0180; at the upper mouth of Cedar Creek, 1.0196; at the mouth of Medway River, 1.1020. The total area of the river 1 mile above Sunbury is 2,560 acres; that beyond 1,000 feet from shore is 1,660 acres. The area of natural oyster beds is 49 acres. Cedar Creek is a small stream coming into St. Catherine’s Sound on the southwest side. It extends in a westerly direction about 2% miles, and has a depth of water ranging from 5 to 20 feet, and an average width of 200 yards. Along the shores are a series of scattered oyster heds, found on both sides, being almost a continuous streak. They are small and crowded “together, and generally of the raccoon type. The bottom is hard and sticky along the shores and for a considerable distance along the channel, beyond which it is very soft. The specific gravity of the mouth is 1.0196 at low water; at the lower mouth, 1.1021 at low water. The total area is 256 acres; beds of natural oysters, 23 acres. North Newport River enters St. Catherine’s Sound to the southward and westward. At its mouth it is 1% miles wide, narrowing rapidly to a half, and then toa quarter of a mile, which is its average width. It flows almost entirely through the marsh forabout 9 miles. It hasan uneven bottom like Medway River, and the greater portion consists of sand and is subject to shifting during heavy seas. There are a few natural oysters along the shores, which is the most favorable bettom for the cultivation of oysters. At half ebb the specific gravity at the mouth was 1.0197. The total area is 1,372 acres; area beyond 1,000 feet from shore, 528 acres. The current at the mouth of this river is from 1 to 1% knots per hour. The specific gravity of the water at the head, or 8 miles from the mouth, is 1.0193; at the mouth it is 1.0211. Timmon’s River is a tributary of North Newport River, into which it flows on its north side 2milesfromitsmouth. Itextends westward for 4 miles, and rejoins the North Newport River. It averages about one-fourth of a mile in width, and is entirely surrounded by marshes. The depth of the water ranges from g to 30 feet, there being frequent shoals extending out from the shores. The bottom is not liable to shift, however, and in the sticky portions will be found suitable ground for oyster cultivation. This, however, is asmall area. Scattered along the shores are a series of small oyster beds and numerous dead shells. The total area of the river is 512 acres; that of natural oyster beds, 20 acres. The specific gravity of the water at the mouth at one-half ebb was 1.0197. Walburg Creek enters St. Catherine’s Sound close to the north point of St. Catherine’s Island. It has an average width of one-eighth of a mile. Its direction is southerly for 2 miles, then westerly for 2 miles, where it joins the North Newport River. Thedepth of water fora greater portion of this creek ranges from 10 to 20 feet. The bottom is soft mud, becoming a little sticky near the shores, along which is a streak of natural oyster beds of an inferior quality and small size. In the marshes there are some raccoon oysters. 192 The specific gravity at the mouth is 1.0240. The mean of 137 observations at the middle of Walburg Creek is 1.0222; the greatest density observed was 1.0250, the least was 1.0201. The strongest current observed was two knots per hour. The total area of the creek is 352 acres; that of natural oyster beds, 48 acres. Johnson's Creek is a narrow stream about 5 miles in length, and connects North Newport and South Newport Rivers. It is the inside passage to Sapelo Sound, and separates St. Catherine’s Island on the east from the marshes of the main land on the west. It has an average width of about 100 yards, and the depth ranges between 1o and 20 feet. There are several small beds of oysters scattered along the edges, and these partly ebb out. They are small and of an inferior quality. The character of the bottom varies from hard sand to soft mud, the latter prevailing. The specific gravity at the upper mouth is 1.0211, and at the lower mouth, 1.0222. The total area of the creek is 3ro acres. Theareaof natural oyster beds, 27 acres. The maximum current observed at the lower mouth was two knots per hour. South Newport River enters Sapelo Sound