the spawning season, when the microscopic clam larvæ are in their
floating stage, they are carried here and there by the currents. Later,
when they tend normally to settle in some fertile tract of flat, they
are prevented from so doing by reason of the remarkable swiftness of
the tides, which sweep strongly over the broad, smooth flats, and give
the little clams no opportunity of lodgment. Only in the firm thatch of
low-lying islands can they find anything to cling to, and here, with
their slender byssus threads attached to unyielding grass or roots,
they are able to withstand the wash of the current. Thus the clams are
gathered in great numbers in these natural collectors, later are washed
on the neighboring flat, and finally a little colony grows up about
every island of this sort.
That this is actually what happens is largely borne out both by
observation and facts. It makes little difference where these islands
are located; clams grow nearby, while all about may stretch smooth,
hard flats, perfectly adapted for clams, yet altogether barren. In view
of the somewhat incomplete investigations made in this region, it is
perhaps too sweeping to point out any single factor as the sole cause
for these waste areas; but undoubtedly the swift tides and smooth, hard
flats, which offer no resting place for the young larvæ, constitute the
main causes.
Another odd circumstance in connection with the Barnstable clam
industry is the local regulations which control the industry. Almost
all digging is carried on in the winter, as a local by-law forbids the
digging of clams in summer in any quantity exceeding 6 bushels per week
for family use. This somewhat curious by-law is designed wholly for the
benefit of the majority of the clammers, and to give them employment in
that season of the year when work is most difficult to obtain. While
interfering somewhat with summer clam bakes, the law appears to meet
the approval of the townspeople.
The south shore of Barnstable possesses many of the features of
Buzzards Bay, and produces clams only in numbers sufficient for home
consumption.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, 25
Capital invested, $200
Value of shore property, -
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 700
Value, $550
Total area (acres):--
Sand, 200
Mud, 150
Gravel, -
Mussels and eel grass, 50
Total, 400
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, 10
Scattering clams, 10
Barren area possibly productive (acres), 330
Waste barren area (acres), 50
Possible normal production, $39,000
_Yarmouth._
The clam industry at Yarmouth, never extensive, has steadily declined,
until now it barely supplies the demands of home consumption.
Barnstable bar on the northern coast twenty years ago produced clams in
considerable quantities, but the soil was never well adapted for this
shellfish. Scattering clams are now found there, but the grounds are
very much exposed, and cannot properly rank as clam-producing area.
Sea clams abound there at certain seasons, and furnish a transient
business; also razor clams, which are used extensively for bait.
The best clam territory is in Mill Creek, on the south shore of the
town. Scattered patches of clams also occur along the shore of Bass
River, but the whole area really available does not exceed 50 acres,
and this is not at all well improved. There are no regular clammers,
but intermittent digging produces about 600 bushels of clams annually,
which are used either for home consumption or for bait.
No effort has been made on the part of the town authorities to better
conditions, although the advisability of giving clam grants, at least
on the northern or bay side, has been discussed. No permits are
required, and local legislation does not in any way concern itself with
the clam industry.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, 5
Capital invested, $40
Value of shore property, -
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 600
Value, $500
Total area (acres):--
Sand, 25
Mud, 15
Gravel, 10
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 50
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, 5
Scattering clams, 10
Barren area possibly productive (acres), 25
Waste barren area (acres), 10
Possible normal production, $6,000
_Orleans._
Orleans is one of the few towns in the State which shows an advance in
the clam industry. This is largely due to an increased production on
the rich flats of Nauset harbor, as the remaining available territory
in the town is declining in value. The output of 1907 is an increase of
nearly 40 per cent. over the yield of the previous year, which shows an
encouraging development.
The clam flat area of the town is divided into four rather distinct
divisions, three on the east or Atlantic side and one on the Bay or
western side. The grounds which have been dug for the longest time and
yielded uniformly the best results lie in the waters of Town Cove. Here
a strip of gravelly sand and mud about 30 feet wide extends along the
shores of this cove for 2 or 3 miles. Clams are scattered throughout
this strip, and are dug constantly.
The second division includes the bars of Nauset harbor, which at
present furnish the best digging in town. The increased value of the
town's industry is largely due to the recent development of these
flats. Clams have seeded in abundantly during the past two or three
years, and now furnish very good digging.
The third section comprises that portion of the clam flat area
bordering the coast of Pleasant Bay which crosses the town boundaries
on the southeast. Here clams are rather scarce, though dug
occasionally. This section is economically the least important of the
four.
The fourth section extends along the western coast, on a belt of sand
bars well out in Cape Cod Bay. Clams are found on a strip about a
quarter of a mile in width, and lying over half a mile from shore. This
is a very exposed location. Billingsgate Point, projecting out from
the Wellfleet coast, offers some protection from northwest winds, and
the hills of the Cape break the force of the easterly gales; but the
full force of storms from the west and southwest sweeps these bars, and
would seem to render them unsuitable for the growth of clams. Clams are
here, however, in considerable numbers, though not so numerous as three
or four years ago, and are dug to some extent.
The greater part of the digging is done by intermittent clammers, who
obtain perhaps 2½ bushels per day. No permits are required, as there
are no town by-laws regulating the industry.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, 30
Capital invested, $200
Value of shore property, -
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 3,000
Value, $3,000
Total area (acres):--
Sand, 125
Mud, 50
Gravel, 20
Mussels and eel grass, 5
Total, 200
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, 25
Scattering clams, 50
Barren area possibly productive (acres), 75
Waste barren area (acres), 50
Possible normal production, $27,000
_Eastham._
The town of Eastham is a sparsely settled community, and the clam
fishery, while not large, plays a rather important part in its business
activity. Six men depend quite largely upon it for a livelihood, while
some 30 others dig intermittently through the summer. The same peculiar
condition as at Orleans exists on the western coast. Here far from
shore clams are found in considerable numbers on the shifting bars. The
main source of supply, however, comes from the productive sand flats of
Nauset harbor.
These flats have seeded in only in the past two or three years, but
they have already shown latent possibilities of a future increase. In
the so-called "Salt Pond" 2 men are employed nearly the year round in
digging clams under water by a method of "churning," locally known as
"rootling."
The total available area in Eastham is about 200 acres. More than half
of this is sand, which includes almost all the good digging, while the
mud flats are interspersed with stretches of gravel and scattering
patches of eel grass.
The same abuses which have nearly ruined the Swansea fishery have begun
here. Small seed clams are exported in considerable quantities to
supply the summer demand of the New Bedford and Fall River districts.
While this system has not yet made its ravages apparent, a glance
at the Swansea report will serve to convince the most casual reader
that unless some steps are taken to check this evil, the practical
annihilation of the Eastham clam industry must follow. As it is, local
legislation seems powerless to cope with the problem, and no laws of
any kind relating to the clam fishery are in force.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, 36
Capital invested, $250
Value of shore property, --
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 4,000
Value, $4,000
Total area (acres):--
Sand, 100
Mud, 50
Gravel, 30
Mussels and eel grass, 20
Total, 200
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, 25
Scattering clams, 50
Barren area possibly productive (acres), 100
Waste barren area (acres), 25
Possible normal production, $30,000
_Wellfleet._
Although possessing extensive flats, Wellfleet produces at present a
relatively small amount of clams. The inhabitants realize that these
flats are capable of producing a large harvest of clams if properly
planted, and that in this way an extensive industry can be developed,
and have undertaken to restock the flats, appropriating in 1906 for
this purpose the sum of $1,000.
At Billingsgate Island there are fair clam flats, but they are not
easily accessible, as they lie at a distance of 5 miles from town.
Clams can also be obtained in more or less abundance in the thatch
which borders the flats of Blackfish Creek, Herring River and Duck
Creek. A few clams are scattered over the flats of Blackfish Creek,
particularly toward the head of the creek. Two patches of clams
covering perhaps an acre are on the flats in front of the town: one
in the stone and gravel east of Commercial wharf; the other, a more
extensive area, just west of Mercantile wharf.
