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Public Document

No. 25

FIFTIETH ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

: COMMISSIONERS

on JJ*rujcxrr,cK

Fisheries and Game

For the Year 1915.

BOSTON:

WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS,

32 DERNE STREET.

1916.

Approved by
The State Board op Publication.

COMMISSIONERS ON FISHERIES AND GAME.

GEORGE W. FIELD, Sharon {Chairman).
GEORGE H. GRAHAM, Springfield.
WILLIAM C. ADAMS, Boston.

Chief Deputy Commissioner.

ORRIX C. BOURNE.

Clerk.

W. RAYMOND COLLINS.

Biologist.

DAVID L. BELDING.

Office: Room 321, State House, Boston, Mass.

Telephone: Haymarket 2700.

CONTENTS

General considerations, .
Recommendations, .
Organization, .
Finances,
Educational efforts, .

Publications,

Boy scouts,

Exhibitions,

Lectures, .

State associations,

National activities,

Commercial fisheries,
Enforcement of law,

Report of chief deputy,
Violations of fish and game laws,
Inland fisheries,
Fishways,
Pollution,
Pond culture, .
Fish propagation,

Hatchery operations,

Adams hatchery,

Palmer hatchery,

Sandwich hatchery,
History of fish culture in Massachusetts,

Winchester hatchery,

Joint hatchery, .

Hadley hatchery,
Shad, .

Connecticut River,

Merrimac River,
Salmon, .
Brook trout, .

Trout culture, .
Game, ....
Private game farms,
Breeders' permits,
Game propagation, .
Game farm operations,

Wilbraham game farm,

Sutton game farm,

East Sandwich game farm,

Norfolk game farm,

Sharon game farm,

Marshfield game farm,

Marthas Vineyard reservatii

CONTENTS.

Game — concluded.
Pheasant,
Quail,

Ruffed grouse,
Ducks, .
Geese,

Marsh and shore birds,
Woodcock,
Heath hen,

Song and insectivorous birds
Deer,
Rabbits,
White hares, .
Gray squirrels,
Foxes,
Marine fisheries,
Fishermen,
Deep-sea fisheries,
Gloucester,
Fishing boats, .
Deep-sea fishing,
Fishery products landed at Boston and Gloucester
Fishing fleet of Boston and Gloucester
Shore fisheries, ....

Statistical returns,
Mollusk fisheries,

Scallop, ....
Quahaug, ....
Clam, ....

Shellfish pollution,
Lobster fishery,

Statistical returns,
Otter trawl fishery, ....
Deep-sea trawling,

Problem, ....
Hand lining,
Net fishing,

Purpose of investigation,
Steam trawlers, .
The trawl, ..''•..
Species and number of edible fish taken
Non-edible fish taken.
Destruction of small edible species
Destruction in general,
Extent of sea bottom covered
Damage to sea bottom,
Destruction of fish spawn and food
Agency in driving fish away
Conclusions,
Small otter trawl,
Trawl,
Results,

CONTENTS.

Clam Report.
Introduction,
Object, .

Purpose of the work,
Results,
Presentation,
Appropriations
Courtesies,
Assistants,
Localities,
Laboratories,
Natural history,
Distribution,

Clam areas below low-water mark
Anatomy,
Spawning,

Egg,

Spermatozoon, .

Breeding season,

Temperature and spawning

Age and spawning,

Flats and spawning,

Natural fertilization,

Artificial fertilization
Embryology,
Veliger, .

Velum,

Foot,

Heart,

Gills,

Muscles,

Mantle,

Digestive tract

Distribution,

Destruction,
Attachment,

Set, .

Current, .

Soil,

Shore line,

Clam set in various localities
Spat collecting,
Rowley Reef set,

Methods of transplanting,

Growth of Rowley Reef set

Depletion,

Transplanting of Rowley Reef set
Conclusion,
Enemies,

Waterfowl,

Crabs,

Fish,

Oyster drill

Starfish, .

Winkle or cockle

Vlll

CONTENTS.

Natural history — concluded.
Enemies — concluded.

Clams bored by lunatia,

Commercial value of cockle

Worms,

Passive enemies,

Man,

Pollution,
Movements,
Recovery from injury,
Food value,

Meat,

Shell,

Influence of soil,

Comparative food value,
Clam culture,
Decline, .
Remedy,
Benefits,
The clam farm,

Selection of ground, .

Seed clam supply,

Pollution,

Preparation of grant,

Procuring seed,

Spat collecting,

Transportation of seed,

Planting, .

Harvesting,

History of clam farming
Clam laws,

History, .

Legislation,

Proposed legislation, .
Industry, ....
Fishing grounds,

North Shore,

South Shore,
History, ....

Early history, .

Rise of bait industry,

Development of inland markets,

Attempts to develop the industry-
Clam production statistics
Clam digging, .

Methods,

Outfit,

Marketing,

Shipment,

Maine clams,

Market, .

Price,
Growth,

Methods of investigation

Experimental beds,

Recording,

CONTENTS.

Growth — concluded.

Methods of investigation — concluded.
Planting, .....
Location, .....
Ipswich Bay experiments, .
Plymouth experiments,
Monomoy experiments,
Average growth, ....
Length of life, ....
Average rate of growth,
Growth for market, .
Maximum per square foot,
Growing months,
Seasonal growth on sand and mud flats
Growth of old and young, .
Comparison with quahaugs and scallop
Individual variation, .
Malformations,

Transplanting, ....

Cultivation, ....

Conditions regulating growth of the clam

Current, .....

Food carrier,

Oxygen bearer, .

Lime furnisher, .

Sanitary agent, .

Influence on set, .

Action on flat,

Summary, ....
Water, .....

Salinity, ....

Temperature,

Depth, ....

Tide, ....
Soil,

Sand, ....

Mud, ....

Gravel, ....

Unproductive soils,

Eel grass, ....

Mussels, ....

Organic material,

Shifting sand,
Reclamation of unproductive areas,

Natural changes,

Planting, ....

Hardening,

Elevation and drainage,

Thatch, ....
Character of soil,
Growth out of the soil,
Recommendations, ....

Restocking barren flats,
Brood grounds, ....

Size limit, .....

Closed seasons, ....

CONTENTS.

Recommendations — concluded.

Grants as spat collectors, .

Improved methods of shipment,
Tables,

Relative values of growing months,

Size and growth,

Growth factors of various sizes,

Size and volume,

Table of clam volume,

Standard growth,

Standard growth to four and one-half years,
Bibliography, ......

PAGE

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229

&f)£ Commontoealtl) of ittassactyiisette.

To His Excellency the Governor and the Honorable Council.

The Commissioners on Fisheries and Game respectfully sub-
mit their fiftieth annual report.

General Considerations.

At this time it is particularly appropriate to call attention
to the extensive development in methods of conserving fish and
game which has taken place in the half century which has
elapsed since the founding of this commission in 1866. Es-
pecially in recent years numerous laws, public education in
respect to fish and game conservation, oversight of the com-
mercial fisheries, and extensive propagation of birds, quadrupeds
and fish have expanded many fold the once simple routine of
this department.

Constantly changing conditions affecting both fish and game
have contributed largely to the increasing complexity and cor-j
respondingly greater necessity for the work. However, the
commission in its plans for the proper utilization of the great
natural facilities with which Massachusetts is favored has ex-
panded to meet and even anticipate the demands of the present
era. By the establishment and administration of a definite
system of law enforcement, by the increase of birds and
animals in our coverts and fish in our waters, and by the edu-
cation of the public, this department is endeavoring to fulfill
its great mission of conserving our natural fish and game
resources. In this way your commissioners have contributed
largely to the benefit of all sections of the Commonwealth.
No State department is more worthy of receiving public support
and encouragement than the Commission on Fisheries and
Game in its endeavor to restore to the present generation and
its descendants at least part, or even more, of the abundance
of fish and game which our ancestors enjoyed.

2 FISH AND GAME.

Your commissioners must administer their work to the end
that maximum efficiency may be reached at a minimum cost,
a point which can be attained only by a definite system for
all branches so co-ordinated and so specific that it may meet
the increasing demands which are constantly being made. The
work of every subsidiary department is growing rapidly, and
only carefully worked-out plans, based on accurate methods
of policy and thorough knowledge of the public needs, can
enable this commission to maintain its present high standing
among other States. The details of our recent activities and
suggestions for future development are presented in the follow-
ing pages.

Recommendations.

The Commissioners on Fisheries and Game respectfully
recommend the passage of laws designed to accomplish the
following purposes : —

1. To provide for the punishment of persons assaulting or
interfering with officers enforcing the fish and game laws.

2. To provide for the control of certain great ponds by the
commissioners for the purpose of cultivating useful fish, birds
and quadrupeds.

3. To amend chapter 118, Acts of 1911, by increasing the
penalty for the violation of the provisions of said chapter
relative to the taking of hares and rabbits.

4. To provide a penalty for the violation of chapter 542,
Acts of 1913, relative to hunting with rifles and revolvers.

5. To amend section 133, chapter 91, Revised Laws, relative
to the discharge of waste materials into public waters.

6. To amend chapter 270, Acts of 1913, relative to gray
squirrels.

7. To amend section 8, chapter 92, Revised Laws, as amended
by Acts of 1903, chapter 330, relative to the use of the bodies
or feathers of certain birds for millinery purposes.

8. To amend section 67, chapter 91, Revised Laws, as
amended by chapter 329, Acts of 1904, relative to pickerel.

9. To amend chapter 118, Acts of 1907, relative to loons and
grebes.

10. To amend chapter 465, Acts of 1912, relative to ap-
pointment of town wardens.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 3

11. To authorize the Commissioners on Fisheries and Game
to take or receive as a gift, or lease or purchase in the name of
the Commonwealth, such improved or unimproved property as
they may deem necessary, and to control and use such prop-
erty.

12. Relative to hunting of game on State reservations, parks,
commons or land held in trust for public use, or upon public
highways.

13. To amend chapter 472, Acts of 1910, extending protec-
tion to the Bartramian sandpiper, upland plover, heath hen,
wood duck, wild or passenger pigeon, Carolina or mourning
dove, gulls or terns.

Organization.

Under the supervision of the three commissioners the work
of the commission comprises four main divisions, viz., (1)
central office organization, (2) law enforcement, (3) fish and
game propagation, and (4) scientific investigation.

The central office, under the immediate direction of the
commissioners, serves a twofold purpose: (1) as bureau of
information for the general public and the Legislature, and
(2) as the central clearing house for the entire department.
The commissioners, in addition to devoting considerable time
at the central office, make many trips to different parts of the
Commonwealth for the purpose of keeping in close touch with
the various phases of the work and the needs of the different
localities. The office force comprises a chief clerk, a book-
keeper, three stenographers and an office boy. A vast amount
of miscellaneous information relating to fish and game is
dispensed by personal interviews and by detailed correspond-
ence in reply to numerous queries from all sections of the
State. All matters relating to hunters' licenses, statistics of
shore fisheries, production and development of hatcheries, re-
ports of deputies, and weekly statements of the various de-
partments are efficiently handled at this office.

The enforcement of the fish and game laws is restricted to
the services of a corps of deputies, under the immediate su-
pervision of a chief deputy, who directs the work from the
central office by constantly keeping in touch with the various
districts. Under the existing system each deputy has to cover

4 FISH AND GAME.

approximately 415 square miles of territory, necessitating con-
tinuous vigilance and arduous work. Massachusetts can justly
be proud of the excellent manner in which her fish and game
laws are enforced by the efficient and conscientious men now
holding these positions. In addition to the regular deputies
there are a number of town wardens and unpaid deputies,
many of whom are of great assistance in the proper enforce-
ment of law. Efficiency in law enforcement is not indicated
merely by the number of convictions secured, but rather by
the more important preservation of fish and game through the
prevention of law infractions.

The propagation of fish and game is carried on at four
fish hatcheries, situated at Palmer, Adams, Sutton and Sand-
wich, and at six game farms, at Wilbraham, Sutton, Norfolk,
Sharon, Marshfield and East Sandwich, each in charge of a
superintendent who is directly responsible to the commis-
sioners. By means of a system of weekly reports and by
frequent inspections the commissioners keep constantly in
touch with the progress of the work at these hatcheries and
game farms, in this way exerting direct control over the prop-
agation of fish and game.

The biologist and his assistant have oversight of all scientific
investigations and from time to time make reports on the
results of various studies upon fish and game. A number of
routine biological, pathological and bacteriological examina-
tions are made upon material sent to the office from various
sections of the State, and the services of this division are
always available to any resident of the Commonwealth.

Finances.
The expenditures and receipts for the year 1915 are itemized
in the following tables. The appropriations for the past year
totaled $150,195.53, of which $138,181.49 was expended, leaving
a balance of $12,014.04.

Expenditures, $138,181 49

Receipts, 64,538 60

Gross cost, ■ . $73,642 89

Value of fish and game output from hatcheries, . . . 58,338 18

Net cost, $15,304 71

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

Disbursements for 1915.

Commissioners' salaries, $6,040 00

Clerical, 5,268 07

Expenses, 6,228 24

Enforcement of laws, including expenses and salaries of

deputies, 47,337 64

Maintenance of fish hatcheries, propagation of food and game
fish, purchase of egg lobsters, establishment of bird and
game preserves, maintenance of game farms, and propaga-
tion of wild birds and quadrupeds, 66,026 04

Stocking great ponds with food fish, 497 36

Establishment of fish hatcheries, 2,777 66

Establishment of fish hatchery especiaUy adapted for shad

(chapter 115, Resolves of 1915), 81 00

Increasing supply of food and game fish (chapter 159, Resolves

of 1914), 897 03

Land for hatcheries (chapter 135, Resolves of 1915), . . 1,000 00
Publication of laws, (chapter 89, Resolves of 1915), . . 1,507 37

In favor of Pittsfield Angler's Club (chapter 44, Resolves of

1915), 259 00

Investigation of fisheries of Buzzards Bay (chapter 19, Re-
solves of 1915), 262 08

Total, $138,181 49

Receipts for 1915.

Licenses: —

Nonresident at $10,
Nonresident at $1, .
Resident at $1,
Alien at $15, .

Game tags,

Sale of Buzzards Bay fish, .

Interest on deposits,

Sale of produce at Wilbraham,

Sale of produce at Sutton, .

Sale of produce at Sharon, .

Sale of produce at Vineyard Reservation

Sale of produce, and fee for fighting fires at East

Sandwich Game Farm, ....
Sale of carp from Laurel Lake (per cent, only)
Sale of rubber and 1 gallon of oil, Sandwich,

$1,365 85

142 15

60,368 05

1,358 25

$356 85

322 70

3 77

279 59

243 23

38 37

25 28

31 66
' 81
2 04

$63,234 30

1,304 30

Total for fiscal year 1915, $64,538 60

No fees have been received for the inspection of fish in accordance
with the provisions of chapter 138, Acts of 1912.

FISH AND GAME.

Educational Efforts.

An increasingly important activity is the education of the
public in all matters relating to the conservation of our fish
and game. Undoubtedly publicity is a most essential factor
in the preservation of our natural resources, and is especially
necessary for the proper enforcement of laws, which are pri-
marily for the protection of fish and game for the benefit of
the public. Not only the foreign-born citizen, but the ma-
jority of our complacent, easy-going native population, need
such education to enable them to realize the urgency and
value of this type of work. Until the public is keenly alive
to the importance of and knows the reason for fish and game
conservation, no great advance can ever be made, since the
enactment and proper enforcement of laws for their protection
and propagation depend upon public opinion, as reflected by the
members of the General Court. For these reasons it is highly
desirable that in the future greater efforts be directed by this
commission toward the education of the public along the lines
here outlined.

Publications. — Each year the work of this department as a
bureau of information, not alone for Massachusetts but for
other States as well, is increasing. Public interest constantly
demands that this information be placed in convenient form for
distribution. Nevertheless, the results of our scientific in-
vestigations lie for months, even years, unpublished, owing
to lack of proper appropriations to cover the cost of printing.
One report of limited distribution is printed annually, which
contains a variety of subjects, but necessarily cannot include
important special reports. For this reason it is not only highly
desirable but essential that a radical change be made in pub-
lication methods, by the inauguration of a system of special
popular bulletins, each of which would chiefly deal with a
single subject, and which would be of suitable form for con-
venient and cheap distribution.

Boy Scouts. — In Europe, where the public has been taught
to respect wild life, the children take genuine interest in the
preservation and propagation of birds, and private citizens
engage extensively in the artificial cultivation of fish and game

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 7

under conditions which until lately have been considered im-
practicable in this country. In interesting the boys and girls
in outdoor life and recreation the promotors of the Boy Scouts'
and Camp Fire Girls' organizations are doing an excellent work.
Yet what a valuable opportunity for useful work is neglected
by not utilizing such organizations for the protection of our
wild birds and animals! If these boys and girls, soon to become
the men and women of our land, were given a proper knowledge
of fish and game, and taught how to be of service collectively
and individually, a great and important step would be ac-
complished. In addition to broadening their own education,
the Boy Scouts could be of active service to this commission by
(1) patrolling water and land areas during closed seasons, (2)
locating forest fires, (3) feeding birds in winter, (4) recording
the abundance of fish and game in their sections of the State,
and (5) reporting violations of the laws. Plans are now under
way to develop this important asset, and to institute closer
association between the commission and such organizations as
the Boy Scouts.

The following suggestions as to the means of interesting the
Boy Scouts in fish and game conservation are given : —

1. Frequent lectures and informal talks upon fish and game
work before the various patrols.

2. Co-operation of scout masters and district deputies in
patrolling woods and streams at special times.

3. Furnishing grain and other bird food for winter distribu-
tion.

4. Providing opportunities for the scouts to visit fish hatch-
eries and game farms, with accompanying demonstrations of
practical methods in fish and game propagation and distribu-
tion.

5. Granting suitable prizes or some form of recognition for
proficiency in fish and game work.

6. Arranging for definite statistical surveys of the wild life
in woods and streams.

Exhibitions. — The policy of giving practical information to
the public by means of exhibiting live birds, fish and other
products has been in vogue for several years. These exhibi-
tions, which have been made at agricultural fairs, poultry

8 FISH AND GAME.

shows, food fairs and various society entertainments in all parts
of the Commonwealth, have aroused great interest and should
be further extended.

The commission is continually receiving requests from schools
and societies for permanent demonstration exhibits of fish and
birds. These are supplied to the best of our ability, and it is
hoped that sufficient funds will soon be forthcoming to enable
this department to furnish more and better educational dis-
plays.

Lectures. — Frequently illustrated lectures are given by the
commissioners before societies, churches, granges and sportsmen's
associations, in which the various phases of fish and game con-
servation and propagation are described. This work is meeting
with hearty response and encouragement on all sides, and should
prove an important educational feature worthy of further ex-
pansion.

State Associations. — The policy of encouraging and aiding
the formation of gunning and fishing associations has already
begun to yield important results. The number and size of
these associations is steadily increasing, and their influence is
beginning to have a strong bearing upon fish and game legis-
lation and protection. The aim of this commission has been
to co-operate with these associations in the enforcement of
laws and in the distribution of fish and game, thus receiving
additional assistance in constructive work.

National Activities. — The educational work of your commis-
sioners has not been confined merely to home affairs, but they
have endeavored to maintain the high standing of Massachu-
setts among other States. They have been consulted upon
national problems relating to fish and game, and have been
active officials in organizations such as the National Associa-
tion of Shellfish Commissioners, the American Fisheries So-
ciety, the National Conservation Congress and the National
Association of Game and Fish Wardens. By visits to other
States in their official capacities, your commissioners have
established a broader viewpoint, and have acquired new ideas
for the development of the resources of our Commonwealth.

Commercial Fisheries. — It is highly desirable that the scope
of our educational efforts in the marine fisheries mav be ex-

PUBLTC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 9

tended to meet the great advances now being made in the
commercial fisheries. Already the lobster fishermen have
formed associations for their own protection and for the pres-
ervation of the lobster. The efforts of the members of these
associations in co-operation with this department argue well
for the future of this industry.

The achievements of the New England Fish Exchange, the
Boston Fish Bureau and the Boston Wholesale Fresh and Salt
Fish Dealers Association, resulting in the new fish pier and
the introduction of more sanitary methods of handling fresh
fish, together with those of the salt-fish industries of Gloucester,
show the influence of. education. The importance of teaching
conservation in the marine fisheries cannot be overestimated,
and the need of proper facilities for furthering this work is
sadly apparent. With the important fishing port of Boston as
a center, a fisherman's institute, similar to that now operating
in Japan, might readily be established, where a definite course
of training could be offered to men desirous of entering the
fishing industries. In addition, lectures and demonstrations
could be given in the various shore towns, and associations
organized for discussion and study of the current problems.
Publications upon various commercial subjects, with lessons on
their practical application, could be regularly distributed. The
need for this type of work is great, and the response should be
overwhelming. The accomplishment of such results can be
achieved by State appropriations, and the whole-hearted co-
operation of all those interested in our commercial fisheries.

Enforcement of Law.
One of the most important activities of the commission is the
enforcement of the laws relating to fish and game, which each
year become more numerous and complicated. In previous
reports we have strongly urged their simplification, and have
even presented a complete codification, which, however, has
met with no co-operative response from the Legislature. As a
result our deputies are burdened with an excessive amount of
* work which would be unnecessary under more simple and
explicit laws. The law enforcement is administered by a chief
deputy, twenty-eight district deputies and a variable number

10 FISH AND GAME.

of special deputies; in addition, town and unpaid wardens
assist in the work. In our regular deputies we have a corps
of energetic, upright men, influential in their respective com-
munities and capable of conducting the work quietly but with
great efficiency. They are under civil service, have dedicated
their lives to the work and are striving constantly to increase
their usefulness.

The report of Chief Deputy Orrin C. Bourne upon the en-
forcement of the law during the past year follows : —

Dr. George W. Field, Chairman, Commissioners on Fisheries and Game,
State House, Boston, Mass.

Sir: — I herewith submit my report for 1915 upon the enforcement of
the fish and game laws.

Deputies. — During the year 1915 the force consisted of 28 district
deputies, 10 special deputies and about 30 town wardens. The work
of all these men is worthy of the highest commendation. The position
of a deputy is no sinecure. His duties do not end at any stated hour of
the day, but he must be on duty day and night, alert to all that may
transpire in his district of 415 square miles. Saturdays, Sundays and
holidays are his busiest days. The open season each year brings into the
fields and woods a vast army of hunters and fishermen. In many dis-
tricts large areas can be covered only on foot, and it may require a several
days' tramp for one deputy to cover the entire length of certain streams.
Many hunters and fishermen own automobiles and thus are able to cover
the country at such a rate that if they once locate a deputy whom
they desire to avoid they can easily shift the scene of action to a distant
locality.

The so-called alien law has presented new problems to our deputies,
since many aliens do their hunting with small caliber rifles which can be
heard but a short distance and can easily be concealed in their clothing.
The number of laws is increasing every year, many of which are of such
a nature that it would take the entire time of two men to properly enforce
them in a single district. Since chapter 240, General Acts of 1915, pro-
hibiting certain aliens from owning, using or having rifles and shotguns
in possession, went into effect, about 50 cases of aliens hunting have been
placed before the courts, and about 40 shotguns and rifles (nearly all cheap
makes) have been confiscated. Fifty-dollar fines have been imposed and
paid in several cases. A few have shown to the satisfaction of the court
that a fine would be a great hardship to their families, and on agreement
to do no more hunting the cases have been filed.

Forest Fires. — A number of forest fires were reported by our deputies.
In several instances small fires were discovered and quickly extinguished,
thus saving valuable property.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 11

Transportation. — Our deputies still have to employ the same methods
of travel as of yore, either riding in trains or hiring a team at a cost of
S2 or S3 a day. If an automobile is used the cost is prohibitive, since it
entails the additional cost of employing a chauffeur, with the result that
our deputies are still practically confined to the slowest means of locomo-
tion, while the violators have the most up-to-date means of covering the
country. Along the water front high-power boats are used by the fisher-
men and duck hunters, yet the deputies must be content with such make-
shift boats as they may hire on short notice. Practically it is impossible
to rent a boat suitable for our work, as the owners say that they do not
care to risk injury to boats and other property through retaliative acts of
violators.

Fish and Game Distribution. — The amount of fish available for stocking
our brooks and ponds has rapidly increased within the last few years, and
their distribution requires the expenditure of additional time by our
deputies, who necessarily must be in touch with all water courses to know
what fish are suitable and wrhat places are posted against public fishing,
in order that State fish may not be put into private waters. The special
knowledge necessary in handling the fry, fingerlings, yearlings and adult
trout, and the delicate fry of the pike perch, yellow perch and bass, can
be acquired only by long and careful study.

The distribution of pheasants, ducks, quail and white hares has also to
be attended to by the deputies, while the feeding of quail, pheasants and
other birds during the severe winter weather necessitates considerable work.

Pollution. — The enforcement of the law relative to the taking of clams
in polluted areas, which was delegated to this department by the State
Board of Health, is by no means an inconsiderable problem, since the
courts called on to handle this matter do not impose sufficiently heavy
penalties to force the clammers to give up their illicit practices.

Convictions. — A comparison of the number of court cases and the
amount of fines turned into the Commonwealth for the past few years
will showr an increase from year to year. In 1915 a total of 610 arrests
were made, of which 559 were by regular district deputies, 18 by special
deputies, 17 by unpaid deputies, 2 by town wardens and 14 by police
officers.

Our deputies have been selected because of their recognized ability to
meet the varying conditions under which they have to work. It is neces-
sary that a deputy should, in addition to being well versed in wood-lore,
hunting and fishing, with particular knowiedge of the covers, ponds and
streams in his district, be able to recognize violations of the law, to know
the proper methods of apprehending and handling violators before they
are brought into court, and to be thoroughly acquainted with legal pro-
cedure in regard to making out complaints and stating cases clearly in
court, even when arrayed against the best legal talent.

Office Work. — The work of the chief deputy in connection with law
enforcement has been confined largely to the central office, with occasional

12 FISH AND GAME.

visits to the various district deputies. To illustrate the inadvisability of
devoting his entire time to field supervision of the district deputies it
may be stated that if but one day were devoted to visiting each deputy
it would take thirty days to cover the whole State, and at that it would
necessitate traveling from district to district at night, which would mean
but twelve visits to each man in a year. Better results can be obtained
by directing the operations of the deputies from the central office. Many
people call at the office for special information relative to the interpreta-
tion of fish and game laws, and necessarily they require the services of
the chief deputy or some one in authority. There are many calls by
deputies for assistance when two men or more are required, necessitating
an order from the office for the requisite assistants. The forty or more
narrative reports from paid deputies, town wardens and superintendents
of hatcheries are read each week by the chief deputy, who thus is enabled
to keep in close touch with each district. Annual reports from about 300
people connected with the department must be read to get a reasonable
idea of the increase of birds, fish and animals in various localities. During
the warmer months much time has to be devoted to the distribution of
fish, mainly in transferring shipments through Boston to their proper
destinations, as occasionally, for unforeseen reasons, the district deputy
engaged in this work may be called for some urgent court case, and
thus may be unable to receive the consignment.