on its northern side. It runs through marsh on both banks in a northwesterly direction for about 7 miles, where it joins with North Newport River. It has a width of 134 miles at its mouth, but narrows rapidly, and 2 miles above averages one-half mile. The depthof water ranges from 6 to 20 feet for about two-thirds of the area; the remaining portion being a series of shoals and shifting bottom, partly ebbing out at low water. The deeper portion of the river has a muddy bottom ranging from soft to hard and sticky. The shoals consist for the most part of sand. The specific gravity of the water 5 miles above the mouth is 1.0192 at one-third flood; 2 miles above the mouth, 1.0222 at two-thirds flood. The total area is 2,300 acres; that beyond 1,000 feet from the shore, 622 acres. Area of natural oyster beds, 32 acres. Wahoo River enters South Newport River at its mouth on the south side. It extends ina northwesterly direction for about 3 miles, averaging about 300 yards in width, and having a depth ranging from 6 to 20 feet. The bottom is hard and sticky along both shores, with an occasional sounding of soft mud. In the channel it is, for the most part, soft and unsuitable. The specific gravity of the mouth at one-sixth flood is 1.0214; 2 miles above the mouth at one-third flood it is 1.0214. The total area of the river is 256 acres. Area of natural oyster beds is 20 acres. Sapelo Sound separates St. Catherine’s Island on the north from Black Beard and Sapelo. Islands on the south. It is only 1 mile in width at its entrance, but extends inland to the westward about 4% miles, with an average width of about 114 miles. The main body of this sound is deep and the bottom hard, but the water is too salt for oyster culture. Sapelo River is a prolongation of Sapelo Sound in a westerly direction. It is about 1 mile in width at its mouth, but soon narrows to one-half mile, which width it holds for 1% miles to the entrance to Broro River. Beyond thisit extends into the wooded country for about 15 miles. About two-thirds of the area has a depth less than 6 feet; the remaining portion ranging from 6 to 40 feet. The bottom for the most partis hard, both in the shoal and deep water. In the deep water from Broro River to Front River is the only part which is considered favorable for the cultivation of oysters. The specific gravity of the water 1 mile from its mouth was 1.0214 at low water; at Broro River it was 1.0204 at one-third flood. The total area from its mouth to Broro River is PAN? acres; the area beyond r,ooo feet from the shore is 677 acres. Area of natural oyster beds is 17 acres. Barbour’s Island River enters Sapelo Sound about 1 mile west of the mouth of South New- port River. This river was not examined, having been inadvertently overlooked, but from native oystermen it was learned that a few scattered oyster beds extended along near the shore, and that the bottom was generally soft mud. : Little Mud River enters Sapelo River on itsnorth side, and is about 2 miles long, extending in the marshes in a northwesterly direction. It is about 400 yards wide for the first mile, 193 and 150 for the remaining. As the name indicates, the prevailing character of the bottom is soft mud, being a little sticky along the shores, where an extensive streak of natural oyster beds is found. The oysters are of an inferior type, and partly ebb out at low water. The specific gravity at the head of the river was 1.0212 at two-thirds flood; 1 mile from the mouth it was 1.0216 at one-half flood. The total area of the river is 224 acres. Area of natural oyster beds is 22 acres. Julienton River enters Sapelo River on the northern side 1/2 miles to the westward of Bar- bour’s Island River. Itrunsacrooked westerly course, has anaverage width of one-fourth of a mile for about 3 miles, this being the area examined. About two-thirds of the area hasa depth of water ranging between 6 and 25 feet; the remaining area consists of many shoals of hard and shifting sand. The deeper water has a bottom of mud and sand, and is suitable for oyster culture. The natural oyster beds lie along the shores, and are about exterminated by excess- ive fishing. The specific gravity of the water 2 miles above the mouth was 