Wellfleet possesses many acres of flats which, though now barren, are
capable of excellent production if properly planted. Wellfleet flats
extend from Duck Creek to Herring River and from Herring River along
the shores of Great Island for a distance of 4½ miles, and cover an
area of 400 acres. The Great Island flats are not especially adapted
for clams, and only parts of these can ever be successfully cultivated,
while possibly all the area between Duck Creek and Herring River can be
reclaimed. South Wellfleet flats, which comprise an area of 200 acres,
are much poorer flats, consisting for the most part of mud and shifting
sand. Only the firmer portions, about 50 acres, can be made productive
by planting with clams.
At Wellfleet the soft clam fishery can hardly be styled an industry.
In the winter a few men go clamming when there is nothing else to do.
The majority prefer razor clamming, which is a considerable winter
industry, owing to the demand for this bait at Provincetown. Three
men clam during the summer, doing practically all their digging at
Billingsgate, while 8 others are in this work during the winter.
The flats of Wellfleet were never very productive, but formerly were
capable of furnishing a far greater production than at present. This
decline is only accounted for by overdigging, which has brought about
the present scarcity.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, 11
Capital invested, $300
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 800
Value, $640
Total area (acres):--
Sand, 450
Mud, 5
Gravel, 150
Mussels and eel grass, --
Total, 605
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, 3
Scattering clams, 12
Barren area possibly productive (acres), 250
Waste barren area (acres), 340
Possible normal production, $28,000
_Truro._
The clam flats at Truro are confined principally to the Pamet River. At
the mouth of this river near the head of the harbor bar is a sand flat
comprising several acres, where the bulk of the clams are produced. In
South Truro, Stony Bar and other similar patches of rocky beach are
fairly well bedded with clams. Scattering clams are found over the
shifting bars which skirt the main land on the bay side, but nowhere
are clams sufficiently abundant to warrant any serious attempt at
exportation. Fifteen to twenty years ago clams were everywhere much
more abundant in this region than now, and in those days some market
digging was carried on. At present the needs of the home market are
with difficulty supplied from the local production, and 100 bushels per
year would cover all clams dug both for food and bait. No effort has at
any time been made by the town authorities to increase the industry,
though the clam fishery, at least in the sheltered coves of Pamet
River, is not without possibilities of development.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, 1
Capital invested, $2
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 50
Value, $60
Total area (acres):--
Sand, 50
Mud, --
Gravel, --
Mussels and eel grass, --
Total, 50
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, 1
Scattering clams, 2
Barren area possibly productive (acres), 47
Waste barren area (acres), --
Possible normal production, $5,000
_Provincetown._
For the last five years the flats of Provincetown have produced only a
small amount of clams. Wherever clams have set in abundance they have
been quickly dug by fishermen for bait, thus checking their natural
propagation.
Clams are found in the drains among the thatch beds on the southwest
side of the harbor and in Race Run, while a considerable set is
scattered between the wharves of the town. All the extensive flats at
the southwest end of the harbor are entirely barren of clams, owing
chiefly to the shifting nature of the sand, although on certain parts
of these, especially near the thatch, clams would grow if planted. As
it is, the shifting sand makes it impossible for the young clams to set
on this area.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, 5
Capital invested, $15
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 400
Value, $320
Total area (acres):--
Sand, 400
Mud, -
Gravel, -
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 400
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, 3
Scattering clams, 3
Barren area possibly productive (acres), 200
Waste barren area (acres), 194
Possible normal production, $21,000
_Chatham._
Chatham can no longer be considered as the best clam-producing town of
southern Massachusetts. In 1879 Chatham produced a greater quantity
of soft clams than all the rest of the Cape; to-day all has changed,
and the annual output is far less than several other towns of the Cape
district.
The town of Chatham is situated in the southeastern portion of Cape
Cod, and includes that part which is commonly called the "elbow" of the
Cape. It is surrounded on the north, east and south sides by the ocean,
while on the south the peninsula known as Monomoy Island extends for 9
miles.
The clamming territory of Chatham is situated in Stage harbor, Pleasant
Bay and at Monomoy Point.
In Stage harbor clams are found along the sides of the Mill Pond,
comprising possibly an acre, and in the eastern end of the harbor
toward the dike, where about 3 acres of flats are thickly set.
An extended area of sand flats are found in Pleasant Bay. But small
parts of this area furnish good clamming, and the Common Flats on the
inside of Monomoy Island, where once there were acres of good clams,
now lie entirely barren except for a small patch of set just north of
Brant Island, comprising about 1/5 of an acre. Here are about 100 acres
of barren flats which only need planting to be made productive.
The commercial clam fishery, of the town is carried on at Monomoy
Point, where 5 acres of the best clamming in Massachusetts is found.
The Powder Hole flats, formed of coarse, clean sand, are thickly set
with clams of all sizes, and furnish excellent digging. A good clammer
can obtain from 5 to 6 bushels per tide from these flats.
Clams are dug at Chatham during the fishing season chiefly for bait.
Such digging lasts through the fall and winter. In the summer, clams
are dug only for food, as no cod fishing is conducted in the warm
months. From 10 to 15 men were engaged in clamming during the summer
of 1907, travelling from Chatham to Monomoy Point in power or sail
dories. Practically all the clams dug came from the Powder Hole flats
at Monomoy Point. These were purchased at Chatham wharf by fish firms
at the price of $2 per barrel.
The winter clam fishery of Chatham was once an important industry,
which started in 1875 when clams were in great demand as fish bait. The
following table shows how this industry has declined:--
=============================+=========+=========
| 1879. | 1907.
-----------------------------+---------+---------
Number of men, | 150 | 10
Annual production (bushels), | 35,000 | 1,500
Value of production, | $12,250 | $1,200
Price per bushel (cents), | 35 | 80
Capital invested, | $2,000 | $400
=============================+=========+=========
Owing to the large amount of clams dug by fishing vessels, the
following restrictions were incorporated in 1881 as a State law, which
reads as follows:--
No fisherman or any other person shall take from the towns of
Chatham and Nantucket any shellfish, for bait or other use,
except clams and a shellfish commonly known by the name of
horse feet, and no quantity exceeding seven bushels of clams,
including shells or one hundred of said horse feet shall be
taken in one week for each vessel or craft, nor in any case
without a permit being first obtained from the selectmen of the
town.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, 10
Capital invested, $400
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 1,500
Value, $1,200
Total area (acres):--
Sand, 330
Mud, 10
Gravel, 20
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 360
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, 10
Scattering clams, 50
Barren area possibly productive (acres), 300
Waste barren area (acres), -
Possible normal production, $44,000
_Harwich._
The town of Harwich possesses but little clam area. A few clams are
obtainable on the shores of Pleasant Bay and Mud Creek in limited
localities, while in the southern waters of the town there is some
digging in Wychmere harbor and in Herring River. The total area of clam
flats is not more than 1½ acres.
There are no regular clammers engaged in the business, all the clams
dug being used only for home consumption.
In 1905 there was a town law restricting the digging in Wychmere
harbor, except for bait, to one day in the week.
COMPARISON OF 1907 WITH 1879.
========+============+==========+======
YEAR. | Production | Value. | Men.
| (Bushels). | |
--------+------------+----------+------
1879, | 1,125 | $400 | 15
1907, | 100 | 100 | -
========+============+==========+======
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, -
Capital invested, -
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 100
Value, $80
Total area (acres):--
Sand, 10
Mud, 10
Gravel, 10
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 30
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, 1
Scattering clams, 5
Barren area possibly productive (acres), 10
Waste barren area (acres), 14
Possible normal production, $2,400
_Dennis._
As the town of Dennis has mutual fishery rights with the town of
Yarmouth, the clam flats of Bass River, which lie between the towns,
are free to any inhabitant of Dennis. A few clams are also dug in Swan
Pond River.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, -
Capital invested, -
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 50
Value, $45
Total area (acres):--
Sand, 25
Mud, 15
Gravel, 10
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 50
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, 1
Scattering clams, 4
Barren area possibly productive (acres), 30
Waste barren area (acres), 15
Possible normal production, $4,200
_Mashpee._
The clam fishery at Mashpee is of hardly sufficient proportions to
rank as an industry. The shores of the Popponesset River furnish
perhaps favorable conditions for the growth of this shellfish, but
the available territory is small, not exceeding 50 acres, and of this
only a small percentage, comprising scattered patches of gravel-mud,
produces clams in any abundance.
