The first mention of oyster cultivation (“propagation”) in the Pacific Northwest.

“The method of propagating oysters is to dig them up with tongs formed like two rakes with the teeth parallel to each other, the handles being near the bottom, and so formed as to open or close on the oyster. When dug up, the oysters are separated from the mass and buried about the low watermark, or even high watermark, so that the tide can ebb and flow over them. Here they increase, and in oyster time, as it is called, are “tonged” up for use; then is the time to open up and preserve them, either for exportation or for use in the Territory.”

Pioneer and Democrat, Vol 2, Number 51, August 26, 1854.