1.0204 at one-half flood. The total area of the river examined is 630 acres. Area of natural oyster beds, 14 acres. Back and Front rivers are two small tributaries of the Sapelo River, coming into it from the southward on either side of Creighton Island. They are only about 2 miles long and too yards wide, having a depth ranging from 6 to 20 feet. In Back River there isa total area of natural oyster beds of 3.5 acres. The specific gravity at the mouth, at one-third flood, was 1.0204; at 1 mile above the mouth, 1.0198 at one-third flood. The total area is 144 acres, of which the greater portion is unsuit- able by reason of the soft bottom. Front River has an area of natural oyster beds of 11.5 acres. The specific gravity of the water 1 mile above the mouth was 1.0207, at two-thirds flood. Total area of the river is 230 acres, the greater portion of which is unsuitable by reason of the bottom being soft mud. Mud River is a broad and shallow stream which enters Sapelo Sound from the southward, and separates Sapelo Island from the main land. For the first 2 miles it is about 1 mile in width. The bottom is almost entirely soft mud, and the only part suitable for oyster culture is a narrow strip along its bank adjacent to the wooded land of Sapelo Island. The marshy banks on both sides are lined with raccoon oysters. The total area of the riveris 2,430 acres; area beyond 1,000 feet from the shore, 1,250 acres. Area of natural oyster beds is 4o acres. The specific gravity at the mouth, at low water,was 1.0209; 2 miles above mouth, at one-half flood, it WAS 1.0216. New Tea Kettle Creek is a narrow winding stream of about 100 yards in width, having a general north and south direction, and connecting Mud River with Doboy Sound. It is about 4 miles in length, and runs through marshes its entire distance. The depth of water ranges from 9 to 24 feet. Hard and sticky mud prevails along the edges, while soft mud predomi- nates in the middle of the creek. The sticky portion is suitable for oyster cultivation, and at intervals near the marshes can be found small areas of natural oyster beds. The specific gravity 2 miles above the lower mouth was 1.0209 at high water. The specific gravity at the upper mouth was 1.0195. The total area is 190 acres. Area of natural oyster beds, 14 acres. Old Tea Kettle Creek lies to the westward of New Tea Kettle Creek, and also connects the upper part of Mud River with Doboy Sound. It isabout 4 miles in length, has a general north- westerly direction, and an average width of about 300 yards. About one-third of its area hasa depth of water ranging between 6 and 20 feet; the remaining area being composed, for the most part, of sand shoals, and entirely unfit for the cultivation of oysters. The deep water has a bottom of mud more or less sticky. Several small beds of oysters are found along the edges, of an inferior grade, but suitable for planting purposes. 194 The specific gravity at the upper mouth is 1.0194; 1% miles above the lower mouth, 1.0197. Total area of the creek is 608 acres. Total area of natural oyster beds, 25.5 acres. Duplin River is the first tributary to Doboy Sound on the northward side, into which it empties 1% mile to the westward of Sapelo Light-house. It isasmall stream averaging about 150 yards in width, and extends some 5 miles to the northward in the marshes of Sapelo Island. The depth of water for nearly all of the river ranges between 6 and 20 feet. The prevailing character of the bottom is soft mud, with here and there patches of a small area of sticky bottom on which are a few scattered oysters extending to the edge of the mouth. At low water the specific gravity at the head is 1.0187; at the mouth, 1.0191. The total area of the river is 355 acres. Area of natural oyster beds is 22’acres. Doboy Sound separates Sapelo Island on thenorth from Wolf Islandonthe south. Extending in a northwesterly direction it is about 5 miles long, and averages about three-fourths of a mile in width. About two-thirds of the area of this sound has a depth of water ranging from 20 to 4o feet. A large volume of salt water enters and renders almost the entire area unsuita- ble for oyster culture. Along the shores are strips of oysters and dead