No effort is made at exportation for market, and under the present
circumstances it is doubtful if a greater yield than that required to
supply home consumption could be expected. No effort is made on the
part of local legislation to control the industry or foster it in any
way.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, 2
Capital invested, $20
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 50
Value, $45
Total area (acres):--
Sand, 20
Mud, 5
Gravel, 20
Mussels and eel grass, 5
Total, 50
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, 2
Scattering clams, 8
Barren area possibly productive (acres), 30
Waste barren area (acres), 10
Possible normal production, $5,400
_Buzzards Bay._
The section of Massachusetts bordering the shores of Buzzards Bay
supports a flourishing quahaug, oyster and scallop fishery, capable of
great development. The clam industry, however, never very extensive,
is of very slight significance at present, and can never attain the
same degree of importance as the other shellfisheries, owing to the
limited area available for clams. To those familiar with the harbors
of Newburyport and Duxbury and their vast tidal flats with their
latent possibilities, the shores of Buzzards Bay present indeed a
notable contrast. Bluff and hilly for the most part, and frequently
rocky, nowhere do they show extensive flats suitable for clam culture.
That clams grow wherever opportunity permits is evident, for they
are found on gravelly stretches or among rocks all along the coast,
except in those localities openly exposed to the full force of the
sea. But allowing for all possible favorable features, the lack of any
considerable territory is a disadvantage that will forever act as a
barrier to any expansion. Falmouth and Dartmouth on the east and west
sides of Buzzards Bay respectively differ materially from the remaining
towns of the district, in the fact that the characteristic soil of
their clam grounds is sand; while the other towns have little in the
shape of available territory except gravel stretches along the shores
of coves, small areas of mud, and the rocky beaches of points and
headlands. The yearly output hardly anywhere suffices for the needs of
home consumption. Nowhere is any attempt at exportation possible. The
business, such as it is, is carried on in a very intermittent fashion,
chiefly in the summer, with but a small investment of capital.
Special local regulation seems to remain aloof from the problem of
insuring a future clam supply. That the combined area of all the towns
of Buzzards Bay does not equal that of a single town in the Cape Ann
district is an undeniable truth; but the fact nevertheless remains
that an industry far more considerable than exists at present could be
supported, and it is truly to the interest of the towns of this region
to make the best possible use of their limited advantages.
_Falmouth._
Falmouth has a long coast line not only on Buzzards Bay but also on
Vineyard Sound. The flats at North and West Falmouth on the bay side
are similar to those of Wareham and Bourne, though there are several
small patches of quite good digging. On the southern shore there
are clams scattered along the coasts of the various indentations,
particularly at Waquoit Bay.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, -
Capital invested, -
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 200
Value, $175
Total area (acres):--
Sand, 40
Mud, 5
Gravel, 5
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 50
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, 2
Scattering clams, 8
Barren area possibly productive (acres), 40
Waste barren area (acres), -
Possible normal production, $6,400
_Bourne._
The clam industry at Bourne is practically extinct. Scarcely any
clamming is carried on by the inhabitants of the town, even for their
own use, as clams have become so scattering that it hardly pays to dig
them. The territory is much the same in extent and general character as
that of Wareham, but it has been over-dug to a greater degree, and has
become nearly barren.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, -
Capital invested, -
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 100
Value, $100
Total area (acres):--
Sand, 5
Mud, 5
Gravel, 30
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 40
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, -
Scattering clams, 30
Barren area possibly productive (acres), -
Waste barren area (acres), 10
Possible normal production, $6,000
_Wareham._
Wareham leads the towns of Buzzards Bay in the production of clams,
although its annual output is only 600 bushels. This clearly shows the
low ebb to which the industry has fallen in this region.
There are no true tide flats in Wareham, but the total area of the
mud-gravel and rocky bottom between high and low water mark where
scattering clams are found is nearly 100 acres. There are no regular
fishermen, but some half dozen quahaugers dig clams from time to time,
chiefly during the summer, to supply the home market.
The industry, such as it is, appears to be about stationary at present,
though in production it has declined notably during the last twenty
years. The town officials have attempted no measures to revive the
failing fishery, and no town laws affect it in any way.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, 6
Capital invested, $100
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 800
Value, $800
Total area (acres):--
Sand, 15
Mud, 10
Gravel, 75
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 100
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, -
Scattering clams, 50
Barren area possibly productive (acres), -
Waste barren area (acres), 50
Possible normal production, $10,000
_Marion._
The wealthy summer residents at Marion create a demand for clams at
a very substantial price. In spite of the increased price, there is
little inducement to engage in this industry as a livelihood, and only
1 man digs steadily through the summer months, though intermittent
digging is done by others to supply the local market.
The best clamming is on the east coast of Great Neck and in Wing's
Cove. These grounds are difficult of access, and consequently have not
been so much overworked as the nearer shores of Ram's Island, Allan's
Point and Blankinship's Cove. The total area does not exceed 10 acres,
and this for the most part is very poor territory; while the clams
coming from these rock and gravel beaches are not of very good quality,
the shells being usually gnarled and crooked.
There is no town legislation relating to this industry, and though it
is becoming of less consequence every year, nothing is done to revive
it.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, 1
Capital invested, $15
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 100
Value, $100
Total area (acres):--
Sand, -
Mud, -
Gravel, 10
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 10
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, -
Scattering clams, 10
Barren area possibly productive (acres), -
Waste barren area (acres), -
Possible normal production, $2,000
_Mattapoisett._
The coast of Mattapoisett, more open and exposed than that of
Fairhaven, does not offer equal advantages to the cultivation of
clams. A similar strip of gravel-mud or sand occurs along the more
sheltered portions of the coast, and wherever an indentation in the
mainland offers shelter clams may be found, though never in sufficient
quantities to make digging profitable. There is really no industry at
all; the few clams that are dug go for home trade or are used as bait,
and the prospects of any decided improvement appear to be slight.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, 1
Capital invested, $15
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 100
Value, $100
Total area (acres):--
Sand, -
Mud, 5
Gravel, 5
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 10
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, -
Scattering clams, 10
Barren area possibly productive (acres), -
Waste barren area (acres), -
Possible normal production, $2,000
_Fairhaven._
The clam industry at Fairhaven suffers from the unsanitary condition
of the flats, though in a lesser degree than at New Bedford. The
finest clam grounds of this town lie in the proscribed district of the
Acushnet River, and handling or eating shellfish from this area is a
positive menace to the public health.
A strip of gravel-mud about 100 feet in average width fringes the
shores of Priest's Cove, and this strip furnishes at present the best
digging. Scattered patches of clams occur along the indentations of
Sconticut Neck, around West Island and along the coast of Little
Bay. No men are regularly employed in digging clams, though a rather
inefficient attempt is made at times to supply the local demand.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, -
Capital invested, -
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 100
Value, $100
Total area (acres):--
Sand, -
Mud, 25
Gravel, 25
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 50
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, -
Scattering clams, 25
Barren area possibly productive (acres), 25
Waste barren area (acres), -
Possible normal production, $7,500
_New Bedford._
The clam industry at New Bedford was never of any great importance,
but the unwise methods of sewage disposal of the city, whereby the
effluent enters the harbor in close proximity to the clam flats,
renders the taking of shellfish a positive menace to the public health.