During the winter the chief deputy follows the fish and game affairs
before legislative hearings, locates the various bills and sees that the
commissioners are posted as to their progress. He has charge of dis-
tributing the fish and game law books, cards, extracts and other literature,
and has general oversight of the reports of deer and pheasants killed in
the open and closed seasons.

Respectfully submitted,

Orrin C. Bourne,
Chief Deputy.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

1915.

■n
O

Violation.

- ~

bfl

o
'>

a
o

CD 2

"eg

Sunday hunting,

$1,172 00

$437 00

$20 00

Hunting without license, .

108

865 00

75? 00

1 96

Possession of short lobsters,

444 75

200 75

Illegal possession of short

pickerel.
Possession of pickerel in

77 00

56 00

30 00

closed season.

Illegal possession or hunt-
ing of game.

170 00

120 0C

2 60

Taking herring before they

3 00

cast spawn.

Placing poison to kill ani-

50 00

mals.

Using scented bait without

owner's permission.

Hunting, wounding or kill-

125 00

1Q0 0C

ing deer.

Illegal killing of deer dur-

105 00

ing open season.

Killing or possession of

180 00

120 00

song or insectivorous

birds.

Setting snares, .

30 00

25 00

Hunting, after being con-

10 00

victed within one year.

Assault on officer in per-

25 00

10 00

formance of duty.

Fishing in closed ponds, .

Carrying concealed weapon,

160 00

10 00

Possession of short trout, .

106 00

2 CO

Illegal possession of black

bass.
Using sweep net in Buz-

64 CO

44 00

20 00

zards Bay.

Illegal taking of fresh-

85 00

45 00

water fish.

Killing eagle, .

10 00

Setting fish trap without

permit.
Setting nets illegally in

80 00

40 00

ponds.

Taking short quahaugs, .

10 00

Setting fish trap in closed

200 00

season.

Violation of shellfish laws,

1,060 00

65 00

42 00

Hunting with ferret,

135 00

Hunting with rifle during

85 00

75 00

open season on deer.

Possession of seed lobsters

taken from Massachu-

setts waters.

Illegally killing rabbits, .

14 00

Hunting on posted land, .

26i

160 00

47 00

Taking alewives contrary

7 00

to rules of selectmen of

Bourne.

Five pleaded nolo contendere.

FISH AND GAME.

1915.

Violation.

1
|

'>
a

o
0

6
G

02 E

'3
a

3
O

Illegal possession of or tak-
ing smelt.

Illegal possession of white
perch.

Possession of or killing
heron or bittern.

Failure to make return of
money as required by
law.

Molesting and interfering
with lobster traps.

Taking oysters illegally, .

Exceeding bag limit on

quail and partridge.
Illegal taking of fish in

Lynn Harbor.
Securing license through

misrepresentation as to

naturalization.
Fishing with more than ten

hooks.
Violations of the alien gun

law.
Illegal taking of fish in

Salem waters.
Setting fires,

Breaking and entering
camp.

Killing pheasant in private
enclosure.

Interfering with officer in
performance of duty.

Hunting on State reserva-
tion.

9
3
2

8
1
3
21
5

3
2

9
3
2

3
1
3

21
5

2
50
12

3
12

8
1

1
12

$215 00
6 00

75 00

30 00
10 OC
45 00
535 00
70 00

20 00

1,800 00

600 00

10 00
25 00

85 00

$95 00

6 00

30 00
10 00
45 00
430 00
45 00

20 00
950 00

65 00

SI 80

30 00
10 CO

7 10

618

578

117

S9.001 75

S4.327 75

SI 24 46

Inland Fisheries.

The importance of developing our inland fisheries is annually
becoming more significant. The policy of your commissioners
will follow two general lines, (1) the stocking of public waters
and (2) the encouragement of private fish propagation. The
first is the direct work of this commission, the second an in-
direct result of the first.

Several factors govern the wholesale stocking of public
waters. (1) These waters must be kept free from pollution
and other causes which may impair their fish-producing powers.
(2) This commission must have an accurate and thorough
knowledge of the physical characteristics of the waters them-
selves, a groundwork which has already been laid by a pre-
liminary survey of all the streams and ponds in the Common-

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 15

wealth. (3) The waters to be stocked must be judiciously
selected and the fish for stocking carefully chosen in order
that the right species may be placed in waters suited for their
growth and existence. This can be accomplished only with a
thorough knowledge of the waters and the life history and
habits of the various species of fish, such as this commission
by the course outlined above is steadily acquiring. (4) There
should be a definite and uniform program for stocking certain
bodies of water for several years, with a follow-up system.
(5) An increase both in the number and species of fish propa-
gated is necessary to adequately increase the yield of our waters
for the benefit of the recreationist and sportsman, as well as to
provide an abundant food supply for the public.

This commission, as previously stated, has collected data on
all waters in the State, and in many instances has decided
upon the species of fish best suited for stocking purposes. It
has outlined a definite plan for systematic stocking, and is now
engaged in developing and increasing the production of fish
at the hatcheries in order to carry out the proposed program.

In addition, experiments in fish propagation are now being
tried, notably the introduction of the Chinook salmon of the
Pacific coast into our large inland lakes. Incidentally, efforts
are to be made to establish this fish in the Atlantic Ocean by
placing them in a tributary of the Merrimac River. The pro-
posed establishing of a shad hatchery on a tributary of the
Taunton River should revive interest in this excellent fish,
which is now all but gone from our coast; also, plans are now
under way for the re-establishment of the alewife fisheries in
many coastal streams. Only through experimental work of
this nature can appreciable advance in fish propagation be
achieved.

Fishivays.

The early colonists soon utilized the coastal and later the
inland streams for water power by building dams, thereby
causing barriers to the passage of migratory fish. Numerous
laws were passed prohibiting the erection of dams without
suitable fishways on coastal streams where alewives abounded,
but the same care was not taken in the case of the inland
streams. Nevertheless, the coastal streams have fared but

16 FISH AND GAME.

little better than the inland streams, since these laws were
either evaded or directly disobeyed, with the result that, owing
to their nonenforcement, but few and at best inefficient fish-
ways were ever installed.

The primitive successful type, known as the Cape Cod fish-
way, consisted of a trench or sluiceway dug around the dam,
in which the current was checked by large stones laid at short
intervals. This fishway answered very well for alewives but
had the objection of wasting water, and proved impossible to
construct in certain localities. To enlarge this type to a size
sufficient for the passage of shad and salmon would have caused
serious injury to many mill privileges. In the smaller Massa-
chusetts streams the Brackett fishway has proved the most
practicable from the standpoint of efficiency and cheapness.

In determining upon the installation of fishways your com-
missioners base their decisions upon the potential value of the
stream for fishing. During the past year the dilapidated con-
dition of fishways in many alewife streams has received at-
tention, and efforts have been made, particularly at Middle-
borough, Harwich and other places, to see that proper fishways
were installed which would allow the passage of the alewives
to their spawning grounds. The general policy has been to
require the erection and proper care of fishways wherever the
welfare of the fisheries demanded it.

The question of fishways in the Merrimac River is now under
consideration by this commission. Attempts are soon to be
made to rear Chinook salmon at North Andover, and when
these and other migratory fish give any promise of an ap-
preciable increase, definite steps will be taken for the installa-
tion of the best types of fishways at Lawrence and Lowell.
Efforts are also being made to stock the upper waters of this
river with food and game fish, and action will be taken in the
matter of screening the entrance of canals and flumes, since
the existing law does not compel the owners to screen these
outlets and inlets. By erecting suitable fishways on these
dams, by eliminating unnecessary and harmful pollution, and
by systematically stocking the headwaters of the Merrimac
it is hoped that appreciable results may be obtained in restor-
ing these once important fisheries.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 17

Pollution.

Chapter 460, Acts of 1910, forbade the discharge into the
streams of the Commonwealth of sewage, manufacturing waste
or any material which directly or indirectly would prove
prejudicial to fish life, either by injuring the fish themselves
or by destroying the food of the young fish, such as micro-
scopic plants or animals. It has been found that even slight
chemical pollution of water causes the gills to become in-
flamed, thus rendering the body more susceptible to disease,
while larger quantities of polluting material may actually kill fish.

Important decisions have been made by the courts, which
are of great value not alone to the citizens of Massachusetts
but to the citizens of the entire United States. One case
went to the Supreme Court on the contention that the defend-
ants had been putting this polluting material into the streams
for upwards of two hundred years; and upon this ground they
claimed that they had gained by prescription the right to con-
tinue the pollution. The Supreme Court specified particularly
in their decision that an individual or corporation could not
acquire such a right against the State by prescription, and that
the fact that they had not earlier been prevented from putting
this material into the streams was no reason why they could
not be so prevented at any time. (Commonwealth v. Holyoke
Water Power Company.)

Likewise, in judging what constituted the "fisheries value"
of a stream, the commissioners have been directed to consider
not alone the present value of the fish in that stream, but its
potential value for the production of food fish, as well as its
recreational value to the general public.

Hereafter the law will be enforced from this standpoint. We
do not contemplate rabid agitation or ill-advised attempts to
force manufacturers to act prejudicial to their real interests,
but we expect in the course of five or ten years to take some
progressive steps toward the purification of the inland waters.
In this connection we must consider not alone the actual de-
struction of fish life, but the corresponding waste of a vast
amount of valuable material which should be used for fertilizing
land.

IS FISH AND GAME.

Section 8, chapter 91, Revised Laws, as amended by chapter
356, Acts of 1906, prohibits the discharge of sawdust into
fishing streams. Recent experiments by the National Bureau
of Fisheries have demonstrated that sawdust promotes the
growth of fungus on fish eggs, thus killing both eggs and young
fish. Sawdust affects the larger fish by clogging their gills,
or by the liberation of chemical substances inducing an in-
flammatory condition of these organs. The elimination of this
source of pollution is highly desirable.

Future work upon the pollution of streams will consist in
the recording of all cases, the elimination of unnecessary
sources of pollution upon good fishing streams, particularly
when the remedy may be applied at small expense, and a
biological investigation of the effect of different types of pollu-
tion upon fish life. Fish propagation will prove a bountiful
success only when suitable waters are prepared to receive the
small fish and support the immense numbers they should
normally produce.

Pond Culture.

In addition to more than 800 State ponds with an area of 20
acres or more, Massachusetts possesses a wealth of private
ponds which are either natural bodies of water of less than 10
acres, or artificial. The inherent resources of the United States
are immeasurably greater than those of other countries, but
in spite of the natural abundance of unrivaled streams, springs
and small bodies of water of every character scattered profusely
over the entire country, little advantage has been derived in
the commercial production of fish. It is high time that the
people of Massachusetts were awakened to a realization of the
benefits accruing from proper development of inland waters.

An acre of water suitably adapted to fish propagation is
worth more to the farmer, dollar for dollar, than a cor-
responding area of upland. Previous to this time the American
farmer has devoted but casual attention to the utilization of
aquatic resources, which has resulted in the present useless
condition of small streams and undrained swamp land. Mas-
sachusetts waters are abundantly supplied with hardy fishes
well adapted for this work. No serious difficulties are pre-
sented in obtaining them for breeding, and under cultivation

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 19

they should yield a food supply supplementary to that derived
from public fisheries to a degree that is by no means negligible.
Fish-rearing conditions have been thoroughly investigated and
satisfactorily worked out at both State and national fish hatch-
eries, and information thus obtained is always available for
the benefit of the private fish culturist. In Massachusetts there
are several private fish hatcheries which conduct a profitable
business in trout rearing, and there is no question but that
many other species might be included through modification of
present methods, making possible a wholesale utilization of our
ponds and streams. At present Massachusetts might be termed
a mere trailer in this undertaking when compared with some of
the countries of Europe, where cultivation of fish has been
supported by private interests for centuries. Not only is this
true of large estates, but even small landowners keep hundreds
of acres of ponds in a state of active production. Stations and
schools for experimentation are supported to teach farmers
economic methods of raising carp and other fish. Doubtlessly
this condition is a logical result following exhaustion of fish
supply in public waters, a condition not so remote as to pre-
clude its becoming a real possibility in Massachusetts unless
greater regard is given to suggestions of this commission in the
development of public waters.

In proportion to labor and time invested returns from fish
propagation are great, since after the initial expense and work
but little labor is necessary until the adult fish are marketed.
Pond culture is certainly to be recommended as a means of
lowering the high cost of living by utilization of a present but
undeveloped asset. Actual figures compiled with regard to a
pond in Kansas by Prof. Lewis L. Dyche of the State commis-
sion evidence a remarkable yield from a small body of water.
In three years the yield from 16,000 fish placed in a small
shallow pond was practically 27,000 fish, weighing a total of
6,809 pounds. During this experimental period 1,400 pounds
of food were fed to the fish. The temperature of the water
ranged from 70 to 91 degrees F. during the month of August,
which is considerably warmer than the temperature of Massa-
chusetts waters, and may explain this unusually enormous
yield. Although this tremendous increase cited may not be

20 FISH AND GAME.

obtained in our waters, it may be approximated, and is a
fact worthy of attention as indicating the seemingly limitless
extent to which artificial fish propagation has been made a
reality.

Ponds of Massachusetts may be classified as natural (those
which are usually spring fed and formed by small streams or in
the hollow of some natural depression) and artificial, which
class may be subdivided, according to the method of construc-
tion, into ponds formed by dams, those excavated and those
produced by embankments or dikes. Small artificial ponds,
especially those excavated, are easily and successfully made
from swamp land. Ponds formed by dams are less suited for
pisciculture since they are more exposed to spring floods and
freshets, and, similarly, embankment ponds are of less ad-
vantage than those excavated.

Water supply of a pond is dependent largely upon the natural
conditions existent, therefore streams are first choice, though
closely followed by artesian wells which have a steady flow.
One point in favor of the latter is that they furnish water of
more uniform temperature, and if free from chemicals detri-
mental to aquatic life they are perhaps the most satisfactory
providers. Hard water is very naturally undesirable for fish
rearing. Undoubtedly damming of streams to form ponds is
the more common means to be adopted, owing to the fact that
springs are not readily found in sufficient numbers to furnish
the required water, but by the use of pumps and wells, natural
depressions in many cases may be formed into ponds suitable
for fish raising.

The size and shape of a pond is a matter contingent to pre-
vailing natural conditions. According to Prof. George C.
Enbody the most satisfactory size to provide sufficiently for a
small family would be between one-half and one acre, and the
shape would have very little bearing upon the production.
Depth has considerable to do with the temperature of the
water and mitigation of the severity of the effects of winter
weather. Possibly an average depth of not over 3 feet would
be satisfactory if the pond had a "kettle basin" in one part,
as is often the case at the State hatcheries, from which the
fish are readily removed when a pond is drained. If there

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 21

were a depth of 6 feet at this point it would be ample to
protect the fish from very thick ice during a severe winter,
otherwise a maximum depth of 6 feet for the entire pond
would be necessary. As a rule, the more shallow the pond the
greater the amount of aquatic vegetation, and, correspondingly,
the greater the amount of food; therefore more rapid growth
of fish is the logical consequence.

An inlet should be so arranged as to properly regulate influx
of water at the discretion of the owner, and the outlet should
be so situated as to allow the pond to be completely drained
whenever desired. In this manner a convenient way is guaran-
teed not only for clearing the pond but also for catching fish
to be marketed. Suitable provision should be made for keeping
a clear outlet, and flashboards should be arranged to regulate
the flow. The cost of building such a pond varies with con-
ditions, in many cases depending upon the amount of excava-
tion necessary, but after initial expense the cost of maintenance
is slight.

Desirable fish for stocking ponds of such a character are the
members of the bass family, sunfish, yellow and white perch,
bullheads, pike and pickerel. The pond itself should afford
suitable spawning ground, abundant forage and shelter to which
the young fish may flee to escape natural enemies. Aquatic
vegetation suitable for providing food and shelter should be
planted, and fish of minor importance introduced to serve as
food for the more desirable species. Late April or early May
is perhaps the most advantageous time for stocking a pond.

The procedure in stocking is admirably epitomized by Prof.
George C. Enbody, who states as follows in his most excellent
paper upon "The Fish Pond," Cornell Agricultural Experiment
Station Bulletin: —

(1) Aquatic plants are the first organisms to be planted in the pond.
They should be started as early in the spring as possible. (2) Various
smaller food animals, such as the Crustacea and mollusca, should follow
the introduction of the plants immediately. (3) The first year, during
the fore part of June, the forage fishes, gold fish and golden shiners should
be added, to the number of one hundred pairs of each. (4) Advanced
fry of the edible fishes may be planted when available during the first
summer; fingerlings in September and October, but yearlings or larger
should not be planted until the second summer. (5) The suggested edible

FISH AND GAME.

fish for an acre of water are about twenty-five pairs of adult black bass,
or fifty pairs of any other kind, from two to three thousand fingerlings or
from four to six thousand advanced fry.

A pond should be adequately protected against depredations
of noxious animals, the accumulation of rubbish and sediment
of various kinds, clogging of screens, and at all times there
should be a good volume of water flowing through it. At the
expiration of three years fish so propagated should be ready
for market.

Fish Propagation.
The recent work at the various hatcheries has progressed
rapidly and has resulted in a marked increase in production.
Extensive improvements have been instituted in accordance
with a definite scheme of development which should result in
an increasing annual output. The first of the following tables
shows the increase in the value of the 1915 production as
compared with the years 1913 and 1914, estimates being made
according to the market value of the output of fish. The
second table presents a detailed summary of hatching opera-
tions and fish production for 1915.

Summarized Value of Outputs of Hatcheries, 1913, 1914, 1915.

1913.

1914.

1915.

Adams hatchery,
Sandwich fish hatchery,
Palmer hatchery,
Sutton hatchery,
Total, .

$1,682 50
14,451 75
9,937 00
5,287 50

$31,358 75

$1,475 00
11,925 00
9,992 50
5,178 50

$28,571 00

$1,605 00

16,903 70

20,386 30

5,825 00

$44,720 00

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25.

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PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 25

Hatcheries.

Adams Hatchery. — The principal improvement at the Berk-
shire station was the installation by Superintendent Sheldon
of 15 pools for rearing fingerlings. These pools were provided
with an ample supply of both spring and stream water at a
temperature of from 42 to 62 degrees F., which was piped from
land above the hatchery. The capacity of the hatchery build-
ing was increased and it was wired for electricity.

Palmer Hatchery. — The new hatching building has almost
doubled the hatching capacity and has proved a most practical
aid in handling large quantities of fish. A new ice house has
been erected, with an inside cooler for keeping fish food and a
grinding room fitted with a one horse power electric motor.
Electricity and steam heat have been supplied to both house
and hatchery.

Construction work has progressed rapidly under the direction
of Superintendent Monroe. Forty-eight rearing pools with
screens and covers, 30 bass beds and 30 bass fry retainers
have been built. Three batteries of hatching jars capable of
holding 50,000,000 pike perch or 30,000,000 yellow perch eggs
have been installed at the new hatchery. A new 6-inch iron
pipe has been laid from the large reservoir to the rearing pools
and one of the two new bass ponds has been completed.

Sandwich Hatchery. — Superintendent Hitchings reports that
the fiscal year ending Nov. 30, 1915, was successful owing to
the excellent condition of the brood stock and the high yield
of trout eggs. The deeper cement ponds built in 1914 were
an important improvement, as they kept the water cooler and
of a more uniform temperature than the former shallow wooden
ponds, thus making it possible to carry a larger number of
fish in each pool. Seven hundred and eleven visitors, represent-
ing 26 States and 2 foreign countries, registered during the year.

The road from the main thoroughfare to the meat house at
Sandwich was repaired and a new road made from the meat
house to the hatchery. Six new cement ponds were built to
replace the old board ones. Electricity was installed in the
meat house and in the hatch house, the latter having been com-
pletely overhauled and repaired.

26 FISH AND GAME.

At East Sandwich two parcels of land containing 1.34 acres
were purchased and a small office was constructed. Six new
cement ponds and 3 filter boxes, 2 of cement and 1 of wood,
with a 10-inch pipe, were installed.

Sutton Hatchery. — Chief among the general improvements
at this station was the change in the water supply for the upper
hatchery, made by ditching the springs. Seventy feet of 12-
inch pipe were laid in the brook to the hatchery and settling
tanks of concrete were installed to remove the fine sediment.
A double line of concrete pools was built on the site of the old
plank pools below the dam, and the south bank of the pond was
graded to improve the shore line, thus increasing the space for
loading fish.

History of Fish Culture in Massachusetts.

In the year 1725 a worthy individual, Ludwig Jacoby by
name, conceived the happy idea of artificial fertilization of
fish eggs, and sixteen years later devised a successful method,
but it was not until 1761 that his discovery was announced.
However, in spite of this early revelation negligible progress
was made in this industry up to the year 1850, about seven
years after the readoption by Remy of artificial fish propaga-
tion. At this time the French started pisciculture on a large
scale, with characteristic ardor, and developed the artificial
spawning bed, hatching trough, methods of feeding and modes
of transporting both eggs and young. At this time their re-
search also included studies on the vitality of fish sperma-
tozoa, the swelling of eggs in water, and the temperature best
suited for hatching.

Although Ohio was the first State in our Union to undertake
fish culture, as early as 1853, but little was accomplished until
1856, when Massachusetts soon followed by a legislative act
appointing commissioners to report " respecting the artificial
propagation of fish." They concluded their report with a
description of Capt. N. E. Atwood's attempt to hatch trout,
and a translation of Jules Haime's article on fish culture,
printed two years before that date in the "Revue des Deux
Mondes." Valuable as it was, the commissioners' report made
little impression, and it was not until the end of the civil war
that the subject was again taken up.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 27

In 1865 the States of New Hampshire and Vermont com-
plained that shad and salmon, which had once been abundant
within their borders, had been cut off by impassable dams at
Holyoke on the Connecticut River and at Lawrence on the
Merrimac River. These dams at that time had been in ex-
istence for about sixteen years, and the problem of restoring
the fish to the upper waters was indeed a difficult one. The
commissioners, Theodore Lyman and Alfred A. Reed, ap-
pointed by the Legislature to investigate the complaint con-
cluded their report upon the decline and partial destruction
of the fisheries of these rivers as follows: —

In order successfully to restock the two rivers with shad and salmon, it
would be necessary that fishways should be built over the dams; that the
pollution of the water be prevented; that New Hampshire should breed
salmon; that Connecticut should forbid the use of weirs and gill nets;
and that stringent laws regulating fishing should be passed by the States
concerned. ... If the above conditions were complied with, an abundant
supply of fish might reasonably be looked for within five years, though
they would not be as plentiful as when the country was in its pristine
state.

The Legislature, satisfied that an attempt should be made to
re-establish these fisheries, ordered the appointment of per-
manent commissioners whose duty it would be to cause fish-
ways to be erected at these and other dams. A mill company
at Holyoke claimed exemption from any such outlay of money,
and had recourse to a court of law, but eventually lost the
case after extensive litigation, which resulted in a trial before
the Supreme Court of the L'nited States. On the Merrimac
the dam at Lawrence presented in itself quite as great a physical
obstacle as the legal impediment at Holyoke, and several years
of experimentation were expended before a fishway of the least
practical value was erected.

In 1867 the Legislature in this connection passed two im-
portant acts, one of which prohibited the catching of shad,
salmon and alewives in the Merrimac for four years; forbade
fishing within four hundred yards of any fishway thereon;
empowered the commissioners to see that fishways were main-
tained on this stream and its tributaries, and directed cities

28 FISH AND GAME.

and towns along the banks of the river to appoint fish wardens.
The other enlarged and broadened the scope of the powers of
the commissioners by allowing them to open all possible
streams to the passage of fish, and appropriated $10,000 to be
used in restocking rivers and ponds with valuable species.
Thus, from being originally charged with certain executory
powers upon two rivers, the commissioners were given unre-
served authority to open all streams, and undertake compara-
tively extensive piscicultural experiments. -

In the autumn of the year 1868, the commissioners estab-
lished a small hatching house at Maple Spring in Wareham,
a move made possible by the invaluable assistance of Mr. S. T.
Tisdale, who donated sufficient land and contributed to the
building fund. Up to the time of his death this public-spirited
gentleman continued to interest himself in this undertaking.
During the two seasons which it operated over 30,000 fishes
were hatched, the majority of which were salmon, trout, land-
locked salmon and lake trout.

During the early years after the establishment of the com-
mission in 1866, shad and salmon were extensively hatched, and
less attention was devoted to brook trout. Shad and salmon
hatching mark the early period of fish propagation, and with
the disappearance of these fish from the rivers hatching
operations naturally ceased. Trout culture succeeded salmon
and shad propagation, although first considered as only adapted
for private hatcheries.. Necessity and popular demand in-
duced the State to propagate this fish, and led to the inaugura-
tion of the Sutton hatchery when the joint hatchery at Plym-
outh, N. H., was discontinued. Since then the output of trout
has greatly increased, and in recent years other fish, such as
yellow, white and pike perch, the Chinook salmon and black
bass, have been propagated.

In 1880, 500 carp were, unfortunately, introduced, and dis-
tributed in forty different localities. They were placed in-
discriminately by private and public means into waters such
as Laurel Lake, Lee, and Spy Pond, Arlington, where they
have ruined the once excellent native fishing. Although good
small pond fish, this species never should have been placed in
ponds connected with large public waters.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 29

The process of fertilization and hatching fish, although com-
paratively simple, requires care and watchfulness. The ripe
females are taken from the ponds in large nets, and the op-
erator, carefully handling each fish, removes the ripe spawn by
stripping, which is caught in a tin pan or other suitable re-
ceptacle. Having once secured the eggs the next step is
fertilization. This embraces the taking of milt from the males
in a manner similar to that in which eggs are obtained from
the females, and thoroughly mixing it with the eggs by a gentle
stirring with a feather. After this procedure the eggs are
washed several times in cold water before being spread on
hatching trays. During incubation constant care is required to
keep the water fresh and moderately cool. Cold water prolongs
the period of incubation and warm water correspondingly
lessens it, thus making possible regulation of the time at which
the young are hatched, a fact which, under certain conditions,
is of great value. During incubation it is necessary that close
watch be maintained in order that dead eggs may be removed
by means of bulb pipettes or tweezers. Such eggs are readily
detected because of their characteristic white color. Certain
species of fish, on account of anatomical peculiarities, cannot
be successfully propagated artificially by the method of strip-
ping, and require different methods of rearing. A good ex-
ample of this class is the black bass, which is reared in ponds
from eggs deposited in gravel nests, and the young as soon as
hatched protected by fine wire netting placed over the spawn-
ing beds.

The history of fish propagation in Massachusetts is so
intimately associated with three hatcheries now abandoned,
the joint hatchery at Plymouth, N. H., the Winchester hatch-
ery and the Hadley hatchery, that a brief review of their
operations gives an excellent idea of the status of fish propaga-
tion in the past as compared with the more efficient methods
now in vogue, and demonstrates the great advance Massa-
chusetts has made in the last four vears.