shells. Several hauls with asteam dredge were made in this sound between the mouth of Connegan River and Sapelo Light-house, and quite a number of star-fish were brought up in the dredge, which fact would of itself render the attempt to cultivate oysters here a useless undertaking. Connegan River is a tributary of Doboy Sound. It extends through marshes to the south- ward about 3 miles, and joins North River by a small branch, thus receiving indirectly a portion of the fresh water from the Darien River. It is about one-fourth of a mile in width, and the depth ranges from 6 to 16 feet. The bottom is variable, but generally hard, and suitable for oyster culture. The specific gravity 1% miles above the mouth is 1.0164. The total area of the river is 616 acres. The area of natural oyster beds is 14 acres. North River enters Doboy Sound on the north side of Doboy Island. It extends through marshes in a westerly direction for about 5 miles, where it joins a small creek connecting with the Darien River, by means of which it receives a small quantity of fresh water. It averages about one-fourth of a mile in width, and has a depth ranging between 8 and 20 feet. The character of the bottom is mud, about one-third of it being sufficiently hard or sticky to be utilized. The specific gravity at the mouth, 1.0180; 1 mile above the mouth, 1.0171. The total area is 528 acres. Area of natural oyster beds is 7 acres. Back River enters Doboy Sound on the south side of Commodore Island. It is about one- fourth of a mile in width, and bends northward and westward and thence southward, where it is joined by the mouth of Darien River. It is about 3 miles long, and runs entirely through marshes. The depth.of water ranges from 8 to 20 feet. The character of the bottom is hard, being both hard mud and mud and sand, and is well adapted for the cultivation of oysters. The specific gravity at the mouth is 1.0189; at the head itis 1.0171. At the village of Doboy the mean specific gravity, from thirty-five observations, was 1.0174; the maximum being 1.0212, the minimum, 1.0109. The total area of the river is 540 acres. The area of natural oyster beds is 28.5 acres. The maximum current observed at Doboy was 1.7 knots per hour. Rockdedundy River is really one of the deltas of the Darien River. It is about one-fourth of a mile in width, runs entirely through marshes, and has a length of about 2 miles. There are several shoal spots in this river of less than 6 feet, and only about one-half of the area has a depth of more than 6 feet, and in that area the bottom is very uneven, ranging from 6 to 30 feet in depth. At the mouth of this river there is an important natural oyster bed, covering about 5 acres. Samples of oysters taken here show the conditions favorable for arapid growth. ‘The oysters were not large, however, which is due to excessive fishing, and indicates that the bed is being fast depleted. The character of the bottom is favorable for the cultivation of oysters, except in the shoal places. 195 The specific gravity of the water at the mouth was 1.0170. Total areaof the river, 350 acres, Area of natural oyster beds, 7.5 acres. Darien River is considered unfit for the cultivation of oysters by reason of its waters being too fresh. South River begins at the mouth of Rockdedundy River, and extends in an easterly direc- tion along the north side of Wolf Island Marshes for a distance of 3 miles, where it empties into Doboy Sound. It has a depth of water rarfging from 8 to 20 feet for the principal part of its area,and an average width of 200 yards. The bottom is generally favorable for the growth of oysters. The specific gravity at its mouth is 1.0180; at its head, 1.0170. The total area of the river is 320 acres. Area of natural oyster beds is 20.5 acres. (Note.)