ea on the north side--and of the neat watering-place of
Dovercourt on the left, we stood in between Landguard Fort, on the north
shore, and the long breakwater which runs out from the south, when we
crossed the mouth of the Orwell at the point where the Stour falls into
it, and came to an anchor off Harwich, among a considerable number of
vessels, the guardship rising like a giant in their midst.

Though the town is small, the port has long been famous. We saw several
steamers start for different parts of the Continent. If I was asked
what was the chief article of sale in the town, I should say, Shrimps.

We made a short excursion up the Stour, the banks of which are richly
wooded; and we also pulled up to Ipswich, where the Orwell may be said
to commence, for the river above the town is confined in a narrow
canal-like channel. On our return, while at anchor in the harbour, an
oyster-dredging vessel brought-up close to us, and papa, who was always
on the look-out for information, invited the skipper to come on board.

He gave us a good deal of curious information about the oyster. They
are obtained by means of a dredge, which consists of a flat bag, the
under part made of strong iron rings looped together by stout wire. The
upper side is merely a strong netting, as it is not exposed to so much
wear as the part which is drawn along the ground. The mouth of this bag
is fastened to an iron frame, with an opening about four inches deep,
extending the whole breadth of the bag. The lower part of this frame is
flattened and turned forward at such an angle as to enable it to scrape
the surface of the ground. To the ends of the scraper two stout iron
rods are firmly welded; these, after curving upwards, form the narrow
sides of the mouth, and extend forward four or five feet, when they
unite at a handle, to which a stout warp is made fast. The free end of
the bag is secured to a stout stick, which forms a convenient hold when
the contents of the dredge are being turned out. The weight of the
dredge keeps it at the bottom, and but little skill is required in
working it. A good-sized boat can work two dredges at one time, one
from each quarter.

Oyster-beds are often valuable property, and they are rented by various
companies. Rules have been made for the preservation of oysters, and to
allow of new beds being formed. Oysters require nursing, and unless the
beds were carefully preserved and reconstructed, they would