FISH AND GAME.

Hatcheries.

Year
opened.

Year
closed.

Winchester hatchery,
Joint Plymouth hatchery,
Sutton hatchery, .
Hadley hatchery, .
Adams hatchery, .
Sandwich hatchery,
Palmer hatchery, .

1870
1878
1891
1896
1898
1911
1912

1911
1895

1906

Winchester Hatchery. — In 1870 the hatchery was established
by Edward A. Brackett, who was for nearly thirty-nine years
a member and for twenty-seven chairman of this commission.
For twenty years the use of the entire place, with equipment,
was given without charge to the State. In 1895 the need of
rebuilding was found to be imperative, and a new stone hatch-
ery was equipped at a cost of $3,000, under chapter 74,
Resolves of 1897, on land belonging to the Metropolitan Park
Commission at the entrance to Middlesex Fells.

Salmon were hatched until 1877, when the greater part of
operations were transferred to the joint hatchery at Plymouth,
N. H., but the landlocked and California varieties were still
reared. From 1879 to 1894 trout fry were raised from the
eggs procured at the joint hatchery at Plymouth, N. H. It
still continued in operation in spite of a gradually failing water
supply, until it was formally abandoned and turned over to the
Metropolitan Park Commission in 1911.

Joint Hatchery. — Massachusetts and New Hampshire jointly
established a trout and salmon hatchery at Plymouth, N. H.,
in 1877, at a cost of less than $4,000. The hatchery house and
ponds, supplied with both spring and river water, wTere located
at Livermore Falls, within a stone's throw of the river, where
the spawning salmon were taken in weirs. In 1882, 33 Merri-
mac salmon were taken in the fall run, and 125,000 eggs ob-
tained, but the greater portion of those hatched came from
the Penobscot River.

Beginning with the year 1879 trout eggs were taken, half
the yield being shipped to the Winchester hatchery, and four

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 31

years later a large trout pond was fitted up for the accommoda-
tion of brood trout. In 1889, 100,000 salmon eggs were taken
from salmon in the Merrimac. At this time the hatchery,
which was destroyed by fire, was rebuilt, and a new building
25 by 26 feet, with an office and work room at one end,
was erected. New hatching troughs and trays were put in,
and a new meat house 10 by 14 feet was located near the
breeding ponds. In 1893 extensive repairs were made on the
hatchery grounds and new tanks were installed for the brood
trout.

In 1893 a legislative committee from New Hampshire made
an investigation of the joint relations of the two States, but
no report was made. In 1894 the New Hampshire Legislature
passed a resolve, and soon after a similar one was passed by
Massachusetts, looking to a separation of the joint interests
of the two States, with the result that the hatchery was
abandoned, and the Massachusetts interests transferred to the
Sutton hatchery.

Hadley Hatchery. — Three thousand dollars was appropriated
under chapter 114, Resolves of 1896, for a hatchery in the
western part of the Commonwealth. The site chosen at East
Hadley comprised over 7 acres of land, including a spring-fed
pond of 1 acre, with a fall of 10 feet to the stream below the
dam, two springs of pure clear water, and the control of 12
feet on each side of the stream for a distance of 1,000 feet
below the pond. The hatchery building, 41 by 28 feet, was
built of brick, comprising a main room 25 by 39 feet and two
rooms 8 by 11 feet on the second floor. An inch and a half
pipe 300 feet long connected the building with the middle
spring, giving a good supply of water with a fall of 30 feet.
In 1899 the upper dam was strengthened, another sluiceway
installed, and two ponds built.

In 1900 the question of securing an adequate water supply
of a temperature suitable for raising fingerlings became a
serious problem, which was partially solved by the lease of an
additional brook, with option of purchase, and by driving
artesian wells. However, eventually results were disastrous, as
the brook water proved to be too warm for rearing the small
fish, and rendered the production of fingerlings impossible.

FISH AND GAME.

In 1905 the town of Hadley, by the erection of water works
and by the diversion of the water at Harts Brook, ruined the
hatchery, and in 190G, after the matter had been placed in
the hands of the Attorney-General, the hatchery was practically
abandoned, although a few fry were hatched as late as 1910.

Joint Hatchery,
Plymouth, N. H.

Winchester

Hatchery.

Year.

Penobscot

and

Merrimac

Salmon

Fry.

Trout

Eggs.

Trout
Fry.

SALMON FRY.

Penob-
scot.

Land-
locked.

Cali-
fornian.

1870,

2,200

1871,

1872,

21,000

1873,

185,000

27,000

1874,

271,000

5,500

27,000

1875,

250,000

10,000

75,000

1876,

1877,

150,000

72,000

1878,

245,000

89,000

1879,

45,000

224,763

1880,

37,500

176,000

1881,

411,000

80,000

47,000

288,000

1882,

454,983

47,000

108,000

1883,

392,000

65,500

185,000

1884,

540,000

115,000

196,000

1885,

330,000

120,000

218,400

1886,

600,000

500,000

245,000

100,000

1887,

495,000

775,000

380,000

50,000

1888,

195,000

1,000,000

375,000

115,000

1889,

590,000

750,000

340,000

1890,

230,000

1,000,000

450,000

1891,

200,000

1,000,000

410,000

1892,

190,000

1,000,000

520,000

1893,

846,000

320,000

1894,

800,000

350,000

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 33

Shad.

In view of the proposed attempt now under consideration
to restock the Taunton River through the establishment of a
shad hatchery, it may be well to review what has previously
been accomplished in Massachusetts along this line. There is
no fish which is more deserving of every possible effort for
propagation than the shad, and there is abundant hope that
with our present knowledge the establishment of a shad hatch-
ery on the Taunton River may prove a great boon to our
river fisheries.

Connecticut River. — In 1867 the commissioners secured the
services of Seth Green, who began experiments in the hatching
of shad at Holyoke on the Connecticut River. He first tried
unsuccessfully to hatch the eggs in a trough supplied with
brook water, as in trout hatching, but later he replaced the
bottom and ends of a wooden box with wire gauze, and after
putting in a layer of eggs floated it in the river. Sixty hours
later the water inside was found to be alive with little trans-
parent embryos, about one-third of an inch long, resembling
mosquito larvae. The discovery was made, and it remained
only to perfect this improved hatching box by attaching to its
sides wooden bars at an angle with the bottom, so that the
box floated with one end elevated. The passing river current
caused a boiling motion of the water within, which kept the
eggs from collecting in heaps. Following this plan shad hatch-
ing was conducted by the Connecticut Commission, and later
by the United States Commission, at South Hadley Falls on
the Connecticut River, until about 1886.

The average production of the fisheries for the years 1864
to 1869 was only two-fifths of that for the years 1827 to 1836,
and each year had shown a successive decline. In 1870 there
was a large run of shad, which continued for several years,
and the season of 1875 was the best in twenty years. The
result in 1870 and later has reasonably been attributed to the
artificial hatching by Green in 1867, although restrictive laws
upon netting were passed in Connecticut at the same period.
In 1878 the declining fishery involved Massachusetts and
Connecticut in a dispute, provoked for the most part by the

34 FISH AND GAME.

lack of restrictive legislation on the part of the latter State.
The number of eggs obtained diminished considerably, and in
1880, owing to the exorbitant price demanded for rental of
seining grounds, hatching operations were discontinued.

Merrimac River. — From the building of the Lawrence dam
to the closing of the Merrimac River by an act of the Legis-
lature in 1866, the shad had gradually decreased, until all the
seining grounds below the dam, except three, had been aban-
doned as worthless. In 1868 shad fry were planted in Lake
Winnepesaukee, the Concord River and the Mystic River. In
the autumn of the same year shoals of young shad and ale-
wives were seen above Lowell passing seaward.

In 1868 Mr. A. C. Hardy, as agent for the Massachusetts
commissioners, began hatching shad at North Andover on the
Merrimac. With an intermission of six years between 1876
and 1882 hatching operations continued without interruption
until 1891, when the Lawrence and Lowell dams, supplemented
by unrestricted seining in the lower Merrimac, caused its
abandonment, owing to a dearth of spawning fish. The fol-
lowing shows the results of the first period of hatching in
regard to the number of spawning shad taken: —

1869,
1870,
1871,

1872,
1873,
1874,
1875,

1,554 shad 1 No other fishing allowed on the river.
754 shad J Average for two years, 1,154.

' S a I No other fishing allowed on the river.

'_ « , a , [ Average for three years, 1,942.
1 ,ooo snaQ J

1,692 shad! Other fishing again allowed on river. Aver-

1,433 shad J age for two years, l,-562.

The first two years represent the natural catch at that time.
In 1871 Hardy's hatch of 1868 should have returned as market-
able fish, and, in fact, the next three years show an average
nearly double the two preceding. In 1874 the river was again
thrown open to fishermen, and the average for 1874 and 1875
came between the first two and the second three years. These
results would seem to indicate a decided increase in fish by
reason of artificial hatching, but the point was never satis-
factorily proved, since for six years all fishing in the Merrirnac
except at Andover was prohibited. In 1SS8 an attempt to
hatch shad on the Taunton River proved unsuccessful.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 35

Salmon.
The transplanting of Chinook salmon to Massachusetts waters
is being rapidly carried on. The eggs are received in large
consignments from the Pacific coast, and the young fish hatched
at our stations are reared to the fingerling size, 4 to 6 inches,
before planting. Certain ponds in the State which possess the
necessary natural qualifications suitable for this fish are being
thoroughly stocked, and the results are being observed as to
the success of landlocking this species, particularly with regard
to the question of reproduction. So far we have stocked: —

Lake Quinsigamond, Worcester. Long Pond, Wellfleet.

Stockbridge Bowl, Lee. Lake Garfield, Monterey.

Onota Lake, Pittsfield. Big Alum Pond, Sturbridge.

Cliff Pond, Brewster. Long Pond, Plymouth.

In addition to stocking the deep fresh-water lakes an attempt
will soon be made to liberate a number of these fish in the
Merrimac River, with the intention of ascertaining whether the
once famous salmon fisheries may not be restored. In view of
this attempt it is well to consider that which has previously
been accomplished with the salmon in Massachusetts.

In 1870, 1,000 fry were raised at the joint hatchery on the
Merrimac River, and 700 on the Mystic River. At Maple
Spring, a hatchery of Mr. Samuel Tisdale, from 1868 to 1870,
3,325 Atlantic salmon and 4,575 landlocked salmon were
reared. The first lot of 2,557 landlocked salmon reared at
the Winchester hatchery was distributed in 1870. In 1871
salmon spawn was procured from Charles G. Atkins at the
Penobscot River, where the fish were retained in a small pond
until the eggs were ripe, at a considerably lower cost than the
Canadian salmon eggs could be obtained. In 1872, 21,000 were
hatched and distributed from eggs obtained at the Penobscot
River, Me., in conjunction with the Maine Commission.

From 1873 to 1878 California salmon fry, presumably the
Chinook, were hatched and liberated in Massachusetts waters,
and during a period of three years no Penobscot or Merrimac
salmon fry were liberated in the Merrimac River. In 1878

FISH AND GAME.

it was decided not to introduce any more California salmon
until more was known about their life history, especially since
no adult fish of those introduced into Massachusetts streams
had ever been taken.

Between 1874 and 1889 landlocked salmon were reared at the
Winchester hatchery from eggs obtained in Connecticut, and
distributed in various lakes and ponds throughout the Com-
monwealth.

At the joint hatchery at Plymouth, N. H., operated by New
Hampshire and Massachusetts, eggs were taken from Merrimac
salmon until 1893, but the greater portion came from the
Penobscot River, Me. With the closing of the joint hatchery
extensive rearing of salmon practically ceased.

VD.

Salmon Fry.

Year.

MERRIMAC
RIVER.

CONNECTICUT
RIVER.

Penob-
scot and
Mer-
rimac.

Land-
locked.

Cali-
fornian.

Number
of Fish.

Eggs
taken.

Number
of Fish.

Eggs
taken.

1867,

1868,

7,341

1869,

1,672

8,807

1870,

799

1,950,000

11,618

60,000,000

2,200

7,132

1871,

4,336

4,530,000

10,634

1872,

2,447

5,925,000

7,691

92,065,0001

21,000

1873,

2,691

11,595,000

7,294

44,556,000 »

185,000

27,000

1874,

3,016

44,556,000

15,057

800,0001

271,000

5,500

7,000

1875,

1,433

6,670,000

9,135

3,035,0001

250,000

10,000

75,000

1876,

10,741

1877,

2,674

3,000,0001

150,000

180,000

1878,

245,000

425,000

1879,

190,000

224,763

1S80,

95,000

176,000

1881,

446,000

288,000

1882,

654

1,227,000

454,983

108,000

1883,

428

1,607,000

392,000

185,000

1884,

166

252,000

540,000

196,000

1885,

704

528,000

330,000

218,400

1886,

644

695,000

600,000

100,000

1887,

765

1,600,000

495,000

50,000

Fry liberated.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

Shad.

\lmon Fry.

Year.

merrimac

RIVER.

CONNECTICUT
RIVER.

Penob-
scot and
Mer-
rimac.

Number
of Fish.

Eggs
taken.

Number
of Fish.

Eggs
taken.

locked.

v^aii-
fornian.

1888,

291

1,145,000

190,000

115,000

1889, .

700,000

590,000

1890,

190,000

230,000

1891,

200,000

1892,

190,000

Brook Trout.

Trout streams throughout the State have suffered severely
during the past year from the extreme weather. Many streams
never before known to fail in water were reported as practically
dry, and when rain finally came, were then completely flooded.
Cold weather and high water prevailed for several weeks during
the early part of the trout season, but later the extremely hot
weather brought many large trout up the streams, so that fair
catches were reported. Many good trout streams, now almost
destitute, will require constant care for several years to restore
them to their former condition.

Trout Culture. — Between 1868 and 1870 at Maple Spring, a
tributary of the Agawam River, 20,281 brook trout and 2,450
lake trout were raised by Mr. Samuel Tisdale, and 16,496 were
reared at the Winchester hatchery. In 1872, when the private
trout hatchery of D. A. Gilbert & Son was established at
Plymouth, a total of 3,000 trout were raised in various parts
of the State. As the cultivation and rearing of trout came
more strictly within the scope of private enterprise, it was
decided not advisable for the State then to devote any time
or expense in that direction. In 1879 about 100,000 trout eggs
were taken from the brood stock at the joint hatchery at
Plymouth, N. H. Later half the output, Massachusetts' share,
was annually shipped to the Winchester hatchery. After
abandoning the Plymouth hatchery the brood fish were kept
at the Sutton hatchery, which supplied the Winchester and
Adams hatcheries with eggs. In 1911 the Sandwich hatchery
took the place of the Sutton hatchery as the principal produc-

FISH AND GAME.

ing station, and it now supplies annually 6,000,000 trout eggs.
A great advance has been made in the change from fry to
fingerling distribution, a system which was first started at the
Sutton hatchery. The best results in stocking are obtained
by using fingerlings, but naturally their rearing is more ex-
pensive. At times rainbow and brown trout have been reared
at the hatcheries, but their number has been inconsiderable
compared with the brook trout. The following table shows
the consistent and rapid development in the production of
brook trout in Massachusetts : —

Brook Trout.

Year.

Fry.

Fingerlings.

Yearlings
and Adults.

1879

45,000

1880

37,500

1881

80,000

1882

47,000

1883

65,000

1884

115,000

1885

120,000

1886

245,000

1887

389,000

1888

375,000

1889,

340,000

1890

450,000

1891,

410,000

1892

520,000

1893

410,000

1894

350,000

1S95,

375,000

1896,

550,000

1897,

790,000

1898

900,000

1899

900,000

1900

850,000

1901,

865,000

44,750

1902,

1,010,000

65,000

1903,

913,000

59,600

1904,

954,500

40,400

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

Brook Trout — Concluded.

Year.

Fry.

Fingerlings.

Yearlings
and Adults.

1905

969,000

45,875

1906,

815,000

38,450

1907

855,000

58,000

1908

773,000

112,600

1909

802,000

128,900

1910

720,000

123,500

1911,

591,000

132,000

1912,

1,826,000

342,000

12,700

1913

2,836,700

828,000

7,770

1914

2,110,000

581,050

13,422

1915,

1,960,000

941,000

12,125

Game.

Each year the demand for more extensive stocking of the
coverts of the Commonwealth becomes greater, and in attempt-
ing to meet this requirement our game farms are being rapidly
brought to that state of perfection which will furnish the
maximum yield at a minimum expense. The total output of
game birds has largely increased; new species, chiefly of the
duck family, are being experimented with, and special efforts
are being made to rear quail and ruffed grouse in appreciable
numbers. In addition to the commendable work accomplished
at our six game farms, numerous protective reservations have
been established, where the birds are given a sanctuary to
feed and breed, free from molestation.

Hand in hand with the great work of propagating these
game species goes the protection of our natural supply of
birds through law enforcement. Instructions have been given
our deputies to record the amount of game in possession of
each hunter met in the woods during the open season for the
purpose of obtaining an approximate idea of the comparative
abundance of game in the various sections of the State, in
order that a basis for future comparisons as to the respective
increase or decrease in the different species of game may be
formed. During 1915, 3,423 hunters were interviewed, 2,433

40 FISH AND GAME.

of whom had no game in their possession and 990 had a vary-
ing amount. The relative abundance of the different species
are as follows: rabbits, 521; squirrels, 396; ducks, 300; ruffed
grouse, 230; quail, 99; pheasants, 96; whistlers, 93; sand-
pipers, 72; coots, 66; plover, 62; muskrat, 58; deer, 41
woodcock, 22; geese, 16; foxes, 13; robins, 8; skunks, 5
raccoons, 4; snipe, 4; bluejays, 3; pigeons, 1; crows, 1
chcwinks, 1; chipmunks, 1; woodchucks, 1; kingfishers, 1.

Private Game Farms.

The policy of the commission has always been to encourage
in every possible way the artificial propagation of game birds.
Chapter 567, Acts of 1913, provides that a person, firm or
corporation may, upon request, receive a permit to propagate
any species of deer, elk, pheasants, quail, partridge, geese,
wild ducks or squirrels for sale, exchange or to be given away.
People are beginning to recognize the benefits accruing from
such undertakings, as is well evidenced by the annually in-
creasing number of permits issued. The following table shows
the commendable results being obtained, particularly with
pheasants and ducks, and it should be borne in mind that all
such work contributes toward the public welfare.

If birds raised according to the provisions of this act be sold
for food, dead or alive, a second permit is required, and a
numbered tag must be attached either just before or im-
mediately after they are killed. To enable the commissioners
to approximately estimate present stock an annual report is
required from each breeder. Once having received sufficient
impetus, a great step will be accomplished by this movement
towards the establishment of game propagation in our Com-
monwealth.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

Summary of 4-20 Reports by Holders of Breeders' Permits for the Year 191-

Number
of Brood

Stock
on Hand

Dec. 1,
1915.

Hatched

during

1915.

Reared

during

1915.

Number

GIVEN

SOLD, EXCHANGED OR
AWAY DURING 1915.

Species.

For
Food.

Propaga-
tion.

Eggs sold

given away.

Pheasants,

2,485

0,057

2,968

453

1,042

2,800

Quail,

117

287

202

128

112

Ducks, .

3,002

5,299

2,786

880

552

1,992

Geese,

1,974

696

597

213

Cranes, .

Hawks, .

Crows,

Turkeys,

Guinea hens, .

Deer,

Ruffed grouse,

Partridge,

Squirrels,

Total number of permits, 578.

Game Propagation.
The first table shows the value of the output of the game
farms for the years 1913, 1914 and 1915, based on the actual
market value of the birds when liberated. The second table
gives a condensed report of the operations of the various game
farms, including the number of each species distributed.

Summarized Value of Outputs of Game Farms, 1913, 1914, 1915.

1913.

1914.

1915.

Sutton hatchery,

$5,287 50

$2,643 50

§4,162 41

Sharon station,

1,059 80

864 50

718 62

Sandwich station,

2,393 25

2,317 36

Norfolk State Hospital Reservation, ....

539 00

687 50

510 40

Marshfield Reservation,

45 00

Wilbraham game farm,

2,995 00

3,967 75

5,864 39

Totals,

§9,881 30

§10,556 50

§13,618 18

FISH AND GAME.

Game Farm Operations.

Eggs.

Birds L

BERATED.

Hatched.

Distributed.

Young.

Old.

Ring-necked pheasants:

Wilbraham,

Sutton

Sharon,

Norfolk

4,509

1,541

408

801

2,125

1,612

962

200

128

400

302
10
50

Total

7,259

3,764

1,384

762

Versicolor pheasants:

Sutton,

Sharon,

114
16

Total

130

Reeves pheasants:

Wilbraham,

Sutton

Sharon,

Total

Golden pheasant?:
Sharon, ......

Sutton,

• -

Mongolian and half-blooded Mongolian:
Sharon,

55
70

Total

125

silver pheasants:
Sutton,

Half versicolor, half ring-necked:
Sharon,

Mallard ducks:

Wilbraham,

Sutton,

Norfolk

Marshfield

East Sandwich,

412
998
218

962
319

1,281

190
429

634

322
327

Total,

1,658

652

Wood ducks:

Sutton,

East Sandwich,

Marshfield

14
20

Total

Black ducks:

East Sandwich

Norfolk

Total

Quail:
East Sandwich,

1,259

377

Total

1,259

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

Game Farm Operations — Concluded.

Eggs.

Birds Liberated.

Hatched.

Distributed.

Young.

Old.

Turkeys:
Wilbraham,

Ruffed grouse:
East Sandwich

Canadian geese:

Marshfield,

Norfolk,

36
5

19
6

Total

Grand totals,

10,751

5,045

2,424

1,471

Wilbraham Game Farm. — The work of completely equipping
this large game farm wras further extended under Superintendent
Mosher by, the erection of tw^o new hen houses 50 by 10 feet
with yards 65 by 60 feet, and by building thirty rearing coops
and sixteen boxes, each containing nine nests. These boxes
were arranged in tiers of four in the barn, wThich served as a
hatch house. Experiments wTith metal nesting boxes proved
unsatisfactory.

The grounds were improved by laying 3,361 feet of half-inch
piping above earth's surface to furnish water to the various parts
of the farm. Three acres of corn, 4 of oats, 7 of winter rye
and 2 of buckwheat were planted, and 7 acres wrere ploughed.
Trails were cut through the swamp in order to more easily
control the depredations of foxes and other predatory animals.

Sutton Game Farm. — Extensive improvements have been
made at this station during the past year. Superintendent
Merrill has installed large permanent rearing yards for pheas-
ants, remodeled the quail and pheasant pens, and extended the
facilities for raising mallard ducks on the newT hatchery grounds.
He has also made the older areas more suitable, thus increasing
the number of the birds that may be produced annually. The
hatchery grounds have likewise been improved by clearing the
woodland, constructing and repairing roads, and planting trees,
chiefly fir, spruce and pine and fruit shrubs for the birds.
With the installation ot a newr water svstem and extension of

44 FISH AND GAME.

the now limited grounds the hatchery should soon reach a high
state of efficiency.

The new method of wintering birds for spring distribution
resulted in better selection of brood stock, which in the case
of pheasants means an increase in their egg production. Con-
siderable trouble was experienced with vermin, particularly cats
and crows.

Exhibits comprising a total of 881 old and 30 young birds were
made at fifteen different fairs in various sections of the State.

Eart Sandwich Game Farm. — During 1915 construction work
under Superintendent Torrey comprised the erection of three
large wire covered quail pens, each containing 4,500 square
feet, practically vermin-proof, which were situated on the
southerly slope of the game farm. Fifty additional breeding
coops 8 by 12 by 5 feet and fifty setting boxes also were built.
The operations were especially successful with quail, but less
so with ruffed grouse, which lay clutches of only 9 to 10 eggs.
Considerable annoyance was occasioned by vermin, such as
crows, cats, rats, chipmunks, hawks and owls, of which the
Cooper hawk proved the most destructive. Over 5 acres of
hay, oats, mangels, cabbage, buckwheat and winter rye were
planted.

Norfolk Game Farm. — Under the direction of Superintendent
Gates a new duck yard with four control pens, enclosing about
12 acres, has been constructed. Four new pheasant enclosures,
five colony houses for hens, eighteen nurseries and twenty
setting nests have been added. Considerable land has been
cleared and woodland thinned for fire protection. The em-
ployment of the hospital patients at this station, which is
located upon the grounds of the Norfolk State Hospital, is
proving highly beneficial, both from the standpoint of the
game farm and the welfare of the patients. Vermin, especially
foxes and rats, were bothersome.

Sharon Game Farm. — The work at this place was continued
under the immediate supervision of Superintendent Gushing
and the direction of Dr. Field. One hundred and four pheas-
ants were liberated and 408 were hatched. The experimental
work was conducted along lines laid down in previous years.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 45

Marshiield Game Farm. — Under the direction of Superin-
tendent Sherman the rearing of ducks and geese was carried
on. Most of the young birds were kept in addition to the
brood stock. Mr. Sherman estimates that large numbers of
quail and grouse were reared on the 5,000-acre reservation.

Martha's Vineyard Reservation. — Under the efficient man-
agement of Superintendent Day the work of developing the
heath hen reservation has steadily progressed. More efficient
fire stops have been made, 7,000 pine trees have been set out,
and a large rearing pen with a concrete base as a protection
from vermin has been erected for experimental work in raising
these birds in captivity. Various improvements upon the barn,
hen house and roads have been made, and telephone service
has been installed. On the farm 22 acres have been put under
cultivation, which furnish corn, rye, barley and sunflowers for
the birds. The greatest depredations have come from cats
and hawks. Twenty-three marsh hawks and 23 hunting cats
have been shot, one cat being 32^ inches in length and weighing
10J pounds. Eleven Canadian geese and 50 mallard ducks
have been raised. Several lots of quail have been liberated
and numerous nesting boxes for insectivorous birds installed.

Pheasants.

It is with pleasure that your commissioners observe the
increasing popularity of the pheasant as a game bird. The
tameness due to the long period of protection has been suc-
ceeded by a natural wariness, and the bird has regained the
characteristics which have made it so popular abroad. Eminent
success has resulted from the propagation of the ring-necked
pheasant at the State game farms. During the past year 2,168
of these birds have been liberated and 3,764 eggs distributed
for hatching purposes.

In 1915 the open season on pheasants was the same as in
1914, but the number killed was several thousand less. The
hunters invariably reported that the habits of the birds were
much different than the previous year, that they were unusually
shy, hiding in swamps and wet lowlands and that they were
not so easily overtaken by dogs. Although it is known that

4G FISH AND GAME.

many pheasants hatched during the breeding season, heavy
rains during the most critical period for the young birds were
responsible for severe losses.

During the open season the automobile hunters had the great
advantage of being able to cover a wide territory, and in many
instances it was reported that they violated the law by shoot-
ing the birds along the highways. Numerous complaints were
received concerning such automobile hunters as apparently
cared little for regulations and trusted to their superior speed
in avoiding not only the deputies but the people upon whose
land they had trespassed. In several cases where convictions
were secured the only means of identification was the automo-
bile number.