—Wolf Creek and Beacon Creek, both coming out of the marshes of Wolf Island, were not examined. Little Mud River is the first tributary to Altamaha Sound on the north side. Extending to the northward about 2 miles and separating Wolf Island from Rockdedundy Island, it joins the mouth of Rockdedundy River. It has an average width of about 300 yards, disregarding the shoal at the mouth of the river. The depth of water ranges from 6 to 20 feet. The bot- tom is suitable for the growth of oysters, being for the most part hard and sticky mud with alittle sand. The water in this river is liable to become very fresh when there is a rise in the Altamaha River. The specific gravity 1 mile above the mouth, 1.0076; at the junction with Rockdedundy River, 1.0171. The total area is 321 acres. The area of natural oyster beds, 14.5 acres. Samples of oysters from this river, taken from a small bed only recently discovered, were of a superior quality both in shape and size. Altamaha Sound lies between Wolf Island on the north and Little St. Simon’s Island on the south. It is about 2 miles wide at its entrance, but the sound is obstructed by a series of shoals and marsh islands, among which the narrow channels run most circuitously. Oysters will not grow in this sound higher up than 2 miles from the mouth, or from the western side of Egg Island to the mouth of the sound. The above areaincludes about 1,200 acres, of which one-half is beyond 1,000 feetfrom the shore. Natural oyster beds make out around the north- ern and eastern edges of Egg Island, and also along the shores north and south of Egg Island, extending to the ocean. . Making out from the northeast point of Little St. Simon’s Island there is a narrow reef of oysters. This reef is formed along the side of the channel, and about one-half of its area is visible above low water. It averages about 60 yards in width, and extends into the ocean for about one statute mile. The oysters areall of an inferior quality, and those visible above low water are of the “raccoon” type, and at least three-fourths of the mass is composed of dead shells. This reef is formed on hard sand bottom, and the continuous catch and growth of young oysters on it presents a remarkable phenomenon in the life of the oyster. The reef is directly exposed to the heavy northeast seas, and during a portion of the stage of flood tide it would seem natural to suppose the reef to be covered with entirely salt water. On the other hand, during a part of the ebb, the water over this reef must be very fresh, so fresh that fishermen tell me that they are able to drink it. With the aid of a steam oyster dredge I was enabled to make a more extensive inspection of that portion of the bed which does not ebb out. It was about half-flood when we arrived on the bed, at which stage allthe oysters were about covered with water. Put over the steam dredge and hauled along the edge of the oyster reef, bringing up principally dead oyster shells which were well covered with barnacles. The few live oysters found in the bulk were very poor in quality, but fairin shape and size. Four or five hauls were made successively along a distance of half a mile, and in bottom ranging from 7 to 20 feet. With these hauls three star-fish, of the kind so destructive to the oyster, were caught. The star-fish were full 4076——3 196204 grown, and among the shells brought up could be seen anumber that had been killed apparently by the star-fish. From the appearance of other shells, there was evidence that the drum-fish had killed some of the oysters also. When these observations were made there was a fresh wind blowing from the northeast, and it was about one-half flood tide. The density of the surface water was 1.0124, while at the bottom at the same point it was 1.0214. Had the density of the water been uniform at this place and contained more salt than that contained at the surface, it is believed that the star-fish would not have been found here. One of the live star-fish was afterwards placed in a bucket of the surface water, and after a period of 24 hours it was found to have died. At low water the specific gravity of the water at the mouth was 1.0067; off the mouth of Little Mud River, 1.0012, Hampton River connects with Buttermilk Sound on the east side and flows in an easterly and then in a southerly direction, separating St. Simon’s and Little St. Simon's islands, and coming out on the coast 5 miles below the mouth of Altamaha Sound. It is about 12 miles in length, and the depth of water ranges from 8 to 4o feet. From the mouth it has an average width of 500 yards for the first three miles; it then gradually narrows to