For example, let us apply this method of dividing a stream to the White
and Black Rivers in Arkansas. Starting from the head-waters of the
Black River, we find the first center of economic interest at Black
Rock, another on the White River at Newport, and a third at Clarendon.
Now, the river might properly be broken at these points, forming four
main sections. The fishery might then be entirely prohibited for
several years from the mouth of the river to Clarendon, while permitted
from Clarendon to Newport, and again prohibited from Newport northward
to Black Rock on the Black River, and to Batesville or other suitable
point on the upper White, while permitted from Black Rock and
Batesville northward on all the tributaries. We would have the river
system divided into four sections, which would be probably as nearly
equivalent as could be expected. Furthermore, none of the three towns
mentioned would be cut off from the local supply of shells, except in
one direction.
The shellers, generally speaking, would be little affected, since, with
their house boats, they could move from one portion of the river to
another. Those shellers who do not use house boats, but are local
residents and go out only by day from their homes, would be most
affected, and it is these generally who are most in favor of closing
portions of a river. They recall how much more easily shells were taken
in past times when the shells were abundant, and they would be willing
to do something else meantime in order that the beds may be given a
rest and the shells again become numerous. Shelling has no attraction
over any other form of crude labor when the shells are so scarce that a
wage can scarcely be made.
Taking the St. Francis River in Arkansas as another illustration, the
river might be broken at Madison, Parkin, and Marked Tree. It is true
that there are not many mussels, according to report, above Marked
Tree, but the region between Madison and Parkin has beds which may well
balance the remainder of the river.
The Wabash River, Ind., is one in which the need for protection is most
evident; and this stream could be divided at Vincennes and two other
points selected with reference to their economic interest in shelling
and with regard to an equitable division of the river system.
It might seem that an ideal method of rotation would be based upon the
division of a system into six portions, only one of which should be
worked in any one year; a new portion would be opened each year, while
each territory would enjoy a rest period of five years between
successive "open" years for that particular territory. It will be
evident that such a scheme, however correct in theory, would be
entirely impracticable. The plan of keeping certain regions closed for
periods of years while other regions are worked continuously during a
corresponding period of years may have some imperfections, but it is
probably the best that can be worked out without practically suspending
the industry. Undoubtedly the plan will work most efficiently if a
proper discretion is used in its application.