The action of the State Board of Health in closing the Acushnet River
and Clark's Cove to the clam digger virtually annihilated the remnant
of the industry. Now practically all the available territory of the
city is proscribed, and no clams are allowed to be taken from this
area except for use as bait. Licenses are also required to take clams
even for bait from this proscribed territory. Three hundred and twenty
of these licenses have been issued since the passage of the act in
1904. The annual yield of clams for this purpose cannot be accurately
ascertained, but probably does not exceed 250 bushels. No important
clam industry would ever have been possible at New Bedford, under any
circumstances, but the slight possibilities which once existed have
been swept away and can never return under the present conditions,
though shellfish grown in this region could, if suitable legislation
were enacted, be transplanted to a sanitary environment, where in a
month all danger of spreading typhoid germs would be avoided.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Licenses for bait, 320
Capital invested, -
Production, 1907:--
Bushels (for bait), 300
Value, $225
Total area (acres):--
Sand, 5
Mud, 5
Gravel, 15
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 25
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, -
Scattering clams, 15
Barren area possibly productive (acres), -
Waste barren area (acres), 10
Possible normal production, $3,000
_Dartmouth._
The town of Dartmouth possesses a wide expanse of territory, but the
actual amount of available clam ground is not as large as it would
appear at first sight. Clams are found in more or less abundance at the
following places: (1) Rickerson's Point (2/3 acre); (2) Apponagansett
River (6 acres); (3) Apponagansett harbor (1 acre); (4) Nonquit (1/10
acre); (5) Round Hill Point (1/5 acre); (6) Salter's Point (3/4 acre);
(7) Smith's Neck (3/5 acre); (8) Little River (7-1/2 acres); (9)
Slocum's River (6 acres); comprising a total of 23 acres. The best
clamming is obtained on the flats of Little and Slocum's rivers. In
Apponagansett River clams are dug in the summer for the Padanaram clam
bakes.
A town by-law placing a closed season on Slocum's River was in
force during the years 1904 and 1905. In 1906 Dartmouth, by a State
law, required permits for clamming. These permits are issued by the
selectmen free of charge.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, 4
Capital invested, $50
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 200
Value, $160
Total area (acres):--
Sand, 15
Mud, 10
Gravel, 5
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 30
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, 5
Scattering clams, 15
Barren area possibly productive (acres), -
Waste barren area (acres), 10
Possible normal production, $5,000
_The Fall River District (Narragansett Bay)._
The section of country bordering on Narragansett Bay and the Rhode
Island line comprises a territory remote from the other clam-producing
districts of the State, and possessing many characteristics not found
in any other locality. Six towns of this region enjoy the privileges
of a clam industry, situated as they are on the shores of Mt. Hope
Bay and its tributary streams, the Cole, Lee and Taunton rivers.
Beginning with the most westerly and taking them in order, these towns
comprise Swansea, Somerset, Dighton, Berkley, Freetown and Fall River.
These towns differ only in extent of resources or development of the
industry, while the general nature of the clam flats and the methods
employed in carrying on the business are essentially alike for all.
The area in this region suitable for clam culture possesses some of
the distinguishing features of the typical north shore flats, some
of the Buzzards Bay variety and some peculiar to itself. There are
scarcely any sand flats, and the prevailing type of soil is mud, as at
Newburyport, or gravel, as in Buzzards Bay; while the greater part of
the clam supply comes from a large and rather indefinite area, which is
not properly tide flat at all, but lies continuously submerged.
The methods employed in carrying on this industry include both wet and
dry digging. On the tide flats the clams are dug as elsewhere on the
south shore, with hoes or the common digger. Where, however, clams
are dug in 2 or 3 feet of water, as is most frequently the case, an
ordinary long-handled shovel and wire basket are employed. The soil
containing the clams is shoveled into the baskets, and then the clams
are sifted out under water. Several years ago an attempt was made
to dig clams by machinery. An enterprising oysterman spent several
hundred dollars in constructing a machine which was designed to farm
the under-water districts more quickly and successfully than could be
done by hand. The device had some of the principles of a suction pump,
and theoretically the clams on the submerged flats could be washed out
from the soil and collected in a receptacle. The machine worked well
enough in extracting the clams from the mud, but failed completely
when it came to collecting them. In short, after a thorough trial it
was pronounced a failure and had to be abandoned.
The main peculiarity of this region, and a far more important one
than the type of soil or the methods of digging, is the nature of the
clams which are produced. The inadequate territory and the constantly
increasing demands of the Fall River markets have led to abuses which
have had a most disastrous effect on the clam industry, and unless
checked, and soon, these abuses will certainly cause its complete
annihilation. The abuses in question are the universal custom of
digging small seed clams for food. So importunate have the markets of
Fall River and the vicinity become, that when the supply of suitable
clams proves inadequate they demand and will gladly take "anything with
a shell on," as the dealers say, so that it is no uncommon sight to see
exposed for sale in the city markets clams of only 1 inch in length.
This deplorable condition is fostered by the custom of digging under
water, for the fine mesh of the woven-wire baskets retains even the
smallest clams, which are saved for market.
No quicker or surer way of destroying the industry completely could
have been devised than this method of digging seed clams for food. One
barrel of these clams would produce 10 to 15 barrels of marketable
clams if left for one year under favorable circumstances. Thus, when
a clammer digs 1 barrel of these clams he is in reality destroying 10
or more barrels. This is truly reaping the "seed" before it has had
any time to mature the proper harvest. Also, these "seed" clams are so
immature that in many cases they have not spawned, and thus the clammer
by destroying the clams in this manner damages irrevocably all chances
of restocking the flats.
From the inherent difficulties of the problem, however, local
regulation seems powerless to cope with the evil. The short-sighted
clammers, while they know that these methods, if pursued very far,
will ultimately destroy the industry, seem willing, nevertheless,
to sacrifice the future for the present. The other clammers are
inevitably brought into line on this mistaken policy, as they cannot
but argue that if a few will persist in exploiting a natural resource
it is the right of every man to have an equal chance, and take his
share of the proceeds as long as they last. Another potent factor in
this wastefulness is the irresponsible foreign element of the mill
districts, who dig clams for their own use, large or small, with entire
indifference. It might perhaps prove unjust and difficult to enforce
laws preventing individuals digging "seed" clams for their own use; but
legislation could possibly be enacted preventing the sale of such seed
in the public market. This would strike a blow at the abuse sufficient
to rob it of its worst features. The most casual glance at the facts
in the case prove that there is a pressing need for some legislative
action. The history of the clam industry in this region is one of
steady and rapid decline. Any clammer of the vicinity is willing to
acknowledge that conditions at present are in a very unsatisfactory
state. The output of clams has greatly diminished, both in the
consensus of opinion of those interested in the business, and also
according to statistical figures. Furthermore, the end of the industry,
as far as any economic importance is concerned, is plainly in sight,
and at the present rate of destruction cannot long be delayed. It would
seem that here was a striking example of the need of prompt and wise
legislation for the protection and development of an industry which has
made large profits for the community, and might yield still greater
returns if properly regulated.
The towns of this region can never compete with the towns of the
Newburyport district in the production of clams, for the reason that
they have by no means an equal acreage of suitable flats. The Taunton
River is also a considerable factor, as its contaminated waters impair
the quality of clams grown along its shores. There remains, however,
a considerable extent of suitable territory which might yield a large
product if rightly controlled, and this territory, with its inherent
possibilities depleted to the verge of exhaustion by unwise and
wasteful methods, it is for the interest of the Commonwealth to protect
and improve.
_Swansea._
Swansea, the most western town of this district, is by far the
most favorably located, and has the greatest possibilities of clam
production. Situated on the northern shore of Mt. Hope Bay, and
containing the majority of the flats in the Cole and Lee rivers, it
possesses a greater available territory free from the contaminating
influences of the Taunton River than any other town in this region.
