Forest and Stream, March 12, 1874

Untitled

Sea -- Shellfish - Oystering : BaysideSea -- Shellfish - Oystering : Law enforcementSea -- Shellfish - Oystering : Legislation

The main features of the oyster bill, which has been agreed upon by the members of the General Assembly of Virginia, representing oyster producing districts, are contained in the following synopsis:

1st. Capital invested in planted oysters to be taxed at fifty cents on the hundred dollars, as other species of property -- this tax to be collected by township collectors.

2d. Tax of fifty cents on the hundred dollars' value of oysters taken by tong-men.

3d. Licensed dredgers permitted to take oysters in the Chesapeake Bay, and Tangier and Pocomoke sounds, with $3 tax per ton, with certain restrictions.

4th. Captains and sailing masters of vessels (licensed) armed with police power to arrest and take before the nearest justice parties violating the law. Inspectors may appoint reliable tong-men armed with same power of arrest.

5th. The abolishment of the oyster navy, and sale of steamers.

6th. Taxes to be collected by inspectors appointed by the county judges. [p.69]