The open season on pheasants has proved an excellent pro-
tective measure for the ruffed grouse, since many persons who
were able to hunt pheasants near their homes or along the
highways did not take up the more troublesome sport of
tramping through the woods for partridge. Likewise, the
reservations which have been made under chapter 410, Acts
of 1911, have been a means of saving many pheasants and
other birds which remain in such places unmolested. The best
protection from poachers must be given to such areas as even
property owners are excluded from hunting on these reserva-
tions.

The following table gives the number of birds killed during
the open season, from October 12 to November 12, in the
counties where shooting was permitted. The comparison with
a similar total for 1914 is interesting, particularly in regard
to the number shot the first day.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

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48 FISH AND GAME.

Quail.

The first idea which one associates with the bobwhite or
quail is that of a somewhat rare table delicacy or a day's sport
in shooting. The fact that this quaint little bird when alive
is one of our most devoted friends has never been effectively
driven home to us. The very man whose interests are most
benefited by the presence of the bobwhite — the farmer — is
one of the class which eagerly celebrates any freedom from
toil by quail shooting. Some idea of what the quail does for
crops is shown by his menu, which has been most carefully
studied. It includes the seeds of some of our most trouble-
some weeds, rag-weed, pig-weed, milk-weed, plantain, smart-
weed, pepper grass, burdock, beggar ticks and many others, —
a total of 139 different varieties. The number of seeds con-
sumed by a single bobwhite in one day varies, according, to
the size of the seed, from 600 burdock to 30,000 rabbit's foot
clover. But its diet is far from being strictly vegetarian. It
consumes large quantities of insects, 145 different kinds, in-
cluding potato, cucumber, bean-leaf, squash and other beetles,
army worm, chinch bug, wire and cut worms, plant lice, cabbage
butterfly, mosquito, cotton boll weevil and worm, striped garden
caterpillar, Rocky Mountain locusts, Hessian and stable flies,
grasshoppers, etc. On the other hand, the only complaint that
can be made against this bird is its occasional meal of wheat
grains which have been left on the ground by the reapers.
According to Bulletin No. 21 of the United States Biological
Survey, it is calculated that if in Virginia and North Carolina
there are 4 bobwhites to every square mile, and that each bird
consumes 1 ounce of seed per day, the total destruction to
weed seeds from September 1 to April 30 in those States alone
would be 1,347 tons. Such facts must have elaboration and
emphatic repetitions in order to make the large nonhunting
portion of the population realize that the preservation of the
quail affects the wealth and happiness of the entire community,
and therefore should be of interest not only to sportsmen but
to every individual.

In 1915 quail were reported on Cape Cod, in Plymouth
County and as far west as southern Worcester County, where

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 49

their number apparently is increasing rapidly. In the northern
part of the State bevies of quail are comparatively few.

Sportsmen often contend that severe winters are responsible
for a large per cent, of the decrease. While it is true that
changed conditions of the country may make the struggle for
existence more difficult, it is likewise possible to aid the birds
during winter months when snow is on the ground by supply-
ing food and grit, and by leaving patches of standing grain.
Considerable work in feeding the quail with grain and grit
furnished by this commission during the past winter has been
carried on by farmers, fish and game associations, Boy Scouts
and deputies, with the result that last spring the birds were
in excellent condition. In order to increase the number of
quail sufficiently to obtain effective results, more than partial
protection is required.

Breeding of quail has been carried on in various States but
not to such an extent as to justify the statement that the
rearing of these birds has passed entirely beyond the experi-
mental stage. In habit it is primarily monogamous, and the
breeding stock should be paired off and put in breeding pens
in April. Bantam hens have proved most effective for hatch-
ing and brooding. A number of precautions are necessary for
successful rearing. Broods must be carefully protected against
vermin by general methods, such as trapping and shooting, and
by properly constructed wire fences. Each pen should be pro-
vided with brush or deep grass, as quail are naturally shy
creatures. The pens should be moved daily, or every other
day, so that the ground may not become fouled. Young quail
should be fed , very lightly, but often, on a general diet of
boiled eggs, milk curd or some animal food, such as ant eggs.
At the end of the first week a little grain is introduced and
the quantity gradually increased. While the hens are not
needed for brooding after the young quail attain an age of
eight or ten weeks, they are helpful in holding the brood to-
gether, and thus defer the time of confining the birds in pens.

State propagation of this bird at the present time is con-
fined almost exclusively to the East Sandwich game farm, from
which 377 young and 4 old quail were liberated in 1915. The
eggs are hatched under bantams, which are allowed to roam

50 FISH AND GAME.

with the quail chicks when twelve days old. At the end of
six weeks the young are caught, often with difficulty, and
shipped for distribution.

Quail reared in confinement are largely lacking in stamina,
which renders them susceptible to disease, as well as to losses
from weakness and debility. In some measure this may be
avoided by careful diet and stimulating exercise. In order to
determine the best methods of overcoming this lack of stamina
the following experiments in the open method of rearing quail
were conducted at the Sutton game farm. In these tests flocks
of different ages were given their liberty in the care of bantam
hens under varied conditions.

1. Nine quail three weeks old were located near some flower
beds, where they remained, rarely making excursions into the
surrounding territory. Four died from poisoning, the remain-
ing 5 were recaptured.

2. Thirty-two birds two weeks old were placed on a brush
hillside near an open grass plot. At first they exhibited con-
siderable wildness, rarely venturing into the open, but gradually
they became tamer, and left their hiding places at feeding time.
Later, 20 were taken in a trap which consisted of a light frame
and netting, set with a figure four trigger. Four died from
poisoning and eight escaped from the main flock.

3. Thirty-two birds were placed in an open field near a
drainage ditch which afforded but slight cover. With increas-
ing strength they took long flights, seeking cover outside of
the field, and their wildness steadily increased. Whenever ap-
proached by the attendant at feeding time they took to wing
and scattered widely, but speedily returned when no one was
in sight. Their number was seriously reduced by the death
of several from unknown causes and by the escape of many
others. Thirteen which were recaptured soon lost their natural
wildness after being confined in coops.

4. Fifteen birds were located in a distant, weed-grown corn-
field, where 12 grew to a size sufficient for recapture. Un-
fortunately, the brood hen died, and the young quail, being on
less friendly terms with the new hen, departed from the coop.
Eight were caught, but 4 avoided the traps and soon dis-
appeared.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 51

5. Fifteen birds which were placed in a potato patch where
buckwheat gave additional cover took flight when encountered
upon open ground. Just previous to the time of capture they
suffered from the depredations of a cat, and only 9 were re-
covered.

6. Twelve birds were placed in a cornfield near a plot of
uncut grass, where, owing to the large area and numerous
opportunities for hiding, they quickly grew tame. They were
taken up at a younger age than the other lots as a cat was
discovered hunting in their vicinity.

7. Nine birds, which were located on a grass plot, preferred
to keep in hiding rather than venture upon open land.

8. Later, 12 birds were placed in the same cornfield as the
fourth lot. Five soon died from intestinal trouble of an
amoebic nature, and the remaining 7 gradually disappeared.

9. Twenty-one birds were placed with 2 hens in a field of
millet with a neighboring lot of broom corn and rape. These
birds soon mingled, sometimes in one coop, sometimes in the
other. They gradually decreased in numbers, possibly owing
to hunting cats which were observed in the vicinity. Sixteen
were finally recaptured, the last being killed in the trap by a
cat which was eventually shot after having destroyed 5 young
birds. As a result of outdoor rearing these quail, although not
hatched until September 12, gave promise of becoming large,
strong birds by winter.

10. Twenty birds, which were held in coops until eight weeks
old, were liberated in order to improve their condition for
wintering. These older birds acted entirely different from the
younger, and separated into small flocks which ranged over an
extensive tract of brush land. Ten which fed around the coops
of penned quail were recaptured, and about the same number
wandered away. Evidently, in order to colonize quail in any
desired locality it is necessary to put them out at an early age.

Our experience with these birds indicates that whenever thick
cover is near by the birds have a tendency to become tame;
but if they have to seek distant hiding places they soon become
wild. L'nlike pheasants, which rush to their pen when alarmed,
the quail seeks to hide outside, and they are even disinclined
to return to their bantam foster mother at night. In mild

52 FISH AND GAME.

weather no harm results from this habit, but in cold weather
there is danger that the birds may perish.

On the other hand, the home instinct is so strong with quail
that field growing is more practicable than with pheasants.
The rallying point of a scattered flock of quail is the coop or
place where they have been accustomed to feed, whereas with
pheasants there is no strong attachment to the home, and
when beyond the age that shelter is required the birds do not
return to the coop. The disadvantages of field work with quail
are due mainly to their persistence in remaining near their
home place when hunted, and their useless habit of "freezing."

Their skill in selecting all possible cover, at which they are
more adept than pheasants, proves a helpful protection from
hawks. When first put out they venture into the open only
with utmost caution, skulking in all available cover, and dart-
ing across open spaces as quickly as possible. When fed in
the open they alternately feed hastily and hide, and therefore
they should be fed in places provided with proper cover.
Cornfields, better if weed-grown, and grass fields with unmowed
strips, especially near fences, are excellent places.

Ruffed Grouse.
With but few exceptions ruffed grouse are reported to be on
the increase in all sections of the State, and the number seen
since the hunting season closed augurs well for a good supply.
From the East Sandwich game farm 19 young were distributed
from a hatching of 49 eggs. These birds are exceedingly dif-
ficult to raise artificially, and their propagation is still a matter
of experimentation.

Ducks,

The beautiful wood duck is as plentiful as last year, with no
great increase being reported for any section. It is sincerely
to be regretted that this species does not more readily lend
itself to artificial propagation. Last year only 4 birds were
distributed, although 34 were hatched at Sutton and East
Sandwich.

Black ducks are said to be on the increase on Cape Cod,
Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, where as many as 600 at

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 53

one time were observed feeding on Katama Flats. These birds
are reared in small numbers at the \Yilbraham, East Sand-
wich and Norfolk game farms.

Redheads and bluebills were abundant on Martha's Vineyard,
2,000 having been reported at Job's Neck Pond, — a larger
number than had been observed for years. Also, 3,000 and
2,500 were observed Nov. 1, 1915, in Tisbury Great Pond and
Pocha Pond, and later, 2,000 at Sengakontacket Pond.

Mallard ducks have proved well adapted for artificial propa-
gation. During the past year 1,286 have been liberated,
chiefly from the Wilbraham and Sutton game farms.

Geese.

Last year the flight of geese was much later than usual, and
when the birds arrived many of the inland waters were frozen
over. The season was considered a failure at many gunning
stands, notably on Martha's Vineyard, where only 25 per cent,
of last year's flight was observed. At certain ponds where the
birds formerly congregated they did not stop at all, while other
places, where a heavy flight is unusual, were favored with the
best in years.

Marsh and Shore Birds.

These birds do not visit our shores in any great numbers
during the hunting season. Good flights were reported on the
northern migration, but for some reason they did not return
this way. Reports indicate that there were not as many shore
birds as usual. The only noteworthy increase appeared in
the smaller varieties, which are protected by the Federal law.
Nantucket was the only section which could boast the usual
number of shore birds. Reports from the northeastern part
of the State say that snipe are more plentiful than they have
been for years. Upland plover are still very scarce.

The colony of least tern on Katama Beach has extended along
the shore for a stretch of 6 miles, instead of segregating in their
former limited areas, but the birds appear less numerous than
last year. The Wilson tern, which nests on the sandy beaches
at Edgartown and Tisbury Great ponds and along the south
shore of Martha's Vineyard and on Muskeget Island, are more
numerous than ever.

54 FISH AND GAME.

Woodcock.
Woodcock are reported to be very scarce and there appears to
have been only one heavy flight during the fall of 1915. A few
have been bred locally, but not enough to make any material
difference in their number.

Heath Hen.
The heath hen is steadily showing a decided increase on
Martha's Vineyard where their number is now estimated at
2,000. In view of this surprising increase the proper time may
be at hand to attempt their transplantation to other reserva-
tions on the mainland. The birds are reported by Superin-
tendent Day as covering the entire island, with the exception
of Gay Head. He heard the first "booming" on February 22
and saw the first covey of 6 chicks on June 19. Efficient pro-
tection is beginning to yield fruitful results in the preservation
of this interesting and important game bird.

Song and Insectivorous Birds.
In all sections these birds are reported as more numerous
than for many years, in spite of the fact that the spraying of
trees with poisons has been responsible for many deaths.

Deer.
Deer are reported as particularly abundant in Berkshire,
Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties, but less numerous
in the eastern part of the State. During the open season about
the same number were killed as last year, the weather con-
ditions of the first day being responsible for the smaller bag.
Little variation from last year is shown by our records as to
the deer killed, the number seen or the damage to crops, but
as a whole we have had more complaints of dogs chasing deer
than ever before. A remarkable albino deer was reported
killed. On December 24 Mr. R. D. Beman of Westfield killed
a doe with horns several inches in length, which were still in
the velvet. During the open season 11 deer less than 100
pounds were killed, the smallest weighing 75 pounds. The
largest deer, weighing 400 pounds, was killed in Montague by
Mr. Edward Dubrey of Athol. One hundred and fifty-two

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

deer between 200 and 300 pounds, and 19 between 300 and 400
pounds, were killed. Eight deer were shot by women.

The following tables present the deer statistics for 1915: —

Deer shot during the Open Season of 1915.

Killed.

Counties.

"3 •

"3
S
1

o
a

3
O

>
O

>
o

S
s

>
o

o
>
o
55

"3
o

Barnstable, .

Berkshire,

118

205

Bristol,

Dukes, .

Essex, .

Franklin,

102

204

Hampden,

151

Hampshire,

168

Middlesex,

Norfolk,

Plymouth,

Worcester,

106

179

606

460

225

240

166

125

129

217

1,102

Unclassified, town not
reported.

606

462

225

240

166

125

129

217

1,105

Summary and Comparison of Deer Statistics, 1907-15.

1907.

1908.

1909.

1910.

1911.

1912.

1913.

1914.

1915.

Deer seen, ....

1,298

2,035

1,594

2,582

1,608

1,120

872

523

664

Seen chased by dogs, .

114

120

Seen damaging crops,

100

227

35S

242

220

153

214

237

Shot illegally, .

Killed by trains and trolley

Dead from other causes

(dogs, drowning, etc.).
Shot while damaging crops,

47
16

83
17

82
198

157
327

77
232

126
313

109
195

118
212

76
254

Total, ....

1,625

2,451

2,276

3,564

2,224

1,850

1,361

1,101

1,261

Total killed in open season,

1,281

1,270

1,231

1,596

1,312

1,105

Total wounded in open sea-
son.

101

FISH AND GAME.

A Comparative Statement of Payments on Account of Damages by Wild
Deer in the Fiscal Years 1910-15.

Counties.

1910.

1911.

1912.

1913.

1914.

1915.

Barnstable,

$12 00

$149 25

$4,587 00 !

$147 00

$18 00

Berkshire,

$452 40

373 00

347 00

442 50

476 50

207 00

Bristol, .

124 75

99 00

770 00

297 00

173 50

213 00

Essex,

286 00

445 60

382 05

287 50

243 85

43 00

Franklin,

3,363 10

2,905 35

5,523 25

3,846 72

3,644 21

3,440 61

Hampden,

779 00

1,588 05

2,055 70

2,401 15

1,786 87

1,417 23

Hampshire,

585 90

2,556 67

1,720 43

1,644 58

1,126 85

750 02

Middlesex,

879 73

605 65

887 00

1,541 50

418 50

666 00

Norfolk,

9 80

79 00

294 25

184 00

126 00

93 00

Plymouth,

251 00

261 50

562 34

61 25

6 00

Worcester,

871 16

611 50

2,566 50

2,606 10

838 95

1,251 80

Fees to appraisers and
chairmen.

725 20

1,576 90

940 00

1,027 15

$7,351 84

$9,526 82

$15,682 13

$19,977 29

$9,983 48

$9,132 81

1 Two claims included in this amount aggregate $4,404.20.

Rabbits,

These animals have shown a general increase, and are es-
pecially abundant in the western, northern and southeastern
parts of the State. Berkshire, Franklin, Plymouth, Nantucket,
Hampshire, Hampden, Bristol and northern Worcester counties
report a plentiful supply. In some instances they have mul-
tiplied so rapidly as to become a nuisance to farmers, owing
to the destruction of young fruit trees.

White Hares.
This excellent game animal is reported as scarce throughout
the State, a condition which is probably due to the increase
of foxes and to a knowledge of its habits, since the white hare
is now exclusively hunted in swamps. Individuals from a
consignment liberated by this commission in Norfolk County
were later reported to have attained large size. There is
urgent need of protection for this animal during the entire
year. At the Wilbraham game farm 181 were liberated in

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 57

the swamp in 1914, and were fed with clover, hay, beets,
cabbage and apple tree twigs. Of these, 97 were distributed
in other parts of the State, where the natural surroundings,
such as cedar swamps, were favorable for their existence.

It is the aim of your commission to introduce this animal
wherever expedient, and by protection to give it a chance to
propagate, thus assuring excellent gunning for the sportsmen.
These hares have acquired a reputation of being one of the
best sporting animals, for the reason that, unlike the small
coney they do not hole up when pursued. They are long-
distance runners and will afford a most excellent chase, and
while it is true that they strip some of the forest brush during
the winter season, as far as we have been able to ascertain
they do no appreciable damage to the fruit trees in the regions
where they are found in the largest numbers.

Gray Squirrels.
Invariably gray squirrels are said to be on the increase
throughout the State, with the exception of the eastern counties,
to such an extent that in one locality they are considered pests.

Foxes.
Apparently the number of foxes is steadily increasing in all
sections, chiefly owing to the restrictions put on trapping and
the increase of wild game birds and small animals. We have
very little information relative to the number of fur-bearing
animals killed, or the value of the skins. The fur market is
many times over-supplied with inferior pelts, which tend to
reduce the price on the better grades of furs.

Marine Fisheries.
Massachusetts has at her very doors wonderful facilities for
,the development of marine fisheries. From her superior geo-
graphical position she has always been, and always will be, a
fishing State. With the two large fish markets of Boston and
Gloucester, and with the large fleet of fishing vessels from these
ports, the deep-sea fishing industry of Massachusetts con-
stitutes an important factor in the general welfare of the

58 FISH AND GAME.

Commonwealth. Likewise, along the coast the shore fisheries
provide a means of livelihood for thousands of fishermen. The
main object of your commissioners is to encourage in every
way the development of the various fishing industries, and
at the same time to make possible the conservation of im-
portant resources of the sea for our descendants. Handicapping
fishing industries by rigidly restrictive laws is uncalled for,
unless it is apparent that the future supply of fish is being
imperiled, while every movement toward the betterment of
the industries should be encouraged. Obtaining statistics,
advice as to the regulation of the different industries, settling
disputes among different classes of fishermen, oversight of the
sanitary conditions of the fisheries in the interests of the public
health, and the education of fishermen by reports, lectures and
other means of instruction, now constitute in part the duties
of this commission. We strongly recommend that there be
established a fisheries institute or school for the practical
education of the fishermen, such as is now conducted in Japan.
The possibilities of developing the shore fisheries should be
brought to an active state of realization by the establishment
of a system of sea farming, whereby the fishermen may be
able to cultivate sea products on an equal basis with the
agriculturist.

Fishermen. — The past ten years has witnessed a decided
improvement in the lot of the average fisherman. The life of
the fisherman is by no means a sinecure, and his occupation
often calls for hard, concentrated work under trying conditions.
Many steps have been taken toward the alleviation of the
unpleasant features of the average fisherman's life, such as
hospital ships, increased accommodations, better and safer types
of fishing vessels, and various places of recreation on shore.

The deep-sea fisherman is exposed to the dangers of the sea
and the inclemency of the weather. His returns are, in a
certain sense, a lottery, a fact that gives an added attraction
to fishing. He wTorks strenuously at times, and then remains
comparatively idle until the next period of active work.

Shore fishing, which is confined chiefly to handline, net and
mollusk fishing, with catboats or small motor boats, is less

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 59

exacting. As a rule, trips are made for the day, and the
fisherman can return to a comfortable home at night. During
the winter any type of fishing is difficult, but the life of the
shore fisherman is infinitely more pleasant than that of his
deep-sea brother. The personnel of the fishing industries,
particularly the deep-sea, has undergone a slow but progressive
transition, and the native New England fisherman has been
largely supplanted by men of foreign birth. The nationalities
represented in the fishing business at the present time are
principally Portuguese, Italians, Greeks and Canadians from
Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, who during a portion of the
year engage in the deep-sea and trap fisheries of Massachu-
setts. Apparently within another generation few men of old
New England stock will be engaged in the fisheries.

For a long time fishermen as a class have looked upon the
laws regulating the fisheries as special efforts on the part of the
fish and game commission inimical to their welfare, an idea
which has been fostered possibly for political reasons. This
department has endeavored to overcome this prejudice through
the education of the fishermen, in order that they may decide
for themselves what laws are necessary for the protection of
the fishing industries. It is only through the concentrated
effort of all classes of fishermen for the enactment of rational
legislation that the interests of the fisheries can best be served.
The organization of the different associations, especially among
the lobstermen, is perhaps the greatest improvement that has
occurred in the past ten years. It means the education of
the fishermen, general improvement of fishing conditions, the
passing of proper laws, and the development of the fishing
industry, as well as the betterment of the individual fisherman.

Deep-sea Fisheries.
Boston Fish Market. — An important recent development in
the commercial fisheries has been the completion of the new
fish pier near the Commonwealth Pier at South Boston, afford-
ing the latest and most up-to-date facilities for the sanitary
handling of sea food. In this respect, perhaps, if not in con-
venience for the fishermen, it is vastly superior to the old

60 FISH AND GAME.

T Wharf, which had long shown itself inadequate and un-
suitable for modern effective sanitary conditions.

Work was started on the new fresh-fish market in 1910, and
by April, 1914, practically all the firms had moved from the
old location. This wholesale center of Boston's sea fisheries
is well worth a visit. The pier itself, constructed of concrete,
is 1,200 feet long by 300 feet wide, providing dock accommoda-
tions for forty fishing vessels. A great midway runs down the
center, flanked on either side by a row of two-story buildings.
The cold storage and powrer plant are at the head of the pier,
while at the end is located the exchange room, the offices of
the exchange and corporation, and the offices of the Boston
Fish Bureau and commission merchants. The entire property
comprises 537,100 square feet and contains 44 fish stores.
The buildings are thoroughly hygienic, constructed of cement,
brick and glazed tile, in keeping with the requirements of the
board of health, and absolutely fireproof. Artificial ice to an
amount as great as 800 tons can be made daily for delivery
to the ships from the storage plant, an eight-story building,
where the ice is cracked by machinery and shot down a chute
into trucks for its final disposal. A storage room 60 feet high,
with a capacity of 17,000 pounds, contains reserve ice. Ample
storage room for all fish and perishable products is provided,
and light, heat and water pressure are provided for the whole
pier.

The individual fish markets are well ventilated, and have
concrete floors and walls which can be thoroughly flushed with
running water. In these wholesale markets the fish are brought
from the vessels, weighed, graded and packed for distribution.
The shops use the ground floor for storage and packing, and
the upper floor for the accounting office. In the midway the
delivery drays back up to receive the fresh packed fish, and
rush them to the express cars or to the retail markets of Bos-
ton.

Unquestionably the sanitary and even aesthetic precautions
in marketing fish will increase many fold the future fish trade
of Boston. The community is to be most sincerely congratu-
lated upon the enterprise and wise foresight of the leaders in
the fish business of Massachusetts.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 61

Gloucester. — Gloucester has retained her supremacy in the
salt-fish industries, and ranks second only to Boston as a
fresh-fish center. The year 1915 showed an 18,000,000 pounds
increase over the previous year in the total quantity of fish
landed at her docks. Improvements are being steadily made
in all branches of her fishing industries.

The successful operations of the past year were accurately
and well described in the following extract from the" Gloucester
Daily Times :" —

The summer proved one of the most prosperous in the history of the
city. Money was plentiful and the result was felt by all.

The total amount of fish landed here last year is estimated at 111,004,775
pounds, or more than 18,000,000 pounds more than in 1914, which was
considered a most satisfactory year. The value will reach many millions
of dollars. The fish not the product of American fisheries received here
last year was about the same quantity as in 1914, so the Gloucester vessels
profited by the heavier total receipts.

The mackerel fishery was responsible for a large part of the increase.
The catch of fresh mackerel landed here is estimated at 12,409 barrels,
against 3,184 barrels in 1914. The salt mackerel brought in here in 1915
was 16,609 barrels, against 13,895 barrels in 1914.

Prices for all kinds of fish were good throughout the year, and as a result
many fine stocks and shares were made by the vessels and crews, and the
year was one of general prosperity for the fishing fleet.

Detailed information on the fishing fleet, the big fares, where the vessels
fished, and the fine stocks and shares, is given in the following resume: —

The Mackerel Fleet. — The mackerel seiners had the best season in
recent years, and never before were mackerel any more plentiful in Massa-
chusetts Bay, and it was this branch of the fisheries that contributed to
the greatest extent in the prosperity that was enjoyed in this city during
the summer and fall. Not only did the sailing vessels do exceptionally
well, but the fleet of little steamers reaped a harvest. The only unfortu-
nate thing about the mackerel fishery in 1914 was the failure of the North
Bay trip, so that vessels that went to the northward lost much of the
fall run of mackerel that added greatly to the already large stocks of
the vessels that remained in local waters.

The southern fishery was the best since 1907.

The fleet that went to the southward numbered 20 sail and was early
in getting away. Schooner "Ralph L. Hall," Capt. Frank Hall, was the
first to sail, leaving here March 29, and was followed in a few daj^s by the
entire fleet.

The vessels ran into a heavy blizzard April 9 and the damage was heavy.
Schooner "Arthur James" and schooner "Pythian" each lost a seine boat,

G2 FISH AND GAME.

and schooner " Monarch" was considerably smashed up. Others of the
fleet incurred lesser damage.

The first fish were landed April 8, by schooner "Rob Roy," Capt.
Lemuel Firth, who had 44 barrels in Lewes, Del. The next day schooner
"Ralph L. Hall," Capt. Frank Hall, was in New York with 20,000 mixed
mackerel. This was thirteen days earlier than the first fare in 1914.

The largest single trip of the southern season was 50,000 fresh mackerel,
landed in New York, April 21, by schooner "Arthur James," Capt. John
Matheson.

The high line on the southern trip was steamer "Lois H. Corkum,"
Capt. William Corkum, whose stock was $8,885.74, and the share of the
crew $329 each. This was a fine beginning for the year s work, and the
little steamer continued to bring in good trips through the season, so that
at the end of the year she was high line of the fleet. The steamer's stock
on the southern trip was the highest since 1907, and the share of the crew
broke all previous records for this trip.

Schooner "Arthur James," Capt. John Matheson, was in second place
on this trip, with a stock of $8,854.34, and the share of each of the crew
$185.54.