a width of about 150 yards. The prevailing character of the bottom is sticky. There are a few sand shoals at inter- vals, but very little evidence of shifting bottom, and so far as concerns the character of the bottom this river is admirably adapted to the growth of oysters. At the head of this river there is considerable clay, which is more or less a deposit broughtin from the Altamaha River. The natural oyster beds found in this river lie along the shores, and are generally of the “raccoon” type, being partly visible at low water. The specific gravity at the mouth of Village Creek was 1.0215; 2 miles above Village Creek, 1.0167; 4 miles above, 1.0115; 5 miles above, 1.0109, and 7 miles above, 1.0037. ‘These observa- tions were taken at low water, and it will be observed that the water in the upper half is too fresh, or too liable to become so, to admit of the growing of oysters. This river has an area of 992 acres. Area of natural oyster beds, 3.25 acres. Village Creek comes into Hampton River from the southward about 1% miles above its mouth, winding through the marshes and separating Long Island from St. Simon’s Island, and at its head connecting with a narrow and tortuous stream that flows southward between the two islands named, and enters the sea at the south end of Long Island. This creek is about 4 miles long and 300 yards wide for the greater portion. There area few shoal spots in it, but the depth of water for the most part ranges from ro to 30 feet. The character of bottom ranges from soft mud to sticky mud, with occasionally a small area of hard sand. Scattered along here and there may be found a small area of natural oyster beds making out from the edges of the marsh. The oysters are poor and small—poor by reason of the high salt water, and small from being crowded together. The total area of the creek is 352 acres. Area of natural oyster beds, 7 acres. At low water at the head of Village Creek the specific gravity was 1.0205; atits mouth, 1.0215. Frederica River flows almost entirely through marshes in a southerly direction, separating St. Simon’s Island from the main land, and, connecting with the fresh water of Buttermilk Sound, flows into St. Simon’s Sound. It is quite crooked, and will not average more than 150 yards in width, except for 2 miles from the mouth; it has a depth ranging from 7 to 30 feet. The water in this river is found to be entirely too fresh for the growing of oysters above a point 2 miles from its junction with Mackay’s River. The bottom in this portion varies from soft and sticky mud to hard mud and sand. The specific gravity at the lower mouth was 1.0145, the mean of five observations being 1.0157; the highest observed, 1.0184, and the lowest, 1.0130. The total area of the river is 752 acres, and that adapted to the growth of oysters about 250 acres. Area beyond 1,000 feet from the shore, 60 acres. Area of natural oyster beds, 14 acres. The maximum current observed at the mouth of this river was 1.4 knots per hour. ashe Uinhi oC ees Renee eSper BOSH Se Scrssoateine oar seis ee oer ine LWIGE CHPRGIK sek oo S825 Gob cep oseiscor os Goeb Boe Cra Bp eCbO Soa cen Serer sence ILM Geis Soaq Gstalleces coe eeac Romerly Marsh Creek and Tributaries. ..-.....-.--:...---. .----------------- 49 case sesacss- 10.0 inehomanty Marah) Channel 2-2 22-2. 5- -=-- ecco wee nan sae mans enone seen IPM) soetotcosocdlcsasseastsae Back River, from Cedar Hammock to junction with Burnside River ..---. .--- DOME Pee Caran aoe ae 7.0 Burnside River, from Skiddaway Narrows to Vernon River ........---...---. 352 Popes 10.5 Vernon River, from Montgomery to Ossabaw Sound...........----.---..----- 1, 728 1, 080 20.0 Little Ogeechee River, from Rosedue Island to Vernon River ..-..-..-.--.---- 1, 100 120 7.0 iVeiwayr iS (CiGGiee ce cod ocbess esta Shes Sse eeee Cobb eon pecense ooornecre See Soeee BBW se sao uc6bod|jesoeee onoEGe Cou Thad! (OiQHE o.6 2 Saco ch eee doe: Soc coueese sBlapes So Sesco sac OEe Seed Sec eSsseee WHY) | eeeone cogcee|eocd coeUlousc Digtageil) (CHGGE Coe ache BeHee O82 9 Ane 5 on Soc aeres AP ae eeeiSe a eee eae sae BAD | passa os se5e 22.5 Ogeechee River, from Harvey’s Cut to mouth....----..---.-....-...----.