Altogether, 200 acres comprise the possibly available clam area of this
town. The best of this area is located in Cole's River, and includes
Long Beach flat, the best flat of the district. Situated on the east
shore of the river just below the railroad bridge, this flat stretches
south in a broad triangle comprising some 20 acres of smooth, semihard
mud. Over the main flat is sprinkled a very thick set of ½ inch to 1
inch clams, interspersed with some of larger growth. While this is
the best flat, other flats extend along both shores far up the river
until the clams become too "fresh" to be very good. Flats also occur
in the Lee River, and there is a large and rather indeterminate amount
of under-water territory. The total area suitable for culture is not
far from 150 acres; of this, about 20 acres are gravel and the rest
practically all mud.
No permits are necessary to dig clams on tidal flats, but permits are
required to "churn" clams under water. Twenty of these permits were
issued last year. Usually in digging under water two men work together,
one shovelling the mud into the wire baskets and the other sifting out
the clams. About 75 per cent. of the clams produced come from these
under-water areas, as the tide flats are for the most part nearly
exhausted.
The season lasts all the year round, though most of the clams are dug
in the summer time. Of late years it has become increasingly hard for a
man to earn a living by clamming, as only 1 to 1½ bushels now comprise
an average day's work under the most favorable circumstances. Many of
the clammers are leaving the business and seeking a livelihood in other
employments.
The history of the industry is one of marked decline. The most
conservative clammer estimates that at the present rate the passing of
five years will witness the complete annihilation of the industry.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, 25
Capital invested, $250
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 5,000
Value, $5,000
Total area (acres):--
Sand, 100
Mud, 100
Gravel, -
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 200
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, 20
Scattering clams, 30
Barren area possibly productive (acres), 100
Waste barren area (acres), 50
Possible normal production, $24,000
_Somerset._
Somerset, the next town in order, joins Swansea on the east and
extends several miles up the left bank of the Taunton River. Its flats
on the south and west, particularly in the Lee River, produce some
clams, though the industry is practically run out. The total clam area
comprises about 75 acres. This is mostly mud, though gravel stretches
along the shore aggregate perhaps 10 acres. The development of latent
possibilities in this territory is largely curtailed by the disastrous
effects of the Taunton River upon the clams. This water, contaminated
by the manufacturing plants of Taunton, makes the clams grown in the
northern part of the town of inferior taste and quality.
Six licenses, costing $1 apiece, were issued last year for "churning"
clams. No permits other than these are required.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, -
Capital invested, -
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 50
Value, $50
Total area (acres):--
Sand, -
Mud, 25
Gravel, 25
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 50
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, -
Scattering clams, 10
Barren area possibly productive (acres), 20
Waste barren area (acres), 20
Possible normal production, $4,000
_Dighton._
Dighton has a very limited area of clam flat, comprising only about 10
acres. Clams extend but little beyond the southern boundary of the town
on the Taunton River and about ¾ mile up the Segregansett River on the
west. Practically no business is made of clamming by the citizens of
the town except for local consumption. About 40 bushels were "churned"
last year by outsiders. No permits are issued.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, -
Capital invested, -
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 40
Value, $40
Total area (acres):--
Sand, -
Mud, 5
Gravel, 5
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 10
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, -
Scattering clams, 2
Barren area possibly productive (acres), 8
Waste barren area (acres), -
Possible normal production, $1,200
_Berkley._
Berkley, on the right bank of the Taunton River, opposite Dighton, has
a very similar clam territory both in extent and characteristics. But
little use is made of the clam except for bait, as the river water
renders them very unsatisfactory as food.
There is practically no industry, and there never could be any of
importance, owing to the very limited area and the contamination of the
waters.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, -
Capital invested, -
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 25
Value, $25
Total area (acres):--
Sand, -
Mud, 5
Gravel, 5
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 10
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, -
Scattering clams, 4
Barren area possibly productive (acres), 6
Waste barren area (acres), -
Possible normal production, $1,400
_Freetown._
Freetown, joining Berkley on the south near the Fall River line,
possesses a number of clam flats, aggregating 25 acres. Very little
business is carried on, although conditions are better than in Berkley
or Dighton. The clams, too, are of better quality, being freer from
the disagreeable flavor of clams grown farther up the river. The
possibilities for clam culture in this town are not attractive, but the
present conditions can be vastly improved.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, -
Capital invested, -
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 100
Value, $100
Total area (acres):--
Sand, -
Mud, 10
Gravel, 15
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 25
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, -
Scattering clams, 15
Barren area possibly productive (acres), -
Waste barren area (acres), 10
Possible normal production, $3,000
_Fall River._
Fall River has no clam territory on the south, owing to the wharves
and other obstructions. On the more open waters of the north towards
Freetown there is an extent of clam ground occupying about 25 acres.
The foreign element in the city dig here for food, and some clams are
likewise dug for bait, but the industry on the whole is of little
consequence.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, -
Capital invested, -
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 100
Value, $75
Total area (acres):--
Sand, -
Mud, 20
Gravel, 5
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 25
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, -
Scattering clams, 10
Barren area possibly productive (acres), 15
Waste barren area (acres), -
Possible normal production, $3,500
_Nantucket._
At present Nantucket does not possess a clam industry of any
importance. Years ago it is claimed that clams were abundant, and that
quantities were dug for food or for bait. Now the reverse is true, and
the fisherman often finds it difficult to procure clams even for bait.
Indeed, Nantucket furnishes an excellent illustration of the decline of
the clam industry.
Practically all the flats of Nantucket are shore flats _i.e._, narrow
flats along the shores of the harbor and on the sides of the creeks.
Thus the area, though extending for many miles, is not great, and
the clam industry of the island, though capable of development,
nevertheless can never assume the importance of the quahaug and the
scallop fisheries. In Nantucket harbor clams are found in the creeks,
and particularly in Polpis harbor, although scattering clams are found
all along the south shore of the harbor. A few clams are found on the
north side in Coatou Creek and in First and Second Bend. The flats in
Nantucket harbor are all coarse sand or a fine gravel, except in the
creeks, where they become muddy. On the eastern and southern sides
clams are found in scattering quantities in Maddequet harbor, on the
north side of Tuckernuck and in the cove on the south side of Muskeget.
COMPARISON OF 1907 WITH 1879.
=============================+=================+=================
PRODUCTION. | 1879. | 1907.
-----------------------------+-----------------+-----------------
Bushels, | 2,253 | 400
Value, | $872 | $350
=============================+=================+=================
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, 4
Capital invested, $40
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 400
Value, $350
Total area (acres):--
Sand, 150
Mud, 25
Gravel, 25
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 200
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, 5
Scattering clams, 15
Barren area possibly productive (acres), 130
Waste barren area (acres), 50
Possible normal production, $18,000
_Edgartown._
Although Edgartown possesses 200 acres of clam flats, it is not in a
true sense a clam-producing town. The reason for this small production
is due to the nature of the flats, which are mostly under water at
low tide, making clamming difficult. Naturally Edgartown devotes its
energies to the more profitable quahaug and scallop fisheries.
The clam flats of the town are situated along the shores of Cape Poge
Pond and in the lower part of Katama Bay, where many acres of flats are
continually submerged. The shore flats are of small area, owing to the
light rise and fall of the tide, less than 3 feet at this part of the
coast.
(1) _Cape Poge Pond._--Scattering clams are found all along the shore
flats, except for a ¾-mile strip on the west side. The soil is of a
coarse sand or gravel.
(2) _Katama Bay._--The best clam flats of the town are situated in
Katama Bay, and extend over a considerable territory. These flats,
consisting of a coarse, sandy soil, lie continually submerged. Here the
clams are dug by means of a "sea horse." This "animal" is nothing more
than an elongated clam hoe with a belt attachment, whereby the clammer
can "churn" out the clams at a depth of 2 to 3 feet.
The clam industry of Edgartown has fallen off considerably since 1879.
However, the clammers say that it has improved during the last fifteen
years. The following comparison is made between the production of 1879
and 1907:--
COMPARISON OF 1907 WITH 1879.