Not only the seiners but also the netters enjoyed an excellent year out
south. The fleet was a large one and the market was kept well supplied.
The trips were usually of good size. On May 17, after the seiners had
returned to fit here for the Cape Shore, there were 52 netting fares in
Fulton Market, with a total of 106,000 pounds of fresh mackerel.

The Cape Shore season was a great success, and some of the vessels
after landing one good trip returned and secured a second, while others
went down for the third.

The fleet left here about the 20th of May and the first returned June 7.
The vessels to arrive on that day were schooner "Arthur James," with
55,000 fresh and 155 barrels of salt; schooner "Fannie A. Smith," Capt.
Wallace Walker, with 38,000 fresh and 175 barrels of salt; schooner
"Lottie G. Merchant," Capt. Ralph Webber, with 40,000 fresh and 175
barrels of salt; schooner "Rob Roy," Capt. Lemuel Firth, with 56,000
fresh and 135 barrels of salt; schooner "Monarch," Capt. John Seavy,
with 36,000 fresh and 250 barrels of salt; schooner "Victor," Capt.
Douglass McLean, with 35,000 fresh and 140 barrels of salt; schooner
"Norma," Capt. John McKinnon, with 40,000 fresh and 12 barrels of
salt; schooner "Benjamin A. Smith," Capt. Martin L. Welsh, with 45,000
fresh and 145 barrels of salt.

There was another large list of arrivals the following day, and within
a short time the entire fleet had returned with good trips.

The highest stock on this single trip to the Cape Shore was made by
schooner "Monarch," Capt. John Seavy. The stock was $5,110, and the
share of the crew $100.75.

The price paid for Cape Shore salt mackerel was $8 per barrel, a decrease
of $2 per barrel from the first price of 1914.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 63

The following vessels returned for a second trip to the Cape Shore and
were successful in getting good fares: schooner " Arthur James," schooner
"Rob Roy," schooner "Monarch," schooner "Constellation," schooner
"Marguerite Haskins " and schooner "Saladin." Schooner "Arthur
James" and schooner "Rob Roy" went down for a third trip. The
former was successful in getting a small fare.

Some authorities claimed that the 1915 Cape Shore season was the best
in fifty years. It is safe to say that it was by far the best in recent years,
one of the best features being the fact that nearly all the vessels got good
trips, which is sometimes not the case.

After the return of the fleet from the Cape Shore the vessels found fairly
good fishing and continued to add to their stocks. The price of salt
mackerel was steadily increasing, and for that reason the captains pre-
ferred to salt their catches rather than run fresh to market.

By August 5 the price of salt mackerel had risen to $15.50, that price
being paid for a trip of 100 barrels of schooner "Arthur James."

The fish were plentiful on Georges during July, but a series of storms
in the early part of August broke the schools up and the fares were rather
small for some time after.

While the fish disappeared from Georges they came in vast numbers to
the shore. The little steamers brought in big loads, mostly blinks and
tinkers, and sold to local dealers for 2\ cents per pound.

September 1, steamer "Thelma," Capt. Elroy Prior, landed a monster
trip of 43,000 pounds of tinkers and blinks, taken off Boston Light. The
fish sold to split at Z\ cents per pound.

Another example of how plentiful fish were is shown by the work of
steamer "Roland Wilcox" on same day. In the forenoon she was at the
new Boston pier with 15,000 fish, and quickly discharged to get underway
again. At 11 o'clock at night Captain Wilcox returned for the second
time, bringing a big catch of 32,000 mixed fresh fish.

The spurt kept the local mackerel splitters busy, and the firms were
able to get some fish which they needed.

Remembering the success of the fleet in the North Bay in 1914, and
thinking that the fish had gone from the shore, a few vessels left about
the first of September for the bay, although the fleet was not so
large as in 1914, numbering 6 sail. Later events showed that they
would have done much better by remaining on the shore, as the bay
trip was a failure, while the mackerel reappeared on the shore in large
numbers.

Those who did not go to the bay remained out, and although no large
trips were landed, good prices paid for salt mackerel helped to swell the
stocks and make the trips profitable to the crews. On September 17 salt
mackerel was bringing 817.50 for large and S8.50 for small.

The first large trip to follow the disappearance of the fish in August was
brought in September 17 by schooner "Constellation," Capt. Charles
Maguire. The hail was for 40,000 pounds of fresh mackerel and 110

64 FISH AND GAME.

barrels of salt. The fish were taken off Race Point. The stock on this
trip was over $3,000.

This trip gave the fishermen more encouragement, especially as two
days after schooner "Benjamin A. Smith," Capt. Martin L. Welch,
brought in a S3,400 trip of 240 barrels of salt mackerel.

The good trips continued through September and October, but the
climax came the last part of the month, when record trips were brought
in by three vessels.

On October 23 schooner " Constellation " landed a trip of 400 barrels
of salt mackerel, from which the stock was 86,521 and the share of the
crew S143. This was the largest stock of the season, although it was
equaled a few days later.

Three days later, before the water front had ceased to talk of Captain
Maguire's trip, schooner "Volant," in command of Capt. John F. Vautier,
arrived with 75,000 pounds of fresh fish and 210 barrels of salt. She
arrived Monday night, October 25, and immediately a crowd gathered
at the Pew Wharf of the Gorton-Pew Fisheries Company, where she tied
up. The trip was the largest in years and one of the largest on record;
the scuppers of the vessel were nearly on a level with the water, while
every available space on deck was full with the fish. In fact, she had all
she could carry. The trip was taken in Boston Bay, where others of the
fleet and the steamers got fine hauls. The stock was $6,521 and the share
was $150, the largest for a single trip for many years.

Schooner "Victor," Capt. Douglass MacLean, was soon along with
another monster trip. On October 27 he arrived at the wharf of Davis
Brothers, hailing for 80,000 pounds of fresh mackerel and 70 barrels of
salt. This was an even larger trip of fresh mackerel than that of the
"Volant," but the stock was not so large, being $3,488. The fish sold to
split. It is believed this was the largest trip of fresh mackerel ever brought
in here. They were taken on Middle Bank.

The fall run of mackerel was the best in several years and thousands of
dollars were added to the stocks and hundreds to the share of the crews.
Money was very plentiful in this city for several weeks following the
mackerel run.

The small boats also came in for their share, and as they were manned
by fewer men the share each man received was much greater than those
on the larger vessel. Each of the crew of the schooner "Little Fannie,"
Capt. Charles Nelson, in three trips made in five days in the latter part of
October, shared $326.50, believed to be a share record at any kind of fishing.

Many similar cases might be given of the results of the good trips.

Schooner "Arthur James" returned from the North Bay just in time
to secure one trip of salt mackerel off the shore. This trip, which was
the last of the season, resulted in a great jump in the price of salt mackerel.
There were 188 barrels of tinkers and 15 barrels large fish in the trip.
After 74 different offers the fish were sold for $28.50 per barrel for large
and $14.50 for tinkers.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 65

The high line of the seining fleet was steamer "Lois H. Corkum,"
Capt. William Corkum, whose stock was $33,200 and whose crew shared
$1,100.50. This stock was the largest for several years, and the share,
because of the small number in the crew, was the largest ever made by
a seiner in one season.

Close behind the steamer was schooner " Lottie G. Merchant," Capt.
Ralph Webber, whose stock was $33,000 and whose crew's share was $700.
Captain Webber had some fine trips during the fall, and it is estimated
that his stock was over $10,000 from September 1 to November 1.

Other good stocks were made by schooner "Monarch," Capt. John
Seavy, which had $28,884; schooner "Marguerite Haskins," Capt.
Reuben Cameron, $28,809; schooner "Arthur James," Capt. John
Matheson, $26,950; schooner "Rob Roy," Capt. Lemuel Firth, $26,158.
A number of others had stocks in the vicinity of $20,000.

The Haddocking Fleet. — At the beginning of the year there was a fleet
of about 40 vessels, including the channel fishermen, engaged in the
haddocking branch. The off-shore fleet, almost without exception,
brought in excellent trips, but the prices were very low; in fact they were
at times no better than those paid here by the splitters. But few fares
were brought here, however, the fishermen preferring to fit in Boston and
save time.

About the last of January prices began to improve, and some of the
vessels realized neat stocks and shares.

The best haddocking trip of the winter was made by schooner "A. Piatt
Andrew," Capt. Wallace Bruce, who landed February 3, 90,000 pounds
of fish, from which the stock was $4,050 and the share of each of the crew
of 25 men $90. The largest trip of the winter in the amount of fish was
on January 8, by schooner "Laverna," Capt. John Mclnnis, hailing for
135,000 pounds, part of which was brought here to split.

The work of Capt. Wallace Bruce, in schooner "A. Piatt Andrew,"
stands out prominently in the results of the past year in the haddocking
branch. From January 1 to April 1, when the vessel shifted to shacking,
nearly 700,000 pounds of fish had been landed by that craft. Capt.
Bruce's year is from September to September. In those twelve months
he stocked $48,669, and each of the crew shared $880. From January,
1915, to January, 1916, it is estimated that this vessel landed 2,000,000
pounds of fish at Boston and this port. About 1,810,000 of this was fresh.

Schooner "Pontiac," Capt. Ernest Parsons, led the channel fleet for
the year, and it is estimated that the vessel landed over 1,600,000 pounds
of fresh fish last year.

The first trip from the Peak was brought in by schooner " Esperanto, "
Capt. Asa Baker, March 8. The vessel hailed for 112,000 pounds. Other
trips from these grounds followed, and a large proportion found their way
to the splitters in this city.

Schooner "Mary F. Sears" was the first of the Portuguese shore fleet
to go off-shore in the spring. She arrived in Boston March 8 with a fare

66 FISH AND GAME.

of 90,000 pounds. Soon after the others of this fleet left the shore and
made good trips to the northern edge of Georges and Western Bank.

Haddock struck in March 24, and soon prices on this species fell to a
nominal figure, being often quoted at the Boston fish pier at SI a thousand.

The steam otter trawlers profited well by the spring run of haddock, and
on the southeast part of Georges fares of 100,000 were not uncommon.
The steam trawler "Long Island" on April 6 landed in Portland a fare
which hailed for 225,000 pounds. Portland took a large number of trips
of the beam trawlers last year, and in one day alone handled 565,000 pounds
from the steamers.

Trawlers. — The trawlers were here very often last year disposing of
their fares to the splitters. The trawler "East Hampton" later in the
year, on July 20, landed at the plant of Cunningham & Thompson what
is believed to be the largest fresh-fish fare ever arriving in one bottom.
She hailed for 310,000 pounds of fresh fish.

The haddock fares of the beam trawlers during the spring and summer
ran from 20 to 40 per cent, "scrod" or immature fish, and in some cases
even more.

About April 1 nearly all the fleet made one trip to the Peak before
coming to this port to fit for the Cape North trip. A few of the fleet
changed to halibuting at this time.

The first to leave for Cape North was schooner "Stiletto," Capt. Lyman
Wyldes, on April 13. As is usually the case, the shackers at this time began
to feel the shortage of men, and man}' were delayed in sailing because they
could not obtain a full crew.

After the fleet had sailed it looked very much as if the season would be
the repetition of 1914, which was a failure. The ice was late in leaving
and the bait reports were very favorable.

On April 26 the first vessel reached the Magdalenes, but it was not until
June 2 when schooner "Governor Foss" arrived here with the first trip
of the season, hailing for 80,000 salt and 120,000 pounds of fresh fish.
She was in the ice nineteen days, and others of the fleet were in for a
much longer time.

When the vessels were at last able to begin operations the3r found fish
very plentiful and almost without exception excellent trips were brought
home.

The largest stock on this trip was made by schooner "Arethusa," Capt.
Clayton Morrissey. The hail was for 110,000 of salt fish and 110,000
pounds of fresh. The stock was $5,826 and the crew's share $120.

Other vessels which stocked over $5,000 on this trip were schooner "Stil-
etto," Capt. Lyman Wyldes, $5,600; schooner "A. Piatt Andrew," Capt.
Wallace Bruce, $5,504; schooner "Sylvania," Capt. Jeff Thomas, $5,730;
schooner "Conqueror," Capt. Robertson Giffin, $5,240; schooner
"Onato," Capt. J. Henry Larkin, $5,741; schooner "Thomas," $5,790.

Encouraged by the fine showing made on the Cape North trip, the
shackers next fished off Perce, and some big trips of shack were landed

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 67

here for several weeks after. The largest fare from these grounds was
brought by schooner "Thomas S. Gorton," hailing for 200,000 pounds of
fresh fish and 30,000 pounds of salt. The stock was $4,633. Some of
the vessels made two trips to these grounds and each time secured fine
fares.

Some very large trips of fresh fish were brought in here during the
remainder of the summer, the largest hail being for 210,000 pounds, made
by Capt. Lyman Wyldes in schooner " Stiletto." The trip was taken on
La Have. Trips hailing for 175,000 to 200,000 pounds were not un-
common.

After enjoying a good summer, the vessels began about the middle of
September to fit again for winter haddocking. The vessels went to the
channel, but the season here was a failure, the trips being very small.
The fleet did not wait until Thanksgiving before leaving these grounds,
and early went to the eastward, where better fishing was found. Up to
the close of 1915 there had been few very large trips landed.

The Provincetown fleet did well again last year, although the record
stocks of 191-4 were not reached. Schooner "Mary C. Santos," which
was probably high line of that town's fleet, cleared up about 843,000 for
her season's work.

Halibuters. — The fleet of fresh halibuters had a good year, and many
vessels made good stocks and the crews profited by good shares. At the
height of the season there were about 30 sail of vessels following this
branch, about the same number as in 1914.

The high line of the fleet was schooner "Rex" of the Davis Brothers
fleet, commanded by Capt. Augustus G. Hall. This vessel began fishing
about March 1 and completed her season's work November 3. During
that time the vessel stocked $30,500, and the crew shared $740. Although
some of the vessels of the fleet began fishing earlier in the year and con-
tinued later, this stock was not equaled.

The next honors went to schooner "Robert and Richard," Capt. Robert
Wharton, of the John Chisholm fleet. This new vessel on her first year's
work stocked $29,839, and the crew shared $605.

Others that did well in the halibuting fishery were schooner "Teazer,"
Capt. Peter Dunsky; schooner "Oriole," Capt. Daniel McDonald;
schooner "Cavalier," Capt. Robert B. Porper, and schooner "Monitor,"
Capt. George Marr.

Schooner "Natalie Hammond," Capt. Charles Colson, that followed the
halibuting branch in the summer and the haddocking branch in the winter,
also had a fine stock for the year's work. In just a year the vessel stocked
$32,970, and the crew shared $772.80. This was one of the best stocks
and shares made by any vessel in any branch of the fisheries during the
year.

At the beginning of the year 1915 there were but 7 vessels engaged in
the halibut fishery, although this number was added to during the middle
and toward the last of January.

68 FISH AND GAME.

The first large trips of the year were landed January 27 by schooner
"Teazer," Capt. Peter Dunsky, and schooner "Avalon," Capt. Daniel
McDonald. The hails were for 30,000 pounds, and the stock of each
vessel was in the vicinity of $4,500. Prices during the first part of Janu-
ary were about 16 cents for white and 10 cents for gray.

By the middle of February the fleet had increased to 17 vessels. Prices
began to drop about this time, and schooner " Cavalier," Capt. Robert B.
Porper, which arrived February 8 with 50,000 pounds, received 11 and 7J
cents per pound.

Schooner " Robert and Richard," Capt. Robert Wharton, arrived
February 16, on her maiden trip, with 50,000 pounds of halibut and some
hake. The stock on this trip was $5,200, which was the largest made
since the previous May, when schooner " Catherine Burke," then com-
manded by Capt. Daniel McDonald, stocked $5,259.

The first part of March saw heavy receipts of halibut at this port.
Three good trips, ranging between 30,000 and 40,000 pounds, were brought
here March 4 and 5 by schooners "Kineo," "Monitor" and " Oriole,"
and three days later the market was flooded with receipts of 150,000
pounds, landed by schooners "Cavalier" "Rhodora," "Avalon" and
"Robert and Richard." Schooner "Volant" was in Portland the same
day with 20,000 pounds. These trips were all from the eastward and
brought prices of 9, 7 and 5 cents per pound.

Heavy receipts continued about the first of April, and the price dropped
to 7 and 5 cents per pound.

The first halibuter to arrive with a trip taken on a Magdalene baiting
was schooner "Oriole," which discharged her trip here May 25. The
vessel was in the ice four weeks, and found fish scarce in the Gulf, so
Captain McDonald went to Quero. The vessel had but 10,000 pounds
on her arrival here.

Owing to the absence of many of the fleet in the Gulf, receipts of halibut
were not heavy during May, and the price rose to 13 and 9 cents per
pound.

Gulf Trips. — The first big trip from the Gulf was brought by schooner
"Teazer," which arrived June 3, hailing for 60,000 pounds of fresh halibut,
35,000 pounds of salt cod and 15,000 pounds of flitches. The prices were
9 and 5 cents for the halibut.

Schooner "Bay State," Capt. Archie McLeod, has the honor of making
the largest trip stock of the halibut and shacking fleets. On June 14,
from 40,000 pounds of halibut, 80,000 pounds of salt cod, 10,000 pounds
of flitches and 40,000 pounds of fresh fish, the vessel stocked $6,315.

There were no unusual trips during July and the market remained
rather low.

Schooner "Natalie Hammond," Capt. Charles Colson, on August 18
landed a trip in Boston which set talking all who followed the fisheries.
The vessel hailed for 55,000 pounds of fresh halibut, from which the
stock was $5,496, and the crew's share $144.50 each. This was the

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 69

best stock of the summer, and at that time the third best stock of
the year.

Captain Colson was back again in three weeks' time with 35,000 pounds
of halibut, which netted a stock of $3,400 and another good share.

The water front had hardly ceased to talk about Captain Colson's great
work when the news came, on September 27, that schooner "Rex," Capt.
Augustus Hall, had arrived at Portland from Green Bank with a trip that
was going to beat them all. The hail was for 55,000 pounds of halibut
and the price paid was 11 and 9 cents. The stock was $5,854.72, and the
net share for the crew was $153 each.

This was the stock that placed Captain Hall in first place. The stock
on the halibut alone was $5,432.77, which was one of the best made in
recent years and was second largest stock of the year.

Soon after this time the vessels began either to haul up or shift to
haddocking, and receipts of halibut were very light during the remainder
of the year. There were but few big trips, and Captain Hall retained his
position of high line. He added to his total stock on his last trip on No-
vember 3, when he stocked $3,633 and the crew shared $78.

Salt Bankers. — A fleet of 9, including the British schooner "Independ-
ence II.," sailed salt banking on the spring trip.

The British vessel did not return here until late in the fall, having taken
out her spring trip in Lunenburg. Another of the fleet did not return.
She was schooner "Senator Gardner," in command of Capt. Reuben Burke,
and was burned at sea early in June with 200,000 pounds of fish aboard.

The others of the fleet all had good catches, hailing between 370,000 and
220,000 pounds. The largest trip was that of schooner "J. J. Flaherty,"
weighing out 359,483 pounds, from which the stock was $12,194.

But four vessels made a second trip. The largest was that of schooner
"Athlete," Capt. Thomas Benham, hailing for 300,000 pounds of salt
cod, from which the stock was $9,889. Captain Benham was high line
of this fleet, with a total stock on two trips of nearly $19,500.

There were 3 in the fleet of dory handliners last year, schooner "Tattler,"
Capt. Alden Geele; schooner "Governor Russell," Capt. Louis Soares;
schooner "Clintonia," Capt. Lew Wharton.

The first vessel led the fleet by a large margin, and Captain Geele
brought back one of the largest catches on record, weighing out 478,365
pounds of salt fish for a five months' trip. The stock was $16,534.29.
The trip was 10,000 pounds smaller than Captain Geele's record trip of
1909, and the stock $340 less than the stock made by him in 1913, when
prices for salt fish were higher than last year.

Flitches. — There were but 2 vessels in the flitching fleet, schooner
"Atlanta," Capt. Richard Wadding, and schooner "Senator," Capt.
Axel Laager. The former vessel landed 110,000 pounds, from which the
stock was $9,300.

Drifters and "Anchor" Fleet. — Contrary to 1914, the fresh drifters last
year did not have an exceptional year. The fares did not reach the size

70 FISH AND GAME.

of the record trips of 1914, and as a result the year's work did not reach
the high totals established the preceding year.

The Georgesmen had their usual good year and some excellent trips
were brought in. Including the salt drifters, this fleet at the height of
the season numbered about 10 vessels.

Tilejishing. — In October, schooner " Stranger," Capt. Charles C.
Young, under charter of the United States Bureau of Fisheries, sailed on
a month's experimental trip for tilefish. Several fares were landed in
New York, and through the publicity of the Bureau a demand was created
for the fish. At the last of the year there were 3 vessels going to the
grounds of Nantucket for this fish, and a number of vessels from New
York were also following this branch, and there is every indication that
the fleet will be increased as the demand for the fish grows.

Herring. — There was a fleet of about 30 local vessels which sailed in
the fall of 1915 for the treaty coast of Newfoundland for herring. This
was but part of the fleet, however, for several vessels of British registry
under local charter brought fares to this port. Owing to the war, there
was a heavy demand for herring, and the local dealers were unable to
get cargoes enough with their own vessels, and for that reason the British
vessels were used. The season at Bay of Islands was a failure, but the
fleet managed to get cargoes at Bonne Bay. At the time of writing, the
results of the second trip to Newfoundland by several of the fleet are in
doubt. Prices by cargo lots were S5.25 for salt bulk, and 85.75 and 86 for
barreled herring, believed the highest fare figures on record.

Xova Scotia and Newfoundland Fares. — Last year saw the usual heavy
receipts of free "green" fish from the Provinces, brought here by the local
vessels engaged in freighting as well as by a large number of British
schooners.

In May the wholesale fish dealers of this city were greatly stirred
when it became known that a duty would be placed on the supposedly
" green" fish being brought here from the Provinces owing to a ques-
tion whether the fish was to be classed as "boned" or otherwise. The
question first arose over a shipment of salmon received in Boston from
Canada.

The first cargo to arrive from the Provinces while the question was
being taken up by the Treasury Department was brought here June 10
by the British schooner "Edith F. S." She had 250,000 pounds of salt
fish for Cunningham & Thompson Company.

The discharge of the cargo was not held up, but the consignees were
obliged to give a bond double the amount of duty which would be paid
if the department ruled that the fish was dutiable. The duty on such
fish would be three-quarters of a cent per pound.

Cargoes of this kind continued to arrive, and the consignees in each
case were obliged to put up the necessary bond. It is estimated that
before the decision was given, on August 11, bonds to the amount of 850,000
had been given over to the local customs authorities.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 71

The decision held that codfish of this kind should not be considered
"boned" under the meaning of the law, and therefore not dutiable. The
announcement was received with great satisfaction in this city by the
wholesalers.

Because the American fisheries are to be prosecuted only by American
vessels, Deputy Collector of Customs A. H. McKenzie, June 10, refused
to accept the entrance of the British schooner " James R. Clark," which
arrived here from the banks, via Yarmouth, N. S., with 55,000 pounds of
salt cod, unconsigned to any local fish firm.

Collector McKenzie explained that to all appearances the " Clark" was
a British fishing vessel, with her full crew aboard and but recently returned
from the banks. Although she entered and cleared at Yarmouth, X. S.,
this fact was not sufficient, according to the collector, to allow her the
designation of a freighting vessel, which class is allowed to enter an
American market, provided the cargo is consigned to a party.

The vessel returned to Nova Scotia, where her trip was sold.

Gill Netters. — A review of the year would not be complete without
a summary of the part taken in the principal industry of this city by
the fleet of gill netters and the so-called "Guinea" boats owned by the
Italians.

After hauling out of seining in the fall of 1914 the steamers changed to
gill netting, and for the remainder of the year operated along the shore
and brought in large trips of pollock. Following the pollock run many
of the boats discontinued operations until early spring, when the haddock
struck in.

The gill-netting branch of the fisheries forms a most important part,
as it gives employment not only to the crews of the steamers, but to shore
gangs nearly as large as the crews.

The fish brought in here by the steamers are shipped to Boston when
the prices are high enough to warrant it; otherwise, the fish are sold to
the splitters, whose stock on hand is greatly increased from this source.
The year's catch of this fleet, which numbers about 20 or 25 sail, is esti-
mated at 10,000,000 pounds.

The "Guinea" Fleet. — Another branch which has grown to great im-
portance in the past few years is the fleet of Italian boats from the fort.
These people follow their work in a quiet but most businesslike way, and
their operations may seem of but little importance to the public until
the results of the year's work are looked at. The fleet numbers about
30 craft, carrying from 3 to 5 men each.

They follow the fresh herring, ground fish and mackerel fisheries in
their respective seasons, and the total landing of year run well into millions
of pounds.

During the record mackerel run of last year, the little boats made big
money. One section of the fort is now entirely owned by people of the
Italian colony. They are a hard-working and prosperous people, and of
great economic value to the city.

FISH AND GAME.

New Crafts. — The following summary of shipbuilding operations in the
local district for the year of 1915 shows that 11 new fishing schooners have
been completed and added to the fleet in addition to a number of gas
screw steamers.

Following is a list of the vessels in 1915: —

Tonnage.

Gross.

Net.

New.
Schooners: —

Pollyanna

Republic,

Catherine,

Gas screws: —

Olive,

Wonasquam, ....

Francis Willett

Wahamo

Grace Clinton, ....

Rebuilt.
Steamer: —

Margaret D

Gas screws: —

Victory

Resolute,

Swan,

Esther Madeline, houseboat,

Mao II

Prince Olaf , remeasured.

120

159

103

Vessels Lost and Sold. — Although several new vessels have been added
to the fleet, the loss to Gloucester in vessels sold or lost has been great, and
the fleet is at the present time the smallest in the history of the fisheries
of this port. Those vessels which were formerly owned here but which
have been changed to British registry still continue to come here with
cargoes of fish from the Provinces, although they can no longer be classed
as Gloucester vessels.

Following is the list of vessels sold the past year: —

Schooners.

John R. Bradley, sold foreign.
Monitor, stranded and later floated.
Olga, sold foreign.
Helen G. Wells, sold foreign.
Essex, sold foreign.
Tacoma, sold foreign.
Hattie L. Trask, sold foreign.
Yakima, sold to Florida.

William A. Morse, sold to New London.
Mertis H. Perry, sold foreign.
Fannie A. Smith, sold foreign.
Georgia, sold to Maine.
Pinta, sold foreign.
Monarch, sold foreign.
Grace Otis, sold foreign.
Gossip, sold foreign.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

The following gas screw boats have also been sold or lost:

Ignatius.

Enos.

Ibsen.

Alice.

R. J. Killick.

Venture.

Esther Madeline.

Advance.
George E. Fisher.
Mary L.
Myrtle.
Randolph.
Scout.

The following fishing vessels have been lost this year:

Ella M. Doughty.
Priscilla Smith.

Aloha.

Senator Gardner.

