[from the section on"The Natural History of the Oyster" ]

The geographical distribution of the oyster along our coast has already been learned in detail, and need only be sketched. It is to be found almost without interruption—except at wholly unsuitable locations—from Florida, and the northern shores of the Gulf of Mexico, to Massachusetts bay; local farther north, off Damariscotta, Maine, and in the southern part of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, at Prince Edward island, in Northumberland straits, and bay of Chaleur. "Not found along the eastern shores of Maine, nor in the bay of Fundy. Abundant in the ancient Indian shell-heaps on the coast of Massachusetts, on the islands in Casco bay, and at Damariscotta. The shells, in a semi-fossil state, have been dug up from deep beneath the mud in the harbor of Portland, Maine, in large quantities, but native oysters appear to be entirely extinct in Casco bay. Very abundant in Long Island sound; in the upper part of Buzzard's bay; rare and local in Vineyard Sound; very abundant on the shores of Maryland and Virginia. Mouth of St. John's river, and in Tampa bay, Florida (Conrad). Texas (Riemer)."