----. | 2,420 1, 800 38.5 as btiaslt too ie aR SEES Be a ee Oe ne | GOV oats stekstesieists' leer WO nasa CRG) = 502 Sagas aaa osodlse coe n rece Ge, MB speC Spon SE ECO Beoa Geos Seanee 1G) | baSacsGoeses 17.0 PNR EAE AGI Sere tet Stata the minne ccfajatala oi oe . : eo © 209 : So OFFICE COMMISSIONERS OF ROADS AND REVENUES. aX ed ne County, Georgia, =e Cl Ne atone 718 foregoing application having been duly filed, and notice thereof published in accord- h the laws of this State, and it appearing that there is no good and sufficient reason he same should not be granted, it is ordered that a lease do issue to said applicant in of the law, the title of which is recited in said application. [Form of Indorsement of Application for Oyster Ground. | APPLICATION Os Bk GROUND OF _ filed in Office Commissioners of Roads and Revenwes, this 2 LT ES, Penney es a Clerk. ee oe / { Prosecrion No. 1. ripk “etn nf relent Sik te emcee are sen be Maw Tare Wainy Correewed Fatabiistrnemt oor Ree Average thine af Wii Waser afer Moun meridian pansuge Mew Hee anal Pal of Tite ire Hse of Monn High Water, ubave the plane of rs ference Nise of Mg: Water Spring Tides, eta. da. Average | Fall of Lore Water below cn de | Rise of High Water, Senp Tides, adore Ao i \)Tidight: een Water da a to | Hise of Iigfeet Tie obnerved da ‘ta } atlotLowea'Te. dq below to |_oe Sean uration of Rise Mes of Pall Get fhe batten withibe he respective septiia of 6,1 The harvicterka the aounalinga crite sire iver Team the nuirerous aouintings rider in the a of thee bottosn ne relent sont the Apt Albrevintion Art Xr hand | aft fr son 41h. Be sicky Position of Oyster Heds shown in gree. Density of Water shown in red. Number of Density Observations at one point, shown in blue, The 1000-74, tine from shore shoun in black: Tytiee Hotel Mag ish t 6 “ 2 pharm (lib steeple .. a) if . ‘ ft z ia ; 4 al a, A, We & bh i a AND am WASSAW SOUND a GEORGIA * | CHART TO ACCOMPANY REPORT ON OYSTER SURVE 2 its wy determined by the Hydrographic Party pease Under Ensign J. C. Drake, U.S. N:, at ae dssistant,; U. 8. Coast and Geodetic Survey, east Commanding Sshooner Ready. u a fe * Scam ces Be de al ve Bore em Cra oT — i ia a Te ee ee eh OA - es ee te aaa Kal) AT te TART TO ACCOMPANY REPORT ON OYSTER SURVEY. As determined by the Hydrographic Party Under Ensign J. C. Drake, U.S. N., Assistant, U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, Commanding Schooner Ready. OSSABAW SOUND VERNON AND OGEECHEER RIVERS GEORGIA | Oo Moree® chim'y. | aT | Vt > ® 10/97 eS rpiswten LOLS 5k ens Saga ae foot 42 1 Fut 97 within the votind tines Pepenl tha in Yeh « —the plane of retecveice. The shostind tivws — bey uv hee 7 ~ PROSECTION No. 2. —- — == % ee Position of Osler Betts shown in green. Density of Waler shown in red, Nuniber of Deity Observations at one point, shown in bluse The 1000-fhline fram shore shown in black. S é 6 4 3 yond Shoat yet Seale Sooo Statute Mito Sautical Niles lll net ehlie Las we hate Es a ae a tn | CHART TO ACCOMPANY REPORT ON OYSTER SURVEY. As determined by the Hydrographic Party Under Ensign J. C. Drake, U.S. ¥., Assistant, U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, Commanding Schooner Ready. wore J — A | | | } Position of Oyster Betts shown in green. : See a ead : “—. Density of Water shown in red. ‘ i. A xe uw ff *\ tie ee he os Pye 7 _ 0 Pon : 7 : a | Number of Density Observations at one point, shown in tue . et | The 1000-ft. line from shore shown in black, 5 ees: | z ses ‘ | a \ i | ees \ | N i a pare 2a ~ PROJECTION No. 3. ; : 2! E ~ 4 AX, sc Gg a0 ‘ = 6 , CATHERINE’S SOUR “see CK ici al : ; ec Jae: wie ps ae Stade futhon a Al 5 u : ny a Py 3 des cag se id 2a "0 y ' ; mer “ 1 a mt - 7 = 4 7 a fh Ln u a 1 Sh Sty 5 wis a “* — . “ + 2 © w Pp we C3 » 9 > a w n u \ n ue w & > 1» 13 " = 4 1g “ . we ax ¥ o a ey De “op = af 6 ni meee = nM ry r 24) SA » iets Want a t uw ost ~ Fi “ ’ 2 Fee try os (heen « hy : 2 ae 2 1 ios x - af Fike, “4 0 . ae 5 7 3 . 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Wee eipkee dork; TY SUNN Has tes pyaens 2 i * ed ? i re aqyarT ee, 4 Aaa ad eet Kit Me erie oat) tub wt woes ‘te nett of T —— 0 tniomndaiidawd Bednine) ‘ Esvanq ssthersis «soll (atin va des Qo ace) amanerh, ; iy abi? ‘te HA kien Galt seal é et & ERS Aewten iv: ‘te ou alq wacky onete any yi Anette to sal . 