Total Fish Receipts for Gloucester.
Pounds.

1915.

1914.

1913.

Salt cod,

10,276,736

8,595,300

24,628,614

Fresh cod, .

13,834,984

15,864,366

10,201,544

Halibut, .

2,577,826

2,219,607

3,658,583

Haddock, .

10,287,453

11,910,136

6,999,198

Hake, . .

5,221,969

5,960,968

3,997,457

Cusk,

2,979,625

3,129,570

2,727,576

Pollock, .

8,925,399

9,032,819

11,172,558

Flitches, .

268,366

332,117

505,107

Fresh fish from small boats,

2,500,000

Salt fish by rail,

8,725,842

Miscellaneous (unclassified),

500,000

Not product of American fisheries,

13,054,412

13,661,310

Barrels.

Fresh mackerel,

Salt mackerel, .

Fresh herring, .

Fresh bluebacks,

Salt herring,

Frozen herring (pounds),

Cured fish (quintals),

,405

26,701

21,883

Total receipts of fish at port of Gloucester for 1915, 111,004,775 pounds.

74 FISH AND GAME.

Fishing Boats. — The modern fishing schooner is the knock-
about type, i.e., without bowsprit. This insures easier handling
of sails, at the same time giving more room for'ard. The boat
is usually 70 to 80 feet in length and about 20 feet in beam,
carrying 10 dories and a crew of about 15 hands. This type
of boat is especially seaworthy and able to weather the most
severe storms, owing to its staunch condition and ability to
withstand tremendous strains.

The advent of the power boat has revolutionized shore fish-
ing. Expedition rather than cheapness is essential in fishing,
and the man who can get his catch to market the quickest and
in the best condition receives a reward which more than offsets
the extra cost. The gasolene engine, especially in the form of
auxiliaries, saves many hours to the fisherman, does away with
the uncertainty of sailing, and enables him to accomplish an
increased amount of work in the form of a larger catch, in
this way ultimately benefiting the consumer. Power boats are
of such an advantage to all types of fishing that it is impossible
to say that any one type is benefited more than another. It
is greatly due to such a means that the lobster, mollusk, line
and trap fishing have been improved, and it has made the
small otter trawl applicable for flatfish dredging. It scarcely
seems possible that the season of 1907 marked the first exten-
sive use of the power boat in the scallop fishery, whereas at
the present time the power boat is used in dredging scallops,
sea clams and quahaugs. On the larger fishing boats auxiliary
engines equipped with winches save the fisherman much hard
labor. Well may the fisherman, and for that matter the public,
rejoice in the advent of the gasolene engine.

Deep-sea Fishing. — The catch of ground fish by the fleet
shows an increase, particularly good catches of haddock having
been taken. Codfish, however, have been comparatively scarce.
In 1915 the fishing fleet comprised about the same number,
330, as in the previous year, of which 167 were sailing vessels,
13 steam otter trawlers, and 150 boats of various kinds. The
catch of the Gloucester gill netters amounted to 7,400,000
pounds, compared with a total of 8,500,000 pounds for the
previous year. The total catch of fresh mackerel by the fleet
amounted to 71,564 barrels, as against 68,582 barrels in the
previous season.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

Quantities and Values of Certain Fishery Products landed at Boston and
Gloucester, Mass., during the Year 1915.

Fresh.

Salted.

Total.

Fish.

Pounds.

Value.

Pounds.

Value.

Pounds.

Value.

Cod:
Large (10 pounds and over),
Market (under 10 and over

2^ pounds),
Scrod (1 to 2J£ pounds),

Haddock:
Large (over 2K pounds),
Scrod (1 to 23^ pounds),

Hake:

Large (6 pounds and over), .

Small (under 6 pounds),

Pollock

Cusk

Halibut,

Mackerel:
Large (over(2J^ pounds),
Medium (V/2 to 2J^ pounds),
Small (under V/z pounds), .

Miscellaneous,

14,568,534

18,154,124
1,365,466

44,948,106
12,864,944

7,769,018
6,820,297
12,961,313
6,235,801
3,584,175

695,013
1,000,525
5,649,036
10,458,913

$487,904

384,034
16,914

1,131,660
173,792

157,516
119,954
249,188
96,003
301,787

67,721

79,512

235,783

398,865

6,679,925

3,994,245
293,603

130,594

300,625

234,640

94,943

286,510

1,015,098

153,296

2,405,434

8,931,550

$241,707

134,725
7,676

2,361

5,007

4,070

2,347

21,509

48,369

9,999

172,695

186,819

21,248,459

22,148,369
1,659,069

45,078,700
12,864,944

8,069,643
6,820,297
13,195,953
6,330,744
3,870,685

1,710,111

1,153,821

8,054,470.

19,390,463

$729,611

518,759
24,590

1,134,021
173,792

162,523
119,954
253,258
98,350
323,296

116,090

89,511

408,478

585,684

Total, ....

147,075,265

$3,900,633

24,518,463

$837,284

171,593,728

$4,737,917

Fishing Fleet of Boston and Gloucester, 1915.

jxumoer oj vess
Bank fishery,

us.

Market fishery,

102

Mackerel fishery,

131

Swordfish fishery,

Herring fishery,

Shore fishery,

Total, 410

Number of Trips.

Boston, . . . ' , . . . 3,772

Gloucester, . - 3,472

Total, 7,244

Shore Fisheries.
The returns of the shore, net and pound fisheries have been
compiled under section 119, chapter 91, of the Revised Laws.
The following table gives the relative abundance of the dif-
ferent species of fish and the statistics of the shore fisheries
of Massachusetts for the past eleven years : —

FISH AND GAME.

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PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 77

Coastal Streams. — The examination of our coastal streams,
once famous for their alewife and shad fisheries, has continued.
Fishways have been replaced and conditions generally im-
proved for these fisheries. Merely a beginning has been made
in the work of re-establishing these fisheries, but in the future
extended efforts will soon be made to correct the unfavorable
conditions now existing.

Buzzards Bay. — The investigation of the fisheries of Buz-
zards Bay was continued for the third year. The work was
necessarily confined, owing to lack of suitable appropriation, to
the collection of statistics from a number of fishermen who
were given the privilege of establishing fish traps. At the end
of the year a report covering the three years' investigation was
submitted to the Legislature.

Mollusk Fisheries.

General improvement in the mollusk fisheries has been noted
and more extensive efforts have been made in clam and quahaug
culture. People are beginning to take greater interest in the
question of commercial sea farming, and the time is not far dis-
tant when the plans continuously advocated for ten years by this
commission — the utilization of the barren areas of tidal water
along the coast for shellfish farming — will be realized. Ex-
periments have proved that shellfish may be grown with profit,
and that the monetary returns of sea farming, area for area,
are correspondingly greater than those of agriculture. It is in
the interests of economy that the commission has advocated
sea farming, not only as furnishing a commercial enterprise
for the fishermen, but also as supplying a revenue to the State.

Scallop. — The scallop fishery was not as successful as in
past years. Owing to the small quantity of seed the season
was poor on Cape Cod, and at Nantucket the production was
only about one-half that of 1914.

Quahaugs. — The excellent yield of the large bed north of
Nantucket still continues, but unfortunately for the fishermen
the market price was low.

Clam. — More inquiries than ever have been received rela-
tive to the leasing of flats for clam and quahaug farming, and
many shore towns are taking added interest in the cultivation
of these mollusks.

FISH AND GAME.

Shellfish Pollution. — The sanitary conditions of growth and
marketing of pure shellfish are of extreme importance in the
development of the shellfish industries of Massachusetts. In
1905 the Commissioners on Fisheries and Game were required
to close certain areas of tidal water for such a length of time
as the State Board of Health recommended, and prohibit therein
the taking of shellfish of all descriptions for food. The waters
closed in part or entirely were New Bedford, Boston, Lynn and
Salem harbors. Within these proscribed areas shellfish, par-
ticularly clams and quahaugs, could not be lawfully taken for
food. Owing to certain provisions relative to Boston Harbor,
whereby clammers with permits were allowed to take clams
for bait, it became practically impossible to enforce the law
adequately, and a similar condition, which subsequently was
partly if not successfully remedied by recent legislation, prevailed
at New Bedford.

The number of arrests for violation of the shellfish pollution
laws since 1904 are here tabulated.

Shellfish.

1904,
1905,
1906,
1907,
1908,
1909,
1910,
1911,
1912,
1913,
1914,
1915,

28
53
49
79
76
77
72
68
28
65
72
78

(1) Boston Harbor. — The permit system of digging clams for
bait for fishing steamers under chapter 285, Acts of 1907, was
greatly abused, and whereas a portion of these clams were sold
for bait, the remainder were sold as food. It was practically
impossible to enforce the law as long as the system of granting
bait permits by the Boston board of health was in vogue, since
it was necessary for a deputy not only to see the clams dug,
but also to keep them constantly in sight until sold as food, —

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 79

in most cases a physical impossibility. In 1914 convictions
were made possible by the abolition of the permit system, but
the rigid enforcement of the law in the interests of the public
health has been practically nullified, since the penalties im-
posed have been too insignificant, defendants merely paying
the fines and continuing the illegal taking of clams. In spite
of numerous arrests this practice has continued to such an
extent as to make it necessary either for the courts to deal more
harshly with these offenders, or for the law to be so amended as
to include a term of imprisonment as well as a fine. Such
actions are taken solely in the interests of the public health,
and the tendency to allow violators to escape upon the flimsiest
technicality is to be deplored by public-spirited and broad-
minded citizens.

The attention of this department has been called by the
United States Bureau of Fisheries to the sale of mussels from
polluted waters of Boston Harbor. This Bureau has been
anxious to introduce the mussel as a valuable food, but the
sale of mussels from the polluted areas has, to a large extent,
offset their good work in placing this delicious and nutritious
food on the Boston market. An investigation of the Italian
fish markets in the spring of 1914 showed that several firms
for nearly three years had been selling mussels taken from the
flats of Boston Harbor to French and Italian customers. At
the present time about two bushels per day are retailed at the
rate of five cents per quart. Unfortunately, the restrictions
placed on the taking of clams under section 113 does not apply
to mussels, and it is advisable that some provision be made
whereby the sale of polluted mussels may be prohibited, since
they are as dangerous to the public health as clams.

(2) New Bedford Harbor. — The shellfish problem in New
Bedford has been under discussion for a number of years.
Existing conditions were first called to the attention of the
State Board of Health in 1904, and in 1905 prohibitive meas-
ures were placed on the taking of shellfish from the contam-
inated waters of and adjacent to New Bedford. These
restrictions continued through the latter part of 1905 and the
whole of the year 1906, after which the law was modified, so
that in 1907 the boards of health of New Bedford and Fair-

FISH AND GAME.

haven were authorized to grant licenses to take shellfish
from the restricted areas for bait only. As in the case of

Boston Harbor this concession merely resulted in flagrant
abuse.

The number of cases and deaths resulting from typhoid

fever between 1899 and 1910, according to the New Bedford
board of health, is here given : —

Year.

Cases
reported.

Deaths.

1900,

132
99

181

153
64
56
57

102
98

126

1901

1902,

19
24

1903,

1904,

28
12

19C5

190G

1907,

1908,

10
20

1909

The prevalence of the disease in 1902 and 1903 resulted in an
investigation which showed that the consumption ofquahaugs
taken from the Acushnet River was probably accountable for
the large number of cases during these two years, since the
families of local fishermen who were using these quahaugs as
an article of food ■ comprised the principal sufferers. By a
careful study of the figures from 1899 to 1910 it will be noticed
that during the period of restrictive measures, up to the grant-
ing of licenses for bait, the number of cases and deaths was
small as compared with prior and subsequent periods. Twenty-
nine investigated cases were found to have eaten quahaugs
taken supposedly for no other purpose than for bait. It is
interesting to note that the majority of the typhoid cases in
1907, 1908, 1909 and 1910 had names similar to the holders
of licenses to take shellfish for bait.

In order to save a valuable industry, and especially to
facilitate the transplanting of small "seed" quahaugs to pure
waters where in time they would become free from the effects

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 81

of pollution, a law was passed (chapter 411, Acts of 1911) pro-
viding for a board of shellfish commissioners for the city of New
Bedford and the town of Fairhaven, which was authorized to
regulate the taking of shellfish from the polluted waters of the
Acushnet River and of New Bedford and Fairhaven harbors.
In 1912 three inspectors were appointed, two from New Bed-
ford and one from Fairhaven. The quahaugs were transplanted
to beds in clean water, principally in Swansea and on Cape Cod.
Legislation was sought in 1914 for reimbursement of the city
of New Bedford and the town of Fairhaven for the deficit
occasioned by this law. Experience has shown that this work
cannot be self-supporting, as the State law fixes the fees that
may be charged, and the natural law of supply and demand
regulates the number of fishermen.

The present method of regulating the fisheries by the two
local boards appears theoretically ideal, but several drawbacks
are evident, chief among which has been the inefficiency of
inspection. There is no absolute method of ascertaining
whether the shellfish are distributed to the purifying beds or
shipped directly to market. Naturally it is difficult for in-
spectors, no matter how skillful, to follow these transfers under
the present conditions, and there is room for considerable
improvement before it can be safely guaranteed that quahaugs
are not marketed without being sent to the purifying beds.
However, with proper care and rigid enforcement of the law
on the part of the local inspectors the joint board should be
able to avoid these difficulties.

Lobster Fishery.
The present conditions in the lobster fishery are far from
satisfactory, as the short-lobster problem is still in an unsettled
state. The fishermen from Roekport to Scituate in the past
two years have formed associations, the principal object of
which is a mutual agreement that they will return all short
and egg-bearing lobsters to the water as soon as caught. On
the request of these associations authority has been given to
certain members to enforce the laws. In but few instances
have these agreements been violated, and the associations are
to be commended for the stand they have taken. Reports

FISH AND GAME.

from several localities state that the catches are increasing,
and good results are enthusiastically anticipated.

Our deputies carefully followed the shipments of lobsters to
Boston dealers, with the result that in 1915 over 2,400 under-
sized lobsters were seized and liberated in the waters of the
Commonwealth. The permits which formerly were issued to
fishermen to hold the egg-bearing lobsters in confinement
have all been revoked. In 1915, 3,468 pounds of egg-bearing
lobsters were purchased from the dealers, who received ship-
ments from Maine and Nova Scotia.

Date.

Fisher-
men.

Traps.

Number

Lobsters

above

Inches.

Egg-
bearing
Lob-
sters.

Average
Catch
per Pot.

Ratio of

Lobsters
to Total
Catch.

Average
Ratio of

Egg
Lobsters,
Five-year
Periods.

Average
Catch per

Trap,
Five-year

Periods.

1888, .

367

21,418

1,740,850

1889,

344

20,016

1,359,645

61,832

1: 21. 9G

1S90,

379

19,554

1,612,129

70,909

1: 22.70

|l: 27.06

76.0

1891,

327

15,448

1,292,791

49,973

1: 25.80

1892,

312

14,064

1,107,764

37,230

1: 29.75

1893,

371

17,012

1,149,332

32,741

1: 35.10

1894,

425

20,303

1,096,834

34,897

1: 31.14

1895,

377

17,205

956,365

34,343

1: 27.80

1896,

453

22,041

995,396

30,470

1: 32.60

1: 33.08

49.4

1897,

388

18,829

896,273

23,719

1: 37.70

1898,

340

16,195

720,413

19,931

1: 36.10

1899,

327

15,350

644,633

16,470

1: 39.10

1900,

309

14,086

646,499

15,638

1: 41.30

1901,

331

16,286

578,383

16,353

1: 35.30

il: 38.S2

36.3

1902,

410

20,058

670,245

1903,

300

20,121

665,466

1904,

326

19,539

552,290

13,950

1: 39.60

1905,

287

13,829

426,471

9,865

1: 43.20

]

1906,

335

21,918

487,332

9,378

1: 52.00

1907,

379

21,342

1,039,8861

10,348

1:100.40

[l: 84.68

40.2

1908,

349

19,294

1,035,12s1

9,081

1:114.00

1909,

522

29,996

1,326,2191

11,656

1:113.80

1910,

390

26,760

935,3561

7,857

1: 68.10

1911,

341

19,773

822,1071

5,488

1:149.80

1912,

291

16,665

631,5951

4,744

1:133.10

V 1:121.14

.30.8

1913,

254

13,877

543,1291

3,408

1:159.40

1914, .

310

16,128

566,1911

5,932

1: 95.40

1915, .

253

15,042

563,5981

5,050

1:111.60

1 Number of lobsters above 9 inches.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 83

The Otter Trawl Fishery.

Commissioners on Fisheries and Game, State House, Boston, Mass.

Gentlemen: — I herewith submit a brief report upon the

otter trawl fishery of Massachusetts, comprising data obtained

from an investigation of steam trawling on Georges in 1912, and

from the use of the small otter trawl in Buzzards Bay in 1913.

Respectfully submitted,

David L. Belding, Biologist.

Introduction. — About 1893, largely as a result of a report
upon the " Beam Trawl Fishery of Great Britain," by Capt. J. W.
Collins, published by the United States Fish Commission in 1889,
beam trawls were first used from sailing boats for catching
flounders at Provincetown. At the present time flounder dredg-
ing has extended along the south side of Cape Cod, and even
as far north as Salem, the power boat largely replacing, the
sailboat. In 1903 Captain Collins, at that time chairman of
this commission, with the co-operation of Capt. L. D. Baker of
Wellfleet> made the first demonstration of the use of the otter
trawl, which is a more efficient apparatus than the beam trawl.
The report of this department in 1904 contains what is probably
the first description published in America of the manner of
using the otter trawl, and a forecast of its advantages. Since
that time two distinct lines of development in otter trawl fishing
have taken place: (1) in the large steam otter trawlers which
are used for deep-sea fishing; and (2) in the small otter trawl
employed in shore fishing.

The largest beam trawler, with a net 150 feet wide, is capable
of dragging large areas of deep-sea bottom. This type of fishing
aroused much discussion among the commercial fishermen, and
restrictive legislation has been demanded under the contention
that the fishing grounds were in danger of destruction. In
March, 1912, the first investigation of steam trawling ever made
in the United States was undertaken by this commission, with
a view to determining the extent of the damage to the fisheries
at a time when active opposition to steam trawling among the
deep-sea fishermen had taken the form of a petition for legisla-
tion which would prohibit or restrict this method of fishing.
The report of the biologist, which was presented at that time
before the congressional committee and incorporated in the Con-

84 FISH AND GAME.

gressional Record, formed the basis of a more complete investi-
gation by the United States Bureau of Fisheries.

The second, the small otter trawl, 35 to 60 feet in width, is of
more recent development. Owing to the greater ease in handling,
and its better fishing qualities, it has within the last few years
rapidly replaced the more cumbersome beam trawl. It is readily
adapted for use with auxiliary catboats or power boats, and the
greater part of the fishing on the south side of Cape Cod is
carried on with these crafts.

The problem of shallow water otter trawling is quite distinct
from that of steam trawling, and it is therefore best to study
first the question of the deep-sea otter trawl before considering
the relation of the small otter trawl to our shore fisheries.

Deep-sea Trawling.

The Problem. — The general problem, stripped of all adventi-
tious or local questions, is, broadly stated, how can we best
utilize the productive capacity of the coastal waters and of the
fishing banks along the North Atlantic coast? Spawning fish
must not be destroyed by trawling, or by floating traps which
take migratory fish just before they reach their spawning ground,
or even by traps and set nets which take shad, bass, sturgeon,
alewives and smelt near the mouths of rivers. An actual de-
crease is already obvious in certain marine species which are
restricted in distribution and which return periodically in par-
ticular places, e.g., shad, salmon, striped bass, smelt; and in
those species which travel along rather definite paths of migra-
tion, e.g., scup, mackerel and bluefish. For this reason any
method of fishing which takes more than the annual increment
of fish and seriously injures the spawning of any species should
be eliminated.

Hand Lining. — Hand lining catches the largest individuals
and does not destroy many immature fish, — a good economic
practice, while the cost of equipment is at a minimum. The
actual cost, however, has increased with the difficulty of procuring
bait. Pollution of shores and streams, together with excessive
seining and torching, has destroyed or driven away large num-
bers of bait fish, such as young menhaden, squid, alewives,
herring, et al. Ultimately the procuring of bait will be a serious
problem for the fishermen. Hand lining is thoroughly American
in the sense that it comes nearest to giving equal opportunities

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 85

to all, and under natural conditions is adequate for furnishing
a reasonable supply of food.

Net Fishing. — Increased population and correspondingly
greater market demands bring up again the old problem of hand
labor versus machine. The best-known machinery of the fisheries
are the nets of various sizes, materials and types, the efficiency
and necessity of which have long since been acknowledged, and
which in ordinary and proper use no longer attract attention.
The otter trawl, however, is a new type of net devised for operat-
ing in those localities which have hitherto been unsubjected to
net fishing, viz., the bottom of the sea at a considerable distance
from the shore. Essentially it is a large, open-mouthed net
dragged for miles by a steam vessel over the bottom of the ocean,
and for that reason is to be classified as one form of net fishing.

Purpose. — The general object of this investigation was to
ascertain the amount of damage, actual or theoretical, caused
by steam trawling. For this purpose one trip to Georges was
made with Capt. Ralph Thomas on the steam trawler "Foam."
Observations were made particularly in regard to the destruc-
tiveness of this method of fishing, and followed these general
lines: —

1. The percentage and number of edible fish taken.

2. The percentage and species of nonedible fish taken.

3. The destruction of edible fish too small for market.

4. General destruction of fish by trawling.

5. The extent of sea bottom covered.

6. Damage to the sea bottom.

7. Destruction of fish spawn and food.

8. The driving of fish from the fishing grounds.

Steam Trawlers. — Ten years ago the steam trawler "Spray"
was built as an experiment. Up to 1912, the time of this in-
vestigation, five other steam trawlers of an American type were
built at a cost of about $50,000 apiece, and put into commission
as follows: —

September, 1910, "Foam."

December, 1910, "Ripple."

March, 1911, "Crest."

January, 1912, "Surf."

January, 1912, "Swell."

The "Foam," typical of all American steam trawlers, is con-
structed entirely of steel, measuring about 126 feet over all,

86 FISH AND GAME.

with a beam of 22 feet, depth 10 feet, drawing 13 feet, and
having a gross tonnage of 244. Two short masts are situated
fore and aft, and the forward part is raised in turret style,
affording a storage room for rigging, barrels, etc., above the
forecastle. In front of the pilot house is an open deck parti-
tioned into "checkers," to hold the fish when dumped from the
trawl. Two long and one short "checkers" are on each side
of a central hatch which leads into the hold, capable of holding
120,000 pounds of iced fish. In front of this hatch is a hoist
for unloading the fish and in its rear is a tank with a capacity
of 800 pounds for washing the fish before they are packed
into the hold. Directly in front of the pilot house is located
the winch for operating the trawl, with two large and two ac-
cessory drums, around which the steel cable (seven-eighths of an
inch in diameter) of the trawl is wound. The whole machinery
is operated by a two-cylinder engine, which is controlled by two
attendants by means of clutches during the setting or hauling
of the trawl.

The pilot house, constructed entirely of steel, is fitted in the
usual manner with compass, wheel, bells, speaking tubes. The
large wheel operates directly on the rudder, requiring considerable
force to manipulate it. To offset the attraction of the steel house
the compass is regulated by magnets. A bridge with iron ladders
on each side surrounds all but the rear of the pilot house, under-
neath which are the furnaces and boilers, while further aft is the
engine room with a large 450-horse power triple-expansion engine.
Along the bulwarks, one on each side, the trawls are laid when
not in use. Fore and aft on each side is a steel framework,
equipped with pulleys, to take care of the "doors" and steel
cable of the trawl. The stern is occupied by a bin for rope and
loose ends, a pulley for holding the cables of the trawl together,
a log, and a sounding line station.

The crew consists of a captain, mate, chief and assistant engi-
neer, two firemen, a steward and two crews of six Newfound-
landers, — in all 19 men. Each section is alternately on duty
for six hours, thus working twelve hours out of the twenty-four.
The captain heads one watch, the mate the other, except in
stormy or foggy weather, when the services of both are required.
A trip usually lasts four to five days, a little over two of which
are consumed in running between Georges and Boston, thus
giving two to three days of continuous fishing if the weather
permits. Night work is carried on with the aid of electric lights

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 87

supplied from a dynamo in the engine room, so that the fishing
is practically a continuous process.

The Trawl. — The main parts of the trawl are the "wings,"
one on each side, which serve as "leaders," and the net proper,
which leads into a large pocket or bag in which the fish are
finally hauled aboard. At the forward end of each "wing" is
a wooden "door," about 10 by 3 J feet, shod with steel runners,
and strengthened by cross bands of iron. At and from the inside
corners of the door pass four short chains to join just above the
center into a single chain, to which is attached the steel cable.
When not in use the two "doors" of the trawl are hung fore and
aft on "gallows" equipped with a pulley for the steel cable.

When extended the trawl has a width of 140 feet, but in action
probably is less than 100 feet wide. The top rope is about 25
feet shorter than the bottom, so that the net forms a bow. The
bottom rope is about 3 inches in diameter, and without leads.
Before the trawl is lowered into the water the top rope of the
net is attached to the "doors" by a simple knot. The 3-inch
meshes of the "wings" and first part of the net are of single
twine, then double and triple until the bag or "cod end" is
formed of extremely thick and heavy twine. The latter is
fitted with a "clapper," so that fish which are once swept within
find it impossible to get out. The bottom has a large opening,
closed by a rope in what is known as a "cod end" knot, which
can be readily loosened when the trawl is hawled aboard.

Operating the Trawl. — In setting the trawl the net is lowered
over the side and the rope is attached to both "doors," which
are lowered to about 20 fathoms. Then the vessel is started,
and if within 4 or 5 points of its course the whole cable is let
out. If not headed satisfactorily only 50 fathoms are let out,
and the net is first towed around into proper position. The
fore and aft cables are joined by pulling in the forward cable
to lie in the same pulley as the other. If the trawl has been
correctly set, the two strands will separate at an angle, but if
the doors are not towing upright, and the trawl is not in proper
position, the cables will o'verlap. The pull on the doors and
their resistance to the water at the angle at which they are set
cause them to run upright.

The amount of cable let out is approximately three times the
depth of the water, but in shallow water a relatively shorter
length is used. The trawl is dragged for one and one-half hours,
at the average rate of 4 miles an hour, thus sweeping a 6-mile

FISH AND GAME.

strip 100 feet in width, a total of 3,168,000 square feet (72.72
acres).

When the trawrl is hauled the vessel is stopped, the winches
started and the cable is pulled in until the doors are in place.
The ropes of the net are then untied from the doors and carried
toward each other about mid-deck, where the wdngs and' part
of the net are pulled over the sides. Then the large ropes of
the net are fastened to the auxiliary drums of the winch, and
the net is hauled.

