1891, William Keith Brooks,The Oyster: A Popular Summary of a Scientific Study, page132:
In order to prepare the ground of theclaire for the reception of oysters, it must first be cleared of stones and all vegetation which may cover it, then the necessary slope from the center towards the sides may be given it.
1900,Report of the Commissioner, volume25, United States. Bureau of Fisheries, page cxxxii:
A barrel of lime was spread around the edge of theclaire, so as to be gradually washed into the water and furnish the material required by oysters in the fabrication of the shell. Until October the oysters in theclaire remained exceedingly poor,[…]