3.3 ear wh i) seb eee? ota fei ‘tn awoih 5 if af walt >. nb sateW wold bo ike - F A ody oly orpoitn anh tl aati yt atyeitt “ter oni dP ae ag abs tele ab oh. ps8 wol Yo toi - Ph fs : 2 ot rate berrioed: obit tesa to sardt as, ee ; ab veto ob oferl ‘test “We (het Sig ig ; ae anil Yo urea gee i : ‘ {et ‘be Ob... anit shay we rere - ae ae . oot fo aoe oe “ei | wad eltl * farted wealth | penitent | iat EU a ey 5 Se — snes i : ; alae lin a med nnetomh -| E fy ea WANN rien evra sveky Alien Reena, eateries eri hepa CoN ek Ue, ON Daal ; eo ‘qi tet, ail thu tonite CHART TO ACCOMPANY REPORT ON OYSTER SURVEY. As determined by the Hydrographie Farty Uniler Ensign S.C Drake, U.S. NV. Asristant; 0. & Coast and Geodetio Survey, Commanding Schooner Ready. SA Ee Ons) WIND GEORGIA 7 ‘Position of Oyster Beds shoten In green. - Densily of Water shoen in red. Number of Density Observations at one point, shown Os Mite. ; The 1000-ft.tine from shore shoten in black. t Seale Sado RS i as Z me 4141 ( Weight Men Ly ine Nes Tid ae Shae Nise wt Yi eke The dings ary maprnannd te At IA Wn hs hank ns Pyle (Ai cd oe he iphone Ha Wf rr, Yas emt es bend (ipo arpellemr traf aoe omar pain insp lpr eae i : | Aide eicioms wie in Med He we eo Da SA ee — Cae Raps: 6 \ | = f | j : . 4 mi . , >, ; ¥ U 2" : | | by , ‘, 4 f ( / , | V : » i } | f Jey “wy \ y, 4 ; at j t : H : : : ne { “ ‘ | 7 J r | | ' - x h st ny athe ‘ ese! FR toe! CHART TO ACCOMPANY REPORT ON OYSTER SURVEY. As determined by the Hydrographic Party Under Ensign J. C. Drake, U.8. N., Assistant; U. 8. Coast and Geodetic Survey, Commanding Schooner Ready. | | | | | | | | ) DOBOY AND ALTAMAHA SOUNDS GEORGIA | Seule 40000 Porition of, Oyster Keds shoign in green Denaity of Water shown in red. Number of Density Observations at one point, shown in bluel The 1000+ft. line from shore shown in black TIDES Wet vs memseTigte wis give te Mans Tare Wer ee ego ees PEE i i. hat a a ; sv! song ah < eas sat tae ~ srnarensinn oe oar “0 a tecbiodie ‘ “pn si inal sure we aa to% ; ’ ral A =; : pen ‘eb Bea 8 eb % to ae oeormntin \ voted’ ofa cd . ‘Seaih b ab ely gig cont a ; ag aynnliond ao ais spre aabet venice foreys J Pe 5 ee peed pte, Sheol why wore Soles Swi a Wreesnapes site ieaatiiien . rin hevttucs aA steelers Ws, giveley are year: Se Sr ae ells. AN je Gee + HANLy eyes hie A. et sepa ssepens en () * | ete ek oe wun nid as Fy ie Dare age Sie, ae 3%o3" Sot” | 8Y3003" Srz003" endian Appro:cimate locatian of triangulation stations of survey made hen Corps of Eng'rs.US.A, by Milnor P.Paret, Zveut. 0.M. Cart __ ae | Position of Oyster Beds shown in green. 1888, shown in red. A Troup 1 the direction. of Isst_2ng'r, tre RBOR AND TURTLE RIV direction of A.D. BACHE Superintendent ofthe SURVEY OF THE COAST OF THE UNITED STATES Trinnghlathon tie AWTLONGFRLLOW Apsist i ET WERE Sub Anda Topography by AW. LONGPELLOW Assist Hydrography by the Mictios 4 Ander the cofmaud of LivuteCanule SD-ATOENCHAICD and LE DAN KITEAD Us Statute dHites Naniteal Miivs a ag Rel es ake See i er 40. 8s ant. wet ao valay®. ‘yo prostesth 06 F 7 2 -— if ; s. vi 9 i ; k . ; ; AMER GaHS aeeiowks, wats rh Yo) hyaieavetl ; 4 i bi “if o Bi ~ ' Seger 7 Beh) WA wim de Aion, nied os eine baoreses alized \o testes’, Yar! : . : } ‘ Eight ae al VOVONE AE GTA, Dsus} My OHOL wih > : it ej a r J “ie *~ i i eg “ae ea ' Sy ie po | ia : ee ) “ ov i . y - ; aT fi 4 t ; vy eX. : é _ \ ang ' ; ; J : AM a Pal — Punt, ; ube Per a iyirh a ake \y » yours . if ; ‘ i : i . any Fah ae) i A, Fe cyanea in? shyt x m uth ‘ | = ¥ o ae : als eee os, ON AR * ra 7 : > ; i oy, dhe Wa ete oe ace oan nie hs . 4 vi ' C7 ae : Nae ew ee ke even eh nay i‘ 3 } Y a 1 ne at | we bark uly eet Be *% sabe ce t, ee t 7 : ? a F os : eAak vowed, Ww A, saya = 4 } * oP “ Vat wis ‘V me LavTy Fo eer nh, i 1 fi 47 \ viks Mo. bereits (WV 4 hes t = fe havent, Sl wh ) eh ) { 5 } i ar - ) , ; e ery PEPE LAE : 4- F = . —< ee : } 4 a , oF ado —| a ‘ pe : Abbb ri vein | td " : { i fi3 ' ; Sone tee + 4. t & < - i 2 Li nf Hane f etl te been st Va ; y ‘ Ky ' ntl awed (A290) ho otehebel webiine | 5) ; , t Fi 4 , 4 ieee : | = . 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