(1) The Species and Number of Edible Fish. — This particular
trip of the "Foam" resulted in a small catch, in fact, less than
half the usual stock. The total number of edible fish taken in
15 hauls of the trawl, out of a total of 35 during the entire
trip, was 4,665 (82 per cent, of the total catch of 5,685). Of
these, 3,435 (60.4 per cent.) wTere saved for market, and 1,230
(21.6 per cent.) w^ere thrown overboard. The largest catch,
as can be seen from the following table, wTas in haddock. Of
the 21.6 per cent, thrown overboard, 596 (10.47 per cent.) were
summer flounders, 617 (10.84 per cent.) small haddock, and
17 (.29 per cent.) undersized cod.

Edible Fish.

Species.

Number.

Relative Per
Cent.

Total Per
Cent.

Saved.

Over-
board.

Saved.

Over-
board.

Saved.

Over-
board.

Cod

Haddock,

Halibut

Wolf fish

Silver hake

Pollock

Flounders:

Winter

Summer

119

2,472

143

695

17
617

596

3.46

71.96

.07

.11

.04

4.14

20.22

1.38
50.16

48.46

2.10

43.48

.05

.07

.02

2.45

12.23

.29
10.84

10.47

3,435

1,230

100.00

60.40

21.6

Nonedible Fish.

Species.

Number.

Relative Per
Cent.

Total Per
Cent.

Skate

Smooth dogfish

Sculpin,

Goosefish,

Toadfish

938

92.00

1.85

3.13

2.43

.59

16.50
.35
.58
.47
.10

1,020

100.00

18.00

Steam trawling. Hauling the otter trawl.

Pilot house and fish troughs of a steam trawler.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 89

(2) Nonedible Fish. — As can be seen from the above tables
the total per cent, of nonedible fish is 18. To all practical pur-
poses the skate formed on this trip the entire catch of the
nonedible forms, making 16.5 per cent, of the total catch, or,
considered relatively to the total nonedible fish, 92 per cent., the
remaining 8 per cent, consisting of dogfish, sculpins, toadfish and
goosefish. If weight and bulk instead of numbers were considered
the percentage would be still higher. These species, especially the
skate, are troublesome to the ordinary trawl fishermen, entailing
loss of bait and labor in removing them from the lines. The
smooth dogfish is not the species which causes so much damage
to the fish and nets, but is a bottom feeder, living on crabs
and lobsters. The goose or monk fish, of the family of anglers,
probably destroys large quantities of food fish. The sculpin and
toadfish are only a nuisance to fishermen. It is possible that
the time is not far distant when the American public will utilize
the skate and other similar forms as acceptable food fish.

The service of the steam trawlers in exterminating such
predaceous fish is problematical. Undoubtedly the fish receive
hard usage in being dragged over the bottom in the trawl, and
are pierced by the prongs of the forks when pitched overboard,
but naturally of a hardy nature the majority of these, possibly
at least 75 per cent., survive the treatment. So the argument
that steam trawling is a help to the fishery by exterminating
these pests is not supported by facts.

(3) The Destruction of Edible Species too Small for Market. —
No summer flounders are taken by the trawlers for the market,
but this species constitutes 10.47 per cent, of the entire catch,
or 12.25 per cent, of the edible fish taken. All sizes from 4 to 16
inches are thrown overboard with forks and shovels. The num-
ber which survive the rough treatment in the net and the wounds
from the fork prongs is entirely a matter of conjecture, possibly
50 per cent.

The small haddock, which comprises most of the remaining
waste, constitutes 10.84 per cent, of the total catch, or 12.68
per cent, of the edible fish. The total catch of haddock saved
for market, including the scrod, was 2,472, while 617 were thrown
overboard, 24.93 per cent, of the haddock catch. The small
haddock is a delicate fish, and as no signs of life were evident
when these fish were thrown overboard, it is doubtful whether
any recover from the net and pitchfork treatment. A small
amount of cod, .29 per cent, of the total number of fish, was
thrown overboard. The total catch of cod was very light on

90 FISH AND GAME,

this particular trip, only 119, of which 17, or 14.3 per cent.,
were too small for market. With a more plentiful catch results
might be different. No pollock, hake, wolf fish, halibut or winter
flounders were thrown overboard. Whether a larger mesh would
lessen the destruction of small fish is questionable.

(4) Destruction of Fish by the Otter Trawl. — The mortality
among the fish thrown overboard is probably about 25 per cent,
for skates, 50 per cent, for flatfish and 100 per cent, for small
haddock and cod. By more careful though less rapid methods
the fish could be sorted with less damage to the discarded species,
but where speed is a commercial asset such care will never be
taken in this type of fishing.

(5) The Extent of Sea Bottom covered. — The average drag is
one and one-half hours, covering a distance of 6 miles. The
net is 140 feet long, but when in action forms a bow about 100
feet in width. These figures show that an average of 3,168,000
square feet, or 72.72 acres, is covered by each drag. In a six-
day trip 35 hauls were made, and by this method of calculating
a total territory of 2,545 acres was covered.

(6) Damage to Sea Bottom. — The trawl makes a clean sweep,
but there is no evidence to show that the net itself does any
appreciable damage to the bottom.

(7) Destruction of Fish Spawn and Food. — On this trip no
fish spawn, with the exception of a few sculpin eggs, were found
in the trawl. It can be definitely stated that this method of
fishing is not likely to destroy the spawn of cod, haddock and
many other species of food fish for the reason that their eggs
are "pelagic," floating at the surface of the ocean.

The debris in the trawl chiefly consists of starfish, fish heads
(evidently thrown overboard from other vessels), rocks of various
sizes, deep-sea scallops, barnacles and the black quahaug (Cy-
prina islandica). It is possible that dragging the trawl over the
bottom may destroy the Crustacea, cchinoderms and other marine
forms upon which cod, haddock and other fish feed, or it may
ultimately change the character of the bottom to such a degree as
to make it less suitable for supporting a large fish population.

(8) Driving the Fish from the Fishing Grounds. — Whether
otter trawling is driving the fish from the fishing grounds is
largely a matter of opinion. The noise of the vessel has little
influence, as Prof. George H. Parker in a report of the United
States Bureau of Fisheries has demonstrated that motor boats
have little or no effect upon fish. The direct action of the
large trawl is perhaps capable of frightening fish, but the effect

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 91

can be scarcely more than transitory. The disturbance of the
bottom and the destruction of food, if such there be, possibly
might drive the fish to seek other feeding grounds.

It is evident that the public is the chief gainer from improved
methods of fishing. The otter trawler can fish day and night,
except in the fiercest gales, and there is no loss of time in seek-
ing bait. The catch of the steam trawlers comes to market with
more certainty and at a shorter interval, a decided improvement
in the sanitary condition of the marketed fish as regards time
of catching.

Conclusions. — The main problem is the preservation of the
marine food supply for future generations. For that reason
otter trawling should be thoroughly studied, not merely in
respect to the immediate demonstrable effects on certain species
of fish, but with a view to determining the possible though
remote changes which may result after a period of years. This
type of fishing should be kept under careful observation, and
restricted to definite areas for the purpose of avoiding the un-
favorable conditions which have arisen from the excessive use
of otter trawls in the North Sea.

The facts here presented give the observations made upon
a single trip, and for that reason final conclusions cannot safely
be drawn from such insufficient data. As yet we have made
only a beginning in the study of this important and far-reaching
problem, which concerns the vital interests of our fisheries.
Further investigations should be made in the next few years,
and ample appropriations should be made for this important
purpose.

The Small Offer Trawl.

An investigation of the use of the small otter trawl was carried
on in Buzzards Bay in 1913, a gasolene oyster dredger equipped
with two otter trawls, 55 to 60 feet in width, being used. When
dragging the net, which had a working width of 40 feet, the
speed of the boat averaged about 3 miles an hour.

Trawl. — The small otter trawl is a long tapering net similar
to the large trawl. The bottom line is leaded, and a buoy is
attached to the bag end of the net by a line, the length of which
is about twice the depth of the water. The buoy is attached so
that should the net catch on an obstruction and break apart
the severed part might be recovered by taking up the buoy.
As the boat forges slowly ahead the buoy is first thrown over-
board and then the net is dropped over the side of the vessel,
great care being taken to keep the doors from becoming en-

92 FISH AND GAME.

tangled in the tow lines. The latter are laid aft, where they
are gradually payed out until the proper length is spent, ac-
cording to the depth of the water, when they are fastened to a
bit in the stern of the boat. The time the trawl is down varies
with the condition of the tide and bottom, the average being
from thirty to forty-five minutes. The trawl is then hoisted
aboard by a winch, the cod end opened and the contents dumped
upon the deck.

Results. — The varieties of fish obtained in the otter trawl
between July 18 and August 13 were mostly prominent residents
of Buzzards Bay. The species were: winter flounder, summer
flounder, four spotted flounder, sand dab, skate, dogfish, whiting,
hake, puffer and sea robin. At no time was a sufficient quantity
of these fish taken for marketing. The chief source of revenue
for the small otter trawl is derived from the winter flounder,
which during the summer months was not found in any abun-
dance in the bay.

Probably numerous fish can avoid being taken by the slow-
moving trawl, and the species which inhabit the rocky ledges
cannot be taken, since the irregular bottom is unsuited for the
manipulation of the net. A finer meshed bag over the free
end of the net made practically no difference in the catch, in-
dicating that practically no small fish were taken.

By the use of buoys it was possible to operate the otter trawl
suspended at various depths. The results of hauls made at the
various heights above the bottom were entirely negative, no
fish being taken. However, with a fast-moving boat and larger
net it might be possible for certain species to be taken by such
a method. The limited observations which were made indicate
that this method of suprabottom fishing is impracticable.

It is evident that the winter flounder is in danger of com-
mercial extermination through this method of fishing. The
flounder is a migratory fish only in a limited sense, and it can
be nearly extirpated in any confined area. Unquestionably the
small otter trawl is capable of destroying the flounder fishing
in a single locality, and it will be interesting to observe its
effect in the next few years upon the abundance of winter
flounders in Vineyard Sound and on the south side of Cape Cod.
In this respect the small otter trawl may prove to be even as
objectionable as the more widely famed deep-sea trawl, and it is
earnestly to be hoped that some means of restricting its use in dif-
ferent localities in southern Massachusetts may be devised in order
to save the winter flounder at least from partial extermination.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 93

A Report upon the Clam Fishery.

Commissioners on Fisheries and Game, State House, Boston, Mass.

Gentlemen: — I herewith submit the following report upon
the natural history and culture of the soft clam (My a arenaria).
All investigations herein were made in accordance with the pro-
visions of chapter 93, Resolves of 1905.

Respectfully submitted,

David L. Belding,

Biologist.

INTRODUCTION.

Object. — The report on the mollusk fisheries for 1909 pre-
sented a survey of the clam flats of Massachusetts, showing their
extent, condition, present production and possibility of develop-
ment under cultural methods. The present paper completes this
work by submitting a practical method of increasing the clam
production of the Commonwealth. The investigation upon which
this report is based was conducted for the following purposes: —

1. To determine the rate of growth.

2. To discover and* test methods of clam culture.

3. To check the decline in the natural supply.

4. To utilize unproductive flats.

In order to satisfactorily solve these problems a study was
made of the natural history of the clam, first, to obtain informa-
tion upon its spawning, early life history, structure, growth and
habits; and second, to apply this knowledge to the problem of
clam culture and the improvement of the industry.

Purpose of the Work. — For many years the clammers of our
shore towns have dug clams from the abundant natural beds,
under the impression that these areas would always yield the
same bountiful harvest and that man could never exterminate
or even decrease the supply. In the last twenty years it has
become evident that even the prolific clam could not withstand
continued overfishing, and in certain localities, such as the town
of Chatham, the commercial clam fishery has almost passed
away. The serious effects of the diminution of the clam supply
are more apparent on the southern coast of Massachusetts than on
the clam flats north of Boston, which are still in a fair condition.
Unless some means of checking the decline in the natural supply
is found, many clammers will be thrown out of employment and

94 FISH AND GAME.

the consumer will be unable to purchase clams at a reasonable
price. For this reason the matter was brought to the attention
of the Legislature in 1905, and a three-year investigation was
undertaken, to determine, if possible, suitable methods for im-
proving the clam fishery of the Commonwealth.

A practical method of increasing the natural clam supply has
already been presented to the Legislature in a previous report
(1909). This report presents in more detail the facts upon which
the recommendations were based. The main object has been
the preservation of the clam supply, but not the curtailment of
the fishery by legislation restricting the catch or methods of
fishing. The plan presented in this report has for its object the
maintenance of both the fishery and the individual fisherman.
Not only will it increase the supply but it will increase also the
number of men employed and afford better wages. The inves-
tigation for the utilization of the barren flats has been essentially
of an experimental nature, paving the way for the more exten-
sive work of reclamation.

Results. — The preliminary growth experiments of 1905 show
that the solution of the problem lies in the development of clam
culture either by individuals or by towns, and that the success
of such a movement depends upon the pfoper transplanting of
small clams from the localities of heavy set to the so-called
barren areas which are capable of production. Clam farming
as a commercial undertaking offers the best solution for the
utilization of the barren flats and for checking the diminution
in the supply. The Commission on Fisheries and Game believes
that the economic solution lies in the granting of private leases
of sea bottom to individuals, either by the State or town, for a
period of years for the purpose of raising shellfish, i.e., to divide
a certain portion of the coastal flats of the State into farms which
would supply clams instead of vegetables for the market. This
report is designed to give detailed information concerning the
development of these clam areas for the town and for the Com-
monwealth.

Presentation of the Report. — The aim of this paper is to pre-
sent to the general public, more especially to the fishermen, a
complete history of the clam, arranged in a practical way, which
will call attention to the present conditions of the fishery and
how it may be improved by clam culture or sea farming. For
completeness and convenience the results of previous investi-
gators have been included.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 95

It is difficult to present adequately a report of this nature so
that it will be comprehensible to various classes of readers, such
as fishermen, general public and scientists, the members of these
classes being unfamiliar with the terms used by each other. To
make clear the contents to all involves repetition and renders
necessary explanations of subjects which may perhaps appear
simple to one class and inexplicable to the other two. For in-
stance, it may appear absurd to the fisherman to describe in
detail the implements and method of clamming, which are per-
haps wholly unknown to the other class of readers, while, on the
other hand, it may have a similar effect on the scientist when some
simple, well-known doctrine, clothed in new form, is applied to the
clam to give the proper impression to the fisherman and general
public. Likewise, for the sake of emphasis, certain fundamental
principles are repeated from time to time in the following pages.

Since many phases of the clam's life history have been consid-
ered already by other investigators, this report, in addition to
covering old ground, deals principally with practical clam cul-
ture in Massachusetts. In 1887 appeared the first complete
account of the clam fishery by Ingersoll (12), published as part
of the Fishing Industries and Fisheries of the United States by
the United States Fish Commission and the tenth Census. This
paper gave a brief account of the life history of the clam and
described the fishery in the different States.

The first article upon the young clam was written by Professor
Ryder (9) in 1889, when he described its attachment by the
byssus to sand grains before burrowing into the sand. Previous
to the scientific papers the only mention outside of VerrilPs
"Report on the Invertebrata of Vineyard Sound" (10) and
Gould (11) was found in historical writings. In 1892 the anat-
omy of the clam and several other mollusks was described by
Kellogg (1) in his monograph upon the "Morphology of the
Lamellibranchiata Mollusks," the first of a series upon the clam
by the same investigator. His other works, as published by the
United States Fish Commission, are " Observations on the Life
History of the Common Clam, Mya armaria" 1900 (2); "The
Clam Problem and Clam Culture," 1900 (3); "Conditions gov-
erning the Existence and Growth of the Soft Clam," 1904 (4),
followed by a survey report on the clam fishery in New York
State entitled "The Clam and Scallop Industries" (5), published
as a New York State museum bulletin. The results of these
five reports are summarized in a recent book, "The Shellfish

96 FISH AND GAME.

Industries" (6), in which Professor Kellogg presents an excellent
account of the life history, habits and growth of the clam.

In the bulletin of the Agricultural Experimental Station at
Kingston, R. I., in 1896, appeared a small pamphlet entitled
" The Utilization of Waste Products and Waste Places — Part
II., the Clam" (7), by Dr. George W. Field, then biologist at
the experimental station, — probably the first publication advo-
cating the cultivation of the clam. In 1897 a few notes on clam
culture were appended by H. F. Moore to his report on "Oyster
Culture" (8), United States Fish Commission bulletin, 1897.
Somewhat later, beginning in 1898, a series of investigations
were conducted by Prof. A. D. Mead of the Rhode Island Com-
mission of Inland Fisheries, which covered in an excellent manner
the artificial propagation and growth of clams in Rhode Island
waters. The results of these investigations were recorded in the
reports of the Rhode Island Commission of Inland Fisheries
from 1900 to 1904, inclusive, while brief mention of the clam
fishery has been made in several annual reports since that time.

In 1906 considerable space was devoted to methods of clam
planting in the twenty-ninth report of the Maine fisheries (18).
Three reports on the clam have already been issued by the Mas-
sachusetts Commission on Fisheries and Game, in 1905, 1906 and
1907, consisting of two preliminary papers and a survey report
on the condition of the clam fishery of this Commonwealth.

It is to be regretted that so little attention has been given
the excellent reports of Dr. Kellogg and Dr. Mead by the people
of Massachusetts. Few copies have been in circulation along
the coast, a most unfortunate occurrence, since it has rendered
practical results from their work impossible.

Except in cases where the subject is of general knowledge due
credit is given to previous investigators for any reprinted matter.
No claim for originality is made for the chapter dealing with the
anatomy, which is chiefly taken from the standard work of
Kellogg (1) and from Stafford (19), "The Clam Fishery of
Passamaquoddy Bay," and rearranged by the writer to suit the
needs of this report.

Appropriations. — Chapter 93, Resolves of 1905, empowered
the Commissioners on Fisheries and Game to expend for the pur-
pose of the act the sum of $500 per year for a period of three
years. It is obvious that ho extended experiments in clam cul-
ture could be carried on with this limited amount, which had
to cover salaries, traveling expenses, cost of planting the experi-

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 97

mental beds, etc. The work was carried on as completely as
possible with the means at our disposal by planting hundreds of
small experimental beds, mostly 1/1,000 of an acre in size, along
the entire coast under varied conditions. This method of work
proved far from popular, as the majority of the people along
the shore, when they learned that the commission was investi-
gating the propagation of clams, expected that their barren
flats would be "seeded" at the expense of the State. Naturally,
when only small areas were seeded the people were disappointed,
not realizing the utter impossibility of restocking all barren
flats, — a proceeding that would have cost many thousands of
dollars. They also failed to realize that the experimental work
and the small clam beds were the preliminary steps toward the
solution of the problem by clam farming.

Courtesies. — The writer is especially indebted to Dr. George
W. Field for the general direction of the work and for his help-
ful supervision in the investigation; to Prof. James L. Kellogg
of Williams College for preliminary instructions, and to the
many persons, both summer residents and clammers along the
shore, who have used their influence and time in protecting the
experimental beds.

Assistants. — The work was carried on during the summers
from 1905 to 1908, and the writer was aided by several assist-
ants, to whom he wishes to express his appreciation. During
the summer of 1905 Roy L. Buffum of Williams College assisted
in putting out the preliminary growth experiments; in 1906 four
men, J. R. Stevenson, W. H. Gates, C. B. Coulter of Williams
College and C. L. Savery were engaged for part of the summer
on the clam problem; in 1907 W. G. Vinal of Harvard University,
F. C. Lane of Boston University and J. R. Stevenson completed
the cultural experiments. As investigations of a similar nature
were being carried on at the same time with the scallop, qua-
haug and oyster, only part of this time was devoted to the clam.
From 1907 records were maintained by the writer for the planted
beds, which were all discontinued in 1910. Owing to the diffi-
culty of adequately protecting the beds, the average period of
observation was seldom longer than two years.

Localities. — WTork was conducted along the coast by planting
experimental beds in the principal clamming towns. Naturally
every town could not be given the same attention, owing to the
necessity of concentrating the work. Two main divisions were
made, (1) the north shore, or from Plymouth north, and (2)

98 FISH AND GAME.

the south shore, or Cape Cod, Buzzards Bay and the islands of
Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. This division was necessary
owing to the different conditions in these two localities, which
required different types of work. For this reason in 1906 and
1907 three stations were established, two on the north shore, at
Plymouth and Ipswich, and the third on the south shore, at
Monomoy Point, Chatham.

On the north shore, general observations were made on the
habits and growth of the clam as influenced by the food in the
water and other natural conditions. Cultural experiments, par-
ticularly at Plymouth and Ipswich, were instituted in regard to
the effect of different soils upon growth, and the problem of
reclaiming the barren clam flats was undertaken. In addition,
a biological survey of the clam flats of the Commonwealth, par-
ticularly with regard to the location of the set, was made in 1907.

While the work on the south shore was chiefly conducted at
Monomoy Point, a great number of experimental beds, especially
in 1905, were located at different places. The work at Monomoy
Point was chiefly confined to a study of the early life history
and habits, and their practical application to spat collecting.
Also a number of growth experiments, designed to bring out
points of practical benefit to the planter, were conducted. The
work in the two localities was so apportioned that there was
little needless repetition, except as rendered necessary by the
different conditions.

Laboratories. — On the north shore no permanent laboratory
was established. At Kingston, through the generosity of Mr.
Frank J. Cole, a boathouse served as temporary quarters, while
at Ipswich the work, almost exclusively of a non-laboratory
nature, was conducted mostly on the flats, with field instruments
which could be carried by the investigators. At Monomoy
Point a permanent laboratory was located in a shanty near the
water, consisting of two rooms, one 13 by 10 feet, the laboratory
proper, the other 10 by 10 feet, the living and sleeping room.
The laboratory was fitted with tables for microscope work, a
stove, pump and sink. Around the walls were placed shelves
and closets for instruments and chemicals. The living room was
equipped with folding cots. In front of the laboratory was a
large porch fronting the water and protected by a canvas cover-
ing. On this porch was located the aquaria for holding the young
shellfish, which were obtained from a floating raft. The raft,
20 by 10 feet, as described in a previous report on the scallop,

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 99

was anchored in the Powder Hole, an enclosed body of salt water
connected with the ocean by a narrow opening. This body of
water was formerly a spacious harbor, but owing to the shifting
nature of the sands at Monomoy Point the entrance had gradu-
ally filled, forming practically a landlocked bay. On the west side
of the Powder Hole was a fine clam flat of about three acres,
which afforded ample opportunity for experimental work in clam
culture. The raft was of particular assistance in studying the
early life history and in spat collecting, as it afforded facilities
for spat boxes and for raising the young clams.

NATURAL HISTORY.
The life of the common clam (Mya arenaria), known in New
England as the "soft clam," " soft-shelled clam," "long clam"
or "long-necked clam," to distinguish it from the quahaug or
hard clam, affords interesting as well as practical information.
The descriptive names of "sand gaper," "old maid," "manni-
nose," "sand clam," "squirt clam," "butter fish," "gaper clam,"
and the Indian name "sickishnog," prove that the habits of this
mollusk were observed long ago by our forefathers. Indeed, a
study of the natural history of the clam is essential in deter-
mining proper methods of culture, for the conservation of the
natural supply, and for the development of the clam fishery.

Distribution.

The clam has a wide distribution in the Pacific and Atlantic
oceans, in the New and in the Old World. In America its habitat
is principally the Atlantic coast, where it is supplanted in the
far north by Mya truncata, a closely allied species. It is not a
native of the Pacific, having been introduced in 1869 with oysters
from the east (Stafford (19)), which indicates that it might be
possible to successfully introduce some of the large Pacific shell-
fish into Massachusetts waters.

Ingersoll (12) writes: —

In this country the Mya clams are found from South Carolina to the
Arctic Ocean, where the seals, walrus, polar bear and Arctic fox feed
upon them whenever they have a chance. They are scarce south of
Cape Hatteras and most abundant on the New England coast. They
occur on the northern coasts of Europe as far south as England and
France, on the northeastern coast of Asia, in Japan and in Alaska. It
is therefore essentially a northern species, and has the same general dis-
tribution as far back as the Pliocene and Miocene ages of geology.

100 FISH AND GAME.

In Massachusetts the clam is found along the entire coast in
varying abundance, according to the natural conditions, but the
greater part of the marketed supply comes from the Ipswich
Bay section (Newburyport to Gloucester). Except in rare in-
stances other localities have not the great natural advantages of
the Ipswich Bay region, although they once produced a much
greater supply of clams than at the present time. In nearly
every instance the flats have shown the effects of overdigging,
resulting in a more or less depleted condition.

Exposed beaches with open surf are not inhabited by this
mollusk, which takes up its stationary life on the tidal flats of
bays, inlets, rivers, or on sheltered beaches between low and
high water, rarely leaving its burrow after it attains the size of
1 inch. It is found in various kinds of soil, from rocky gravel
to soft mud, but thrives best in a tenacious soil of mud and
sand, where it lies at a depth of 3 to 12 inches. In walking over
a clam flat, especially a flat with a hard, tenacious soil, the wan-
derer will be greeted by tiny jets of water squirting into the air
to a height of a foot or less, and on closer examination will find
the soil perforated by minute holes, which mark the location of
the clams. The hole is elliptical in shape, and for 3j-inch clams
buried 3j inches below the surface in a mud flat its dimensions
are 0.58 by 0.38 inches. The clam lies at various depths, depend-
ing upon the size of the animal and upon the type of soil. In
some soils the holes show more distinctly than in others, the
moistness of the soil often making the holes inconspicuous, which
leads to the popular idea that clams move from one locality to
another. At low tide the clam rests in its burrow beneath the
soil, with its siphon partly retracted, leaving a hole in the surface
of the flat. At high tide the clam extends its siphon above the
surface of the soil, drawing in a stream of water through the
incurrent tube which is guarded by a row of tentacles, and shoot-
ing out the water and waste matter in spurts from the excurrent
tube. In this manner the animal feeds upon the microscopic
plant forms strained from the water by the gills.

Clam Areas below Low-water Mark. — Although the natural
habitat of the soft clam is between the tide lines, it thrives be-
neath low-water mark. Experiments have demonstrated that
clams will grow faster when continually covered by water, while
the presence of submerged beds as well as numerous beds ex-
posed only at the extremely low running tides of winter has
been known for years. In Narragansett Bay and in Katama

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 101

Bay, Edgartown, the process of "churning" is used to obtain
clams from perpetually submerged flats. Other localities in Mas-
sachusetts of similar nature are located on the north side of
the Joppa Flats in the Merrimac River, which is exposed only a
few times during the low winter tides; certain flats in the Rowley,
Ipswich and Essex rivers; and a few points along the south side
of Cape Cod and in Buzzards Bay. The clams below low-water
mark grow more rapidly than those between the tide lines, since
they are never exposed, and have, as a rule, a better circulation
of water. It is from these areas that considerable spawn is de-
rived for seeding the tidal flats. The good clamming at New-
buryport is largely due to the submerged area on the Joppa
Flats, which cannot be depleted by digging. Such territories
should be protected from digging as much as possible, as they
form a natural means for perpetuating the clam supply.

