The oyster has many enemies besides man.  There are creatures in the sea which are very fond of them; among these are the sea urchin, the "five finger," and the "whelk-tingle."  This creature sticks to the shell, through which it pierces a small hole, and sucks out the delicate morsel.  One thing, however, is very certain--that the supply of oysters has very greatly fallen off of late years; but whether the fishermen are answerable for this, it is difficult to say.