=========+============+============+============+=============
YEAR. | Production | Production | Production | Value of
| for Food | for Bait | (Bushels). | Production.
| (Bushels). | (Bushels). | |
---------+------------+------------+------------+-------------
1879, | 1,000 | 3,000 | 4,000 | $1,570
1907, | 625 | 575 | 1,200 | 1,000
=========+============+============+============+=============
The general shellfish regulations which govern the other shellfisheries
of the town apply to the clam fishery; but the industry has never been
considered important enough to need special legislation, and but slight
attention has been given to it.
SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY.
Number of men, 7
Capital invested, $50
Production, 1907:--
Bushels, 1,200
Value, $1,000
Total area (acres):--
Sand, 150
Mud, -
Gravel, 50
Mussels and eel grass, -
Total, 200
Productive area (acres):--
Good clamming, 20
Scattering clams, 100
Barren area possibly productive (acres), 50
Waste barren area (acres), 30
Possible normal production, $33,000
In the opinion of many, doubtless, this report may appear unduly
lengthy, and to include many seemingly trivial facts and unnecessary
repetitions. To the trained observer, however, it seems of the greatest
importance in dealing with such a practical and important problem to
place on record all facts and opinions which may become of value, and
to emphasize by frequent repetitions certain fundamental facts.
Respectfully submitted,
D. L. BELDING.
The preceding report is intended to be a reliable statement of
facts, and suggestions for consideration. On such a basis of facts
the future policy of developing the shellfisheries must be based. It
is the purpose of the Commissioners on Fisheries and Game to hold
a series of public hearings in the different sections of the State
for the purpose of giving personal expositions of the shellfish
conditions and possibilities, and of giving a better opportunity for
exchanging, discussing and weighing opinions. Meantime, in considering
the conditions of the shellfisheries of Massachusetts, and the laws
necessary to improve these conditions, the following points are of
importance.
The present shellfish laws are based upon the principle of "public"
fisheries, and were made at times and at places where there was such
a superabundance that the natural increase was sufficient to meet
the market demands. Artificial cultivation was unnecessary. The
fundamental laws were made in the colonial days. Since then the demand
for shellfish as food has enormously increased, and for many years the
annual natural increase has been entirely inadequate to meet these
demands. We have outgrown the conditions which the original conception
of that law covered. Under parallel conditions it has been found
necessary to sell or lease the public lands, in order that the yield of
food may be increased by cultivation under the immediate direction and
responsibility of individual citizens, and under protection of State
and national laws. When it was learned that the yield of a cultivated
oyster bed far exceeded the natural product both in quantity and
quality, the oyster laws were so modified that an important industry
was built up, until to-day practically the entire oyster yield of
Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut is from cultivated beds,
and the total product is many times the total catch from the natural
beds in their palmiest days. To-day not only is it necessary to so
modify the oyster laws as to increase the opportunities for better
utilizing our bays and estuaries for oyster growing on a more extensive
scale than is done at present, but also for developing similar methods
of growing clams and quahaugs, and perhaps also scallops. The tidal
flats must, as well as the deeper waters, be made to produce food and
money by securing a larger yield per acre, and by the utilization of
thousands of acres which are now practically idle, but which either are
now adapted for growing shellfish or can readily be made so.
Our present shellfish laws are a heterogeneous, conflicting patchwork,
devised to meet temporary and local conditions, utterly inadequate
to-day to permit the fishermen to secure a just return for their labor,
and completely sacrificing the public interests. In many cases the
responsible tax-paying citizen cannot find a place to dig a family
supply of clams or quahaugs, neither can the industrious native
fisherman get a fair day's pay for his labor.
An entirely new code of shellfish laws is necessary, based upon the
general principles (1) that in selling the shores the State reserved
the right of fishing as "far as the tide doth ebb and flow," and (2)
that the State may now lease these fishing rights under such conditions
and restrictions as to secure to every citizen so desiring and so
deserving an opportunity to cultivate such a definite area as may meet
his needs and powers. Experience has proved conclusively that it is
a correct economic principle for the State to give a secure title to
certain carefully defined lands to a capable man, and to say: "This
land is yours. You may raise potatoes, corn, hay or anything you
choose. Every plant, fruit or tree growing on this property is yours.
You have become responsible for its right and proper use. You have full
and complete rights in this property, and can develop it by investing
your labor and your money according to your own judgment, and the State
will protect you in these rights as long as you do not interfere with
the rights of other persons." Equally so it is an indubitable economic
fact that the landowner finds it more profitable to plant or transplant
corn, potatoes, grass, strawberries, etc., rather than to depend upon
the natural methods and yield. Similarly, it is equally logical for the
State to give to the fisherman equal opportunities with the farmer. The
State should guarantee the tenure of the fisherman in his definitely
bounded shellfish garden, and should protect his interests and the
property on that garden as securely as if it were potatoes or corn,
and should, so far as possible, guard him from local jealousy or the
effects of petty politics so long as he continues wisely to improve
his grant in conformity to the spirit and letter of laws which are
found by experience to give the greatest good to the greatest number.
Further, the State should protect the fishermen and the consumers of
shellfish by defining the areas which from a sanitary point of view
are (1) totally unsuitable for shellfish cultivation; (2) those where
shellfish may be grown but not eaten; and, finally, (3) definite areas
from which alone shellfish may be sold for food. Provide suitable
penalties for sale of shellfish which have not been kept for the
required time (at least thirty days) in sanitary surroundings before
going to market. The entire question of pollution of streams and
estuaries must be carefully considered in view of the public rights
and of the commercial interests of the fishermen. Further, the laws
must be so carefully drawn that the respective rights and interests of
individual fishermen, shore owners, summer cottagers and the transient
public at the seashore are completely safeguarded against the dangers
of predatory wealth monopolizing the opportunities for cultivating
shellfish in the waters and the tidal flats.
The situation is extremely complicated on account of the diverse
conditions and the numerous conflicting interests, oystermen,
quahaugers, clammers and scallopers, native and alien fishermen, owners
of shore property, town and State rights, local interests and petty
politics, and careful judicial consideration is necessary not alone
as to the substance of the necessary laws, but upon the methods of
administering these laws.
Respectfully submitted,
G. W. FIELD.
J. W. DELANO.
G. H. GARFIELD.
FOOTNOTES:
[17] Licenses.
[18] Licences for bait.
[19] Licenses.
[20] Statistics of the number of men engaged were unobtainable.
INDEX.
INDEX.
Barnstable:--
Clam industry, 207-209
Oyster industry, 147-149
Quahaug industry, 52, 53
Scallop industry, 96-98
Berkley:--
Clam industry, 229, 230
Oyster industry, 156-158
Beverly, clam industry, 192
Boston harbor, clam industry, 196-198
Bourne:--
Clam industry, 220
Oyster industry, 153, 154
Quahaug industry, 53, 54
Scallop industry, 98, 99
Brewster, scallop industry, 99
Buzzard's Bay district:--
Clam industry, 219
Oyster industry, 150-152
Capital, 36
Chatham:--
Clam industry, 215, 216
Oyster industry, 144-146
Quahaug industry, 55, 56
Scallop industry, 99-101
Clam:--
Decline, 165, 166
Distribution, 159
Farming, 167-176
Growth, 171-173
History in Massachusetts, 176-178
Industry in Massachusetts, 178-180
Production for Massachusetts since 1880, 178
Remedy for decline, 167
Seed, 174
Statistics of industry in Massachusetts, 161-164
Cohasset, clam industry, 200
Dartmouth:--
Clam industry, 224, 225
Quahaug industry, 56
Scallop industry, 103
Dennis:--
Clam industry, 217, 218
Oyster industry, 146, 147
Quahaug industry, 56
Scallop industry, 101-103
Dighton:--
Clam industry, 229
Oyster industry, 156-158
Duxbury, clam industry, 202-204
Eastham:--
Clam industry, 211, 212
Oyster industry, 144
Quahaug industry, 56,57
Scallop industry, 103
Edgartown:--
Clam industry, 232, 233
Quahaug industry, 58-60
Scallop industry, 103-105
Essex, clam industry, 188-190
Fairhaven:--
Clam industry, 223
Quahaug industry, 60, 61
Scallop industry, 105, 106
Fall River, clam industry, 231
Fall River district:--
Clam industry, 225-227
Oyster industry, 156-158
Scallop industry, 106
Falmouth:--
Clam industry, 219, 220
Oyster industry, 149, 150
Quahaug industry, 61, 62
Scallop industry, 106
Fishing rights of the public, 26
Food value of shellfish, 92
Freetown:--
Clam industry, 230
Oyster industry, 156-158
Gloucester, clam industry, 190, 191
Harwich:--
Clam industry, 217
Oyster industry, 146
Quahaug industry, 62, 63
Scallop industry, 106, 107
Hingham, clam industry, 199
Hull, clam industry, 199, 200
Ipswich, clam industry, 185-188
Kingston, clam industry, 205, 206
Laws:--
Oyster, 127-132
Quahaug, 50, 51
Scallop, 92, 93
Shellfish, 25-30
Lynn, clam industry, 193, 194
Manchester, clam industry, 191, 192
Marion:--
Clam industry, 221, 222
Oyster industry, 156
Quahaug industry, 63, 64
Scallop industry, 107, 108
Marshfield, clam industry, 201, 202
Mashpee:--
Clam industry, 218
Oyster industry, 149
Quahaug industry, 64, 65
Scallop industry, 108
Mattapoisett:--
Clam industry, 222
Quahaug industry, 65, 66
Scallop industry, 108, 109
Methods of work, 16
Clam, 160, 161
Oyster, 117, 118
Quahaug, 38
Scallop, 81
Monopoly, 36
Nahant, clam industry, 195, 196
Nantucket:--
Clam industry, 231, 232
Oyster industry, 158, 159
Quahaug industry, 66-69
Scallop industry, 109-111
Narragansett Bay:--
Clam industry, 225-227
Oyster industry, 156-158
New Bedford:--
Clam industry, 223, 224
Quahaug industry, 69, 70
Scallop industry, 111-113
Newbury, clam industry, 184, 185
Newburyport, clam industry, 182, 183
Orleans:--
Clam industry, 210, 211
Oyster industry, 144
Quahaug industry, 70-72
Scallop industry, 113
Overfishing, 23
Oyster:--
Enemies, 155
Grants, 119
Natural beds, 119-123
Statistics, 136-138
Spat collecting, 133, 134
Oystermen v. quahaugers, 152
Plymouth, clam industry, 206, 207
Pollution, water, 23-25, 236
Protection, 26, 27
Provincetown:--
Clam industry, 214, 215
Quahaug industry, 72
Scallop industry, 113
Quahaug:--
Decline, 38-40
Distribution, 36, 37
Farming, 40-43
Growth, 42
History in Massachusetts, 49, 50
Industry, 43-49
Rakes, 44, 45
Spat collecting, 43
Statistics, 51
Quahaugers v. oystermen, 152
Resources, unimproved, 19
Salem, clam industry, 193
Salisbury, clam industry, 180-182
Sanitary conditions, 236
Saugus, clam industry, 194, 195
Scallop:--
Decline, 82-84
Distribution, 80
Dredges, 86-88
"Eye," 88
History in Massachusetts, 93, 94
Improvements, 84
Industry, 85-91
Maine, 90
Market, 90
Openers, 88
Outfit, 90, 91
"Pusher," 85
Season, 91
Shanties, 88
Soaking, 89, 90
Statistics, 95
Scituate, clam industry, 201
Sectional jealousy, 31
Shellfisheries:--
Abuses, 25-33
Decline, 20-25
Development, 19
Production since 1879, 20
Remedy, 33-35
Statistics, 19
Somerset:--
Clam industry, 228, 229
Oyster industry, 156-158
Statistical summaries:--
Clam industry, 161-164
Oyster industry, 136-138
Quahaug industry, 51
Scallop industry, 95
Shellfish industry, 19
Swansea:--
Clam industry, 227, 228
Oyster industry, 156-158
Quahaug industry, 72
Tisbury, scallop industry, 113
Town jealousy, 31
Truro:--
Clam industry, 213, 214
Quahaug industry, 72
Wareham:--
Clam industry, 221
Oyster industry, 154-156
Quahaug industry, 72-74
Scallop industry, 114, 115
Waste of competition, 31
Wastefulness, historical, 17-19
Wellfleet:--
Clam industry, 212, 213
Oyster industry, 138-143
Quahaug industry, 74-79
Scallop industry, 115
Weymouth, clam industry, 198
Yarmouth:--
Clam industry, 209, 210
Oyster industry, 146, 147
Quahaug industry, 79, 80
Scallop industry, 115, 116
[Illustration: The above map of the coast line of Massachusetts, with
its numbered sections, furnishes an index to the following series of
shellfish areas.]
[Illustration: The above characters, as used on the following maps,
indicate the position and relative quantities of the various shellfish
in their respective localities. No attempt is made to give the relative
abundance of scallops and oysters, while the present productive value
of the different clam and quahaug areas is indicated by different
standards of marking.]
[Illustration: Map 1.]
[Illustration: Map 2.]
[Illustration: Map 3.]
[Illustration: Map 4.]
[Illustration: Map 5.]
[Illustration: Map 6.]
[Illustration: Map 7.]
[Illustration: Map 8.]
[Illustration: Map 9.]
[Illustration: Map 10.]
[Illustration: Map 11.]
[Illustration: Map 12.]
[Illustration: Map 13.]
[Illustration: Map 14.]
[Illustration: Map 15.]
[Illustration: Map 16.]
[Illustration: Map 17.]
[Illustration: Map 18.]
[Illustration: Map 19.]
[Illustration: Map 20.]
[Illustration: Map 21.]
[Illustration: Map 22.]
[Illustration: Map 23.]
[Illustration: Map 24.]
[Illustration: =The Scallop Pusher.=--This implement consists of a
wooden pole, from 8 to 9 feet long, attached to a rectangular iron
framework, 3 by 1½ feet, fitted with a netting bag, 3 feet in depth.
The scalloper, wading in the shallow water, gathers the scallops from
the flats by shoving the pusher among the eel grass. The photograph
shows the correct position of the pusher in operation. Only a small
part of the pole is shown.]
[Illustration: =The Box Scallop Dredge.=--This dredge consists of a
rectangular framework, 27 by 12 inches, with an oval-shaped iron bar
extending backward as a support for the netting bag, which is attached
to the rectangular frame. To the sides of this frame is joined a heavy
iron chain about 4 feet long, to which the drag rope is fastened. This
style of dredge is used only at Chatham and the neighboring towns of
Cape Cod.]
[Illustration: =Scallop Dredge=,--"=The Scraper.="--This implement
has the form of a triangular iron framework, with a curve of nearly
90° at the base, to form the bowl of the dredge. On the upper side a
raised cross bar connects the two arms, while at the bottom a strip
of iron 2 inches wide extends across the dredge. This narrow strip
acts as a scraping blade, and is set at an angle so as to dig into the
soil. The top of the net is fastened to the cross bar and the lower
part to the blade. The usual dimensions of the dredge are: arms, 2½
feet; upper cross bar, 2 feet; blade, 2½ feet. The net varies in size,
usually running from 2 to 3 feet in length and holding between 1 and
2 bushels. Additional weights can be put on the cross bar when the
scalloper desires the dredge to "scrape" deeper. A wooden bar 2 feet
long buoys the net. The scraper used at Nantucket has the entire net
made of twine, whereas in other localities the lower part consists of
interwoven iron rings.]
[Illustration: =The Oyster Dredge.=--This is the type of oyster dredge
used on the large gasolene boats. The photograph was taken on board the
oyster boat of Mr. James Monahan of Wareham. The dredge consists of a
net of woven iron rings attached to an iron framework. From each corner
of the framework rods extend, converging at a point some feet away,
where the drag rope is attached. The blade, resting horizontally on the
surface, is armed with large teeth which rake the oysters into the bag.
When this bag, which holds from 8 to 15 bushels, is full, the dredge is
raised by a gasolene hoist.]
[Illustration: =The Basket Quahaug Rake.=--This style of basket rake
is used at Edgartown and Nantucket. The whole rake is made of iron,
no netting being required, as thin iron wires 1/3 of an inch apart
encircle lengthwise the entire basket, preventing the escape of any
marketable quahaugs, while at the same time allowing mud and sand to
wash out. This rake has 16 steel teeth, 1½ inches long, fitted at
intervals of 1 inch on the scraping bar. The depth of the basket is
about 8 inches. Short poles not exceeding 30 feet in length are used,
as the raking is carried on in water which does not exceed 25 feet in
depth. Only the iron framework of the rake is shown.]
[Illustration: =The Claw Quahaug Rake.=--This rake varies greatly in
size and length. Its use is chiefly confined to Nantucket. The general
style has a handle 6 feet long, while the iron part, in the form of a
claw or talon, with prongs 1 inch apart, is 10 inches wide. A heavier
rake, as here shown, is sometimes used in the deeper water.]
[Illustration: =The Scallop Rake.=--The use of this rake is confined
almost exclusively to the town of Chatham. Both scallops and quahaugs
can be taken with it. The bowl is formed by a curve of the prongs,
which are held together by two long cross bars at the top and bottom
of the basket, while the ends are enclosed by short strips of iron.
Handles from 15 to 20 feet long are generally used with this rake.]
[Illustration: =Rowley Reef Clam Set.=--This photograph shows the
surface of Rowley Reef, one of the flats of Plum Island Sound. In the
summer of 1906 a heavy set of clams was found on this flat, averaging
1,500 to the square foot of surface. These rapidly diminished, and one
year later, Aug. 27, 1907, when this photograph was taken, the clams
numbered about 400 to the square foot. This area furnished an excellent
illustration of the great destruction of natural clam set. Only 5 per
cent. of these clams reached maturity, and the remaining 95 per cent.,
destroyed by natural agencies, could have been saved if proper measures
had been taken. At least 100 acres of the barren flats of Rowley could
have been planted with the "seed" from this flat, and after two years
the crop would have been worth $30,000. The present shellfish laws of
the Commonwealth are alone to blame for this waste. The clam hoe shown
in the foreground is the typical digger or "hooker" of the North Shore
clammer.]
[Illustration: =Rowley Reef.=--This photograph, taken on the same date
as the preceding, shows another section of the reef, where the clam set
has been torn up and destroyed by horse-shoe crabs and cockles.]
[Illustration: =Rowley Reef.=--A photograph, natural size, of a thickly
set part of the same flat. The broken shells on top show clams which
have been crowded out of the sand and destroyed. In this way nature
regulates the number of clams in a given area.]
[Illustration: =Castle Neck Flat= (=Essex River=).--A scene at low
tide, Aug. 28, 1907, showing the area turned over by two clammers in
one hour. At this date there was a heavy set of small clams on this
flat.]
[Illustration: =Plymouth Harbor.=--This photograph was taken at low
tide, from the boat house of Mr. Frank Cole. In the foreground are a
few of the experimental clam beds of the Massachusetts department of
fisheries and game. Note the large tracts of eel grass covering the
flats.]
[Illustration: =Cole's Clam Grant.=--This photograph shows a portion
of the grant leased to Mr. Frank Cole by the town of Kingston for
the propagation of clams. Several of the experimental beds of the
Massachusetts department of fisheries and game were situated on this
grant.]
[Illustration: =Clam Spat Box.=--This box was suspended from a raft
during the summer of 1907. The small clams which were caught in it are
heaped before the box. These clams vary in size from ½ to 2 inches in
length, showing that the spawning season is at least of two months'
duration. The spat box was put down May 15 and taken up October 15.
Note the barnacles, silver shells (_Anomia_), etc., on the box and
rope.]
[Illustration: =A Clam Shanty.=--The shanty of Samuel Kilbourn, an
experienced Ipswich clammer. The large heap of shells is the result of
six weeks of steady digging. Numerous shanties of this sort are used
for "shucking out" clams when marketed by the gallon. This photograph
also shows the clam sifter which was used in obtaining the small "seed"
clams from Rowley Reef for the experimental beds.]
[Illustration: =Taking up One of the Clam Gardens of the Massachusetts
Department of Fisheries and Game.=--The bed was planted Nov. 15, 1905,
in Essex River, on a sand flat locally known as "Newfoundland." When
the bed was planted the flat was considered barren, as it produced
practically no clams. The photograph was obtained Nov. 15, 1907, when
the bed was taken up, and shows the clammers at work. Note the heaps of
marketable clams which were taken from the bed.]
[Illustration: =Yield in Two Years of the Garden shown in the Preceding
Photograph.=--Note the amount of clams planted, compared with the
marketable clams taken out. The size of the bed was 1/100 of an acre.
The clams had increased in size so that 8 quarts were obtained for
every quart planted. This shows what could be done with many barren
flats if individuals had the privilege of cultivating clam farms.]
[Illustration: =The Winkle or Cockle= (=Lunatia heros and
duplicata=).--An enemy of the clam, which it destroys by boring a hole
through the shell and sucking out the contents.]
[Illustration: =Clam Growth.=--This photograph gives a comparison
between the growth of small and large clams from a single bed under the
same natural conditions. The large clam shows a much slower growth than
the small. Both clams were notched when planted on the "Spit" in Essex
River, April 18, 1907. They were dug Aug. 28, 1907.]
[Illustration: =Soft-shelled Clam= (=Mya arenaria=).--This large
clam shell, measuring 5¾ inches in length, was found on Grey's Flat,
Kingston. Where the flat has been worn away by erosion the ground is
white with thousands of these shells in an upright position in the
soil, showing that sudden destruction had overtaken them at some time
in the past.]
[Illustration: =Quahaugs from an Experimental Bed at Monomoy Point,
showing Two Years' Growth.=--The two notches or file marks on the
shells indicate the growth per year. The photograph is two-thirds life
size. These quahaugs have shown rapid growth, having gained nearly 1
inch a year in length, which is the best growth thus far found in any
of the experimental beds.]
[Illustration: =Gathering "Seed" Oysters in the Weweantit River,
Wareham, May 6, 1908.=--The natural beds of the town of Wareham had
been closed for seven years, and on this date were opened for the
period of one week for the inhabitants of the town to gather "seed"
oysters, the photograph was taken on the opening day, and shows the
oystermen at work tonging the "seed" oysters. In the foreground is a
loaded skiff, ready to have its contents estimated by the inspector,
who declares the number of bushels. The tongers pay the town 10 cents
per bushel for the privilege of gathering the oysters, and sell them
for 35 cents per bushel to the planters, thus realizing a profit of 25
cents.]
[Illustration: =Typical Steam Dredger.=--The oyster boat of Mr. James
Monahan of Wareham, showing oyster dredge and hoist. The large cans
aboard the boat contain young flatfish from the Woods Hole Hatchery of
the United States Fish Commission. Mr. Monahan is distributing these in
Wareham river.]
[Illustration: =Typical Oyster Schooner.=--Oyster schooner loaded with
1,935 bushels of Wareham "seed" for L. Dodge, Providence River. This
"seed" was taken in May, 1908, from the natural oyster bed in the
Agawam River, which had been closed for the past three years.]
Transcriber's Notes:
Simple spelling, grammar, and typographical errors were
silently corrected.
Anachronistic and non-standard spellings retained as printed.
P. 92 added "(All values expressed as per cent.)" in lieu of
repeating per-cent. comment in every column header.
Italics markup is enclosed in _underscores_.
Bold markup is enclosed in =equals=.