In spite of our lack of knowledge of their exact limits, the
beds below low water are probably not extensive. For the
most part the cause is mechanical, the character of the bottom
in the deeper waters being unsuited to the growth of the clam.
In the localities north of Cape Cod the great height of the
tides and the swift tidal currents cause the soil to become more
rippled toward low-water mark. Below this line shifting as a
rule increases, owing to the force of the current. For the same
reason we find no clam area exposed to the wash of the sea, though
the flat be far below the tide lines. The absence of clams in the
quiet waters suited for oyster growth is not explained by these
facts, and can be attributed only to the broad term of habitat.

Anatomy.

When clamming the average fisherman scarcely realizes that
the animal is anything more than an inanimate lump of flesh
and shell possessing a market value. But the clam, although
unsightly to look upon when turned out of the soil, nevertheless
possesses many structures which determine its mode of life and
affords an interesting basis for the study of its habits and growth.
How many persons know that one of the three "brains" of the
clam is in its foot? That the mouth of the clam is the part
most deeply imbedded in the sand? Or that the intestine passes
through the heart? Still, such peculiarities exist.

The exterior of a clam presents two elongated valves, which
enclose a yellowish mass of flesh, protruding at one end in the
form of a black, readily retracted tube, the siphon or snout. On

102 FISH AND GAME.

the upper side the two valves are joined together at the hinge
line by a cleverly interlocking projection and ligament. Beneath
the hinge, on a projecting portion of one valve, is an elastic pad
which forces the valves apart, in counter action to the two
adductor muscles which, when retracted, bring the shell together.
The shell, ^composed of lime arranged in three layers, varies in
thickness, color and shape, according to the soil, age and rate
of growth. Owing to the fragile nature of the white shell of the
sand clam it is easily broken by the digger. The gravel or stony
clam has a much thicker shell, but, owing to its growth against
hard substances, it is subject to deformities. Prominent on the
exterior of the shell are the umbones, — swellings on each' valve
which are directed anteriorly and toward the hinge, forming the
so-called "beak." Concentric lines caused by any temporary
interference in growth are often well marked. It is difficult to
accurately determine the annual growth. If the clam is a young
specimen the edge of the shell will be covered by a brown, pro-
tective cuticle. By cutting the adductor muscles the top valve
may be lifted like the cover of a book. On its inner surface is
seen the attachment of the two adductor muscles connected by
a well-marked line, the pallial line, which is formed by the at-
tachment of the mantle. The posterior end of this line is in-
dented to form the pallial sinus, in which lies the retracted
siphon.

On removing the shell we find, closely lining the inside, a thin,
semitransparent membrane, the mantle, which encloses the body
in a fleshy case. At the edge of the shell the opposite lobes of
the mantle unite in a thick yellow band, leaving a small slit at
the posterior end through which the foot is extruded. At the
opposite end the mantle is modified to form the siphon or " neck/'
an organ consisting of two tubes of tough contractile muscle fibers,
which when contracted appear as a small wrinkled lump covered
with a black cuticle, but when expanded attains a length of
several inches and extends to the surface of the soil. By means
of this tube, with a fringe of delicate tentacles at its tip, the
clam obtains its nourishment. Water passes in at the large or
lower opening and leaves by the smaller or upper, a continual
circulation through the body of the clam being established by
means of the lashing of minute, hair-like protoplasmic projec-
tions (cilia), whereby food and oxygen are brought to the animal.
The functions of the mantle are sensory, protective, respiratory
and nutritive. It forms a reservoir for the blood, and secretes

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 103

by numerous gland cells a sticky substance which becomes im-
pregnated with lime to form the new shell layers, while the
horny cuticle is secreted by cells at its edge.

Beneath the mantle the curtainlike gills, two on each side of
the visceral mass, hang free in the mantle chamber for two-
thirds of the length of the shell. Dorsally they are united to
each other and to the visceral mass, but hang free ventrally,
thus dividing the mantle chamber into a larger ventral and a
smaller dorsal portion, the branchial and cloacal chambers re-
spectively. The water which has entered the branchial chamber
through the incurrent siphon passes through the gills into the
cloacal cavity and out by the upper or excurrent siphon. The
gills may be roughly compared to sieves, by which the solid
particles, including the minute forms on which the clam feeds,
are strained from the water.

Between the gills lies an oval white body, the visceral mass,
which contains the various organs of digestion and reproduction.
At its lower anterior portion is a small muscular foot, the bur-
rowing organ, which, when distended with blood, is extruded
from the shell through a slit in the mantle. When not in use
this small, spadelike appendage occupies a relatively inconspic-
uous position, since it is not used as an organ of locomotion
after the clam has attained the size of one inch. On each side
of this pedal opening are two small ciliated flaps resembling the
gills. Their function is unknown, unless they aid in the extrusion
of silt and other debris from the mantle chamber.

AYithin the visceral mass are entwined the folds of the diges-
tive tract, which starts as a funnel-shaped opening just behind
the anterior adductor muscle. The mouth is guarded by two
pairs of delicate ciliated flaps, the palps, which taper back toward
the anterior part of the gills and function in conducting the
microscopic food from the gills to the mouth. The oesophagus
leads into a stomach, which is surrounded by a dark-colored
bilobed gland, the liver, which secretes the digestive juices.
The intestine, a slender tube, winds down into the visceral mass
in a series of convolutions, and finally passes backward through
the central chamber of the heart, ending just above the poste-
rior adductor muscle, in the region of the excurrent siphon. In
a fold of the intestine near the stomach lies a translucent gelat-
inous rod, — the crystalline style which assists the process of
digestion. This rod has frequently been considered by the clam-
mers as the young of the eel or some parasite of the clam.

104 FISH AND GAME.

The chief organ of circulation, the heart, consisting of a ven-
tricle and two auricles, is situated just below the hinge line pos-
terior to the stomach. The course of the circulation is through
the two aorta?, anterior and posterior, to the various parts of the
body, whence the impure blood is sent to the gills, and thence
after aeration to the auricles, which open into the ventricle.

The nervous system consists of three pairs of ganglia, little
round white organs, about the size of a pin head, connected by
fine commissures. They are situated near the mouth, in the
visceral mass just below the posterior adductor, and in the foot,
all three being in communication with each other by nerve fibers.

The excretory organs, the nephridia, consist of dark-colored
tubes of glandular nature lying beneath the pericardial chamber,
one on each side of the body. By one end these tubes open
into the pericardium, by the other into the mantle chamber at
the base of the gills. Their function is essentially the same as
the kidneys in higher animals, — the extraction of the waste
material from the body.

Before spawning has taken place the visceral mass is largely
composed of reproductive organs distended with eggs or sperma-
tozoa. The ovaries in the female and the testes in the male
surround the folds of the digestive tract, and when mature give
a plump, white appearance to the body of the clam. These
organs open by small ducts close to the openings of the excre-
tory system beneath the free border of the inner gill.

Spawning.

Spawning is accomplished by the discharge of eggs from the
female and spermatozoa from the male into the water, where
fertilization takes place by their union. With other animals it
is often possible to distinguish the male from the female by
difference in size or form, but with the clam it can be determined
only by examination of the sexual products after the ovaries or
testes have been cut open. The sexual cells are extruded from
the reproductive organs into the upper mantle chamber, whence
they are carried out of the excurrent siphon and passed into the
water by successive pufL, similar to the exhaling of smoke.

The Egg. — The mature egg when ready for fertilization in the
v/ater is a white, spherical body, often enclosed in a gelatinous
case, but within the ovary or in masses it has a compressed,
irregular form, due to pressure. When viewed under the micro-
scope it has an opaque appearance, owing to the yolk granules

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 105

within the protoplasm of the cell. The diameter of the average
egg is Tg- of a millimeter, or u§y of an inch, and the eggs number
approximately 3,000,000 per cubic centimeter. (Fig. 1.)

The Spermatozoon. — The spermatozoon or male cell is much
smaller than the egg, and is composed roughly of two parts, a
body tV the diameter of the egg and a long, whiplike tail, the
motile part. The average size of the head is ^^ of a millimeter
or gwuo of an inch. The spermatozoon is designed by nature to
perform the active duty of finding the egg, which is the sta-
tionary form containing the nutriment for the future embryo,
and for that reason has lost all surplus material. The sperma-
tozoa number approximately 50,000,000,000 per cubic centimeter.

The Breeding Season. — In studying the breeding period obser-
vations were made at different localities and dates to determine
the ripeness of the spawn, and towings were made with a plank-
ton net of silk bolting cloth to determine the number of larvae
in the water at different times. By making towings for definite
distances in one location, as at Monomoy Point,' during the en-
tire summer, and by counting the number of larvae in the tow-
ings, as described in previous reports, the limits of the spawning
season could be determined. The recording of the appearance of
the set likewise served to approximately determine the spawning
season. The spawning season of the clam in Massachusetts lasts
about three months, usually from the first of June to the last of
August. (Fig. 16.)

Temperature and Spawning. — The time of spawning varies
with the locality. This difference is unquestionably due to tem-
perature, since the season begins later as one passes northward
along the Atlantic coast, from warm to cold water. In New
Jersey clams are said to spawn during May and early June; in
Narragansett Bay they spawn in June; on the south side of
Cape Cod in June and July; and north of Boston the greater
part of the spawning occurs in July and August. Spawning will
not take place until the water has attained a warmth suitable
for the development of the young larvae.

The body temperature of the clam, like all cold-blooded ani-
mals, varies with its environment. In 1886 Lombard (20) re-
corded the temperature of the clam (possibly Venus mercenaria
not Mya arenaria) with a thermo-electric instrument, one pole of
which was placed inside of the shell. The temperature was
found to be \ degree F. higher than the water, the experiment
showing that a definite production of heat occurred.

106 FISH AND GAME.

Upon the clam flats along the south shore of Cape Cod, where
the ova are extruded early in the summer, it is not uncommon
to find two distinct sets each year, indicating the possibility of a
second spawning season. This phenomenon may be due to the
fact that clams do not cast off all of their reproductive products
at the same time, and later in the season, when other eggs or
spermatozoa have matured, they give forth the remainder. Evi-
dently clams spawn at periods of high temperature of the water,
so that the time of spawning for each individual possibly ex-
tends over some weeks. Sporadic cases of spawning may occur
at any time during the year, but with an unsuitable temperature
there is little chance of the embryos developing. The writer has
found a scallop (Pecten irradians) with orange-colored ovaries dis-
tended with ripe eggs in December, and has noticed similar in-
stances of ripe eggs in the giant scallop (Pecten tenuicostatus)
dredged in March on Georges fishing bank.

Age and Spawning. — The clam usually spawns when two
years old, although in many cases where the growth is rapid it
may become mature in one year (Mead (13)). The rate of
growth and the size, rather than the age, determine the maturity
of the individual clam. From observations at Monomoy Point
it was found that the small clams spawned earlier than the
large.

Flats and Spawning. — The location of the clam with regard
to current, soil and time submerged causes more or less varia-
tion in the spawning. Mead (13) has shown that clams near
high-water mark spawn before those lower down. In the Essex
River on June 1, 1906, clams high up in the thatch had partly
finished spawning, while the lower flat clams had hardly begun.
Under conditions favorable for rapid growth clams should pro-
duce a greater quantity and better quality of spawn than those
in poor localities.

Natural Fertilization. — In nature the eggs from the female
and the spermatozoa from the male clam are shot into the water
and left to their fate. Their union depends largely upon chance,
since the attraction between the egg and spermatozoon extends
over only a short distance, and many of the extruded eggs are
never fertilized. This natural waste, combined with the destruc-
tive agents which afterward beset the young embryo, shows the
need of a vast number of eggs for every adult female; otherwise
the propagation of the species could not be maintained. Fertili-
zation is the union of the egg and spermatozoon, whereby the

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 107

nuclei of the two cells fuse to form a new individual, which will
inherit the characteristics of both parents.

From the time of fertilization the young embryo in its various
stages of development is beset with all manner of enemies, es-
pecially during its free swimming existence. Climatic changes,
such as a sudden rise or fall in the temperature and cold rains,
as shown by actual count, diminish the number of larvae, while
winds and tides may wash ashore, polluted water may destroy,
all manner of sea animals may consume as food, and, finally,
the greater part of the remainder may fall on poor ground, where
they soon perish.

Artificial Fertilization. — Artificial fertilization has been ac-
complished by Mead (13) by removing the sexual products and
mixing the eggs and spermatozoa in a dish of water. Little suc-
cess has attended such trials by the writer, as the eggs either
failed to develop normally or else never passed beyond the veliger
state, — that critical period in the artificial propagation of all
lamellibranch mollusks. At the present time there is little hope
of raising clams directly from the egg, as more extended experi-
ments with the quahaug and the scallop have shown that, with
our present knowledge, the commercial production of young mol-
lusks in this way is impracticable. However, there is little need
of artificial hatching as the abundant natural set is capable of
furnishing a sufficient amount for planting purposes.

Embryology.
The embryology of the clam is so similar to that of the qua-
haug and scallop, which have been more fully described in pre-
vious reports, that it is unnecessary to enter into a detailed
description of the different stages of development before shell
formation. Until the shell is formed it is impossible to tell the
young clam larva from the quahaug, scallop and many other
species. The egg of the clam, as all lamellibrancha, passes
through a series of irregular cell division, starting with the single
cell and ending with a mass of cells, the blastula, consisting of
an outer layer of small cells surrounding an inner layer of larger
cells. In about nine hours the outer cells develop hairlike pro-
jections of protoplasm, cilia, and the animal begins to roll and
later to revolve through the water. At twelve hours the body
elongates into the trochosphere, the animal swimming with a
spiral motion by means of the cilia, which are now confined to
the anterior end of the body. On the under side of the animal

108 FISH AND GAME.

has developed the primitive mouth, by an invagination of the
cells in that region, while on the dorsal side, opposite to the
mouth, appears the beginning of the shell gland, which marks
the development of a new stage in the life of the animal. Dur-
ing the next twenty-four hours a thin, transparent shell creeps
slowly over the animal, until it envelops the soft parts. The
shell is formed by a secretion from the shell gland, which be-
comes calcified at two points, forming the two valves. The
structure of the young clam or veliger, as it is now called, can
readily be seen through the smooth, homogeneous shell. During
the process of shell formation various changes in the anatomy
of the young clam have taken place which have given rise to a
new period of its existence, the veliger stage, perhaps the most
critical and important period of its life.

The Veligek.

The early veliger is characterized by a transparent shell with
a straight hinge line and by a swimming organ, the velum,
which is a direct modification of the ciliated end of the trocho-
sphere larvae, consisting of a circular pad of strong, lashing
cilia. The young clam at this period measures from ^^ to 2^
of an inch in length. These numerous little forms swim
through the water, where they are the prey of various forms
of sea life. The act of swimming is accomplished by the
extension of the velum outside of the shell so that the animal
can be propelled in any desired direction by the action of the
cilia. When placed in glass dishes the veligers can be seen as
white specks whirling through the water. If the dish is tapped
with a pencil, or if any sudden jar is given, they at once
close their shells and settle to the bottom. In a few moments,
if all is quiet, they will cautiously extend the velum and renew
their swimming.

The chief characteristics of the early flat-hinged veliger are:
(1) the transparent shell with the straight hinge line; (2) the
velum or swimming organ; (3) a primitive mouth lined with
cilia, leading into a cavity in the center of the body, the stomach,
and an abbreviated intestine with posterior anal opening; (4) an
inconspicuous mantle; (5) two adductor muscles; (6) retractor
muscles for the velum. This form is the common for the scallop,
quahaug and clam at this age, and it is only toward the last of
the veliger period that the specific characteristics which differ-
entiate each species appear.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 109

Velum. — The velum is the swimming organ of the young
clam between the sizes of -gro- and tst of an inch. With it the
clam can swim in any direction or turn in a rotary direction,
either clockwise or anticlockwise. The velum is held in position
by three retractors, which are attached near together on the
posterior part of the hinge line. Two retractors pass from here
to the opposite sides of the velum, and a third to its center. By
the action of these muscles it is possible to extend or contract
the velum, the function of the middle retractor probably being
to draw in the center of the velum, which assumes a concave
form when retracted. It is interesting to note that when the
velum is fully expanded the whole interior, stomach, liver, intes-
tine, is pulled in a ventral direction, leaving a clear space be-
tween the soft parts and the hinge. The velum, equipped with
two or more sets of cilia, sometimes appears in two small parts,
evidently due to the failure of the central portion to expand
with the ends.

The formation of the prodissoconch or late veliger marks the
completion of this stage. The first noticeable change is in the
shell, which, as it increases in size, assumes a rounded form with
prominent umbones. The animal has not yet attained the ap-
pearance of the adult clam and shows but a slight tendency
toward elongation. The shell is still of the same homogeneous
texture, while the valves show an equal curvature, differentiating
it from the corresponding stages of the scallop and oyster. With
this change in form, in preparation for a new existence, the in-
ternal parts readjust themselves by discarding certain organs
and developing new ones. The most important change is the
degeneration of the velum, which is replaced by the foot as an
organ of locomotion. This transformation may be divided into
four stages: (1) a large velum and a slight indication of a rudi-
mentary foot on the posterior side of the velum; (2) velum
about half its normal size with a half-sized foot developing pos-
teriorly, while two gill bars have formed; (3) a still smaller
velum advancing toward the mouth, a two-thirds developed foot
taking the former position of the velum, three gill bars; (4)
active crawling stage, with a large foot and a well-formed byssal
gland, while the velum has disappeared in the region of the
palps. (Figs. 3 to 6.)

Foot. — The foot, which develops at the same time as the
gills posterior to the velum, is characterized by a ciliated tip
which aids in locomotion. In Fig. 6 a fine muscular structure

110 FISH AND GAME.

can be made out in the foot, which henceforth is used for both
crawling and swimming. At this time the byssal gland is prom-
inent as a cleft projection on the ventral side of the foot, al-
though the byssus does not as yet function. The otocysts or
balancing organs were first observed in Fig. 4 and by Fig. 6
they had assumed the form of two concentric circles, one on
each side of the foot, one-tenth the height of the shell. Within
these circles the several revolving granules could be seen.

Heart. — The heart was not observed until Fig. 6, when move-
ments could be definitely ascertained whenever the animal was
in the act of crawling.

Gills. — The gills, in the form of two coils or filaments lined
with lashing cilia, make their appearance with the foot in Fig.
4, before the velum disappears. In Fig. 5, when the velum is
but slightly smaller, there are three filaments to the gill. In
Fig. 6 the same three filaments show a marked increase in
size.

Muscles. — In Fig. 4 the posterior adductor appears slightly
larger than the anterior, but from this time on they are prac-
tically the same size. The retractor muscles of the velum are
attached near the posterior adductor.

Mantle. — In the veliger stage the mantle is in its simplest
form, later becoming ciliated as in the adult, and even extend-
ing beyond the edge of the shell. The siphon does not make its
appearance until later, although there are indications in Fig. 6
that in that region the mantle is about to undergo a modifica-
tion.

Digestive Tract. — Since the animal needs more nourishment
with its increasing size, the digestive tract undergoes changes
which permit the digestion of a greater quantity of larger food
forms. In the early veliger the mouth and oesophagus consist
of a ciliated opening one-quarter the height of the shell, which
leads into the stomach. The cilia at the entrance to this canal
are long and especially adapted for the capture of food particles.
In Fig. 6 the palps can be seen as minute films near the mouth,
which has followed the retreating velum from the ventral to the
anterior side of the clam. The stomach has also shifted its posi-
tion, so that the former dorsal exit of the intestine has become
more posterior. The stomach, with the diverticuli on each side
which form the yellow-green liver, is comparatively large in the
veliger stage and becomes relatively smaller with the growth of

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. Ill

the shell. The primitive intestine is a straight tube leading
from the stomach to a posterior anal aperture. "With the
growth of the clam the problem of increased digestive powers is
solved by the extension of the tube in a series of coils, and the
location of the anal opening dorsal to the posterior adductor
muscle.

At the beginning of the veliger stage we have found an animal
equipped for leading a free swimming life, as evidenced by its
size, shape, lightness of shell and swimming organ. At the end
of this period we find the animal prepared for another change.
Its free swimming days are over; anatomical changes have taken
place which enable it to enter upon a new existence. The ciliated
foot with prominent byssal gland has taken the place of the
powerful velum. This organ enables the clam first to swim
through the water and later to crawl on the bottom among the
sand grains or over the seaweed in search of a suitable place for
attachment by the byssus. The shell has assumed a form more
suited to its new existence, and the animal is now able to enter
into the period of youth, Nature having adjusted the various
organs for life under a new environment.

Distribution. — During the spawning season the water is
crowded with the small veliger larvse, which may be taken with
a net of silk bolting cloth. The net is pulled behind a dory at
a uniform rate of speed, which permits the water to filter through
the fine meshes, leaving the clam larvse and other floating organ-
isms in the net. The contents are washed into a pail containing
about 3 inches of water and the water is given a whirling motion
with a small stick, which forces the larvse, by centripetal action,
to the center of the pail, where they can readily be removed
with a pipette. In this fashion it is possible to obtain approxi-
mately all the larvse from the towing. By using stated dis-
tances, the same period of tide and a uniform method of count-
ing with the Rafter cell, as described on pages 118 and 119 in
the "Report upon the Quahaug and Oyster Fisheries" (1912),
we were able to follow the spawning during 1906 and 1907 at
Monomoy Point. Towings at various depths, obtained by sink-
ing the net with weights, indicate that the larvse are present
even to a depth of from 15 to 20 feet. They are especially
abundant near the surface of the water, and only during rains
does the number at the depth of 10 feet exceed that at the
surface.

112 FISH AND GAME.

In the towings two stages of veligers were taken, the early or
true veliger and the late or footed form. The later form swims
by means of a ciliated foot which had gradually replaced the
velum as a swimming organ. During the growth of this foot
the disappearing velum aided in the swimming, so that the ani-
mal passed through a period where both functioned in locomo-
tion. A greater proportion of the footed larvae were found in
the towings on rough windy days than in calm weather.

The lamellibranch veligers are not affected by light, as they
are not attracted by either a dark or a light background. This
fact was demonstrated in the following manner: the veligers
were left over night in a small circular dish enclosed in a tri-
angular case, two sides of which were black and one side white.
In the morning the larvae, one-half of which were swimming,
were evenly distributed about the dish. The same test was re-
peated, the light side being turned to the window for an hour,
with no change in the grouping of the larvae.

Destruction. — During the veliger or free swimming period, as
well as during the first thirty hours previous to the shelled stage,
the clam larva passes through its most precarious period, which
is only partially ended when it settles to the soil or attaches
itself to various objects. It is during the free swimming period
that the clam is most openly exposed to the elements and to the
natural enemies which beset its path. When the fact is con-
sidered that only one out of several million eggs liberated by
the adult female clam ever reaches maturity, the extent of the
destructive powers of nature becomes strikingly manifest. It is
during this critical period that the young must be shielded from
their enemies. The active enemies of the larval clam may be
enumerated as fish, worms, crustaceans, mollusks, etc., which
suck down the larva? as food, even the mother clam uncon-
sciously devouring her hapless babes. However, the vast de-
struction is not accounted for by the active enemies but is due
rather to adverse physical conditions. Severe weather, storms,
sudden changes in the temperature and in the salinity of the
water during the spawning season, sewage and other contamina-
tion from manufacturing sources bring about the destruction of
the floating larvae.

The effect of cold rains upon the larvae was observed at
Monomoy Point in 1906. During a long cold rain counts were
made upon the number of larvae in a certain amount of water
which passed through the plankton net. Before the rain began

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 113

the number of larvae at the surface was 26,900 at 3 p.m. July
31; rain started at 12 a.m. on August 1 and continued steadily
for fifteen hours, gradually increasing in severity. The rain was
cool, 64 degrees F., which was the temperature of the air at 3
p.m. August 1. At 8 a.m. August 1 a surface towing gave 13,900
larvae, at 3 p.m. August 1 a surface towing gave 15,000, and at
5 to 10 feet below the surface 15,000. The ratio of footed larvae
to the veligers in the morning towing was 1 to 5, in the after-
noon towing 1 to 10, showing a loss in the large footed larvae.
It was noticeable that nauplius larvae, chiefly young barnacles,
were more abundant at 10 feet than at the surface in the after-
noon tow, whereas these forms are usually more abundant near
the surface. These observations showed that after eight hours
of rain the number of surface larvae had decreased one-half.
Another record of a similar nature gave the following figures:
before the rain, 30,000; after nine hours, 15,000; after fifteen
hours, 3,000. After the rain ceased the number of larvae gradu-
ally increased, until it was the same as at the first count.

It was difficult to tell whether the absence of the larvae from
the water was due to their direct destruction or whether it was
the result of their settling to the bottom. Undoubtedly, in
either case, many perished as a result of a change in salinity
and temperature of the water, or from the mechanical beating of
the rain on the surface of the water. The density of the surface
water in the enclosed Powder Hole was slightly lowered by nine
hours of rain, as the fresh water formed a layer near the surface,
while the temperature of the water was lowered but 1 degree,
from 70 to 69 degrees, during this period.

Another test of the effect of salinity upon the veliger larvae
was made in the aquarium. One thousand larvae were put into
water of the following densities, made by adding fresh water to
the salt: (1) 1.016, (2) 1.012, (3) 1.008. After eight hours:

(1) the larvae were apparently unaffected, except that a few
showed slightly reduced ciliary action; (2) a few were dead,
about 1 out of 50, while the ciliary action was much reduced in
others; (3) a few were dead, about 1 out of 40, and ciliary ac-
tion was reduced. The veligers were apparently more affected
than the footed larvae. After twenty-four hours: (1) the larvae
were only slightly affected, a few having reduced ciliary action;

(2) a few were dead and ciliary action was reduced; (3) several
were dead and ciliary action was considerably reduced. A
further test was made by suddenly drawing off the salt water

114 FISH AND GAME.

from a watch glass and covering the larvae therein with fresh
water for a few minutes; then the fresh water was replaced by
salt water, and after standing fifteen minutes the larvae were
examined. No movement was visible. One hour later two larvae
were swimming, and at the end of twenty hours all had fully
recovered.

In raising young clams from the eggs in aquaria, the water
after a few days became infested with protozoa. Two kinds
were observed in the bodies of the dead veligers, one an elon-
gated paramcecium-like form, -£% of a millimeter in length, the
other a small, round, actively motile organism.

Attachment.

Attachment takes place at the end of the veliger or free swim-
ming stage, the young clam fastening itself to various objects,
such as sand grains, shells, eel grass, sea lettuce, Enteromorpha,
etc., by a horny thread called the byssus, which is secreted from
a gland in the foot. The period of fixation marks an abrupt
change in the habits and life of the clam, which has deserted
its free swimming existence for an alternate crawling and sta-
tionary existence. The structure of the clam now becomes more
like that of the adult. The new shell growth is sharply separated
from the embryonic shell by the formation of a definite growth
line, and its texture and composition differ from the homogeneous
structure of the early shell. At first the young clam, as de-
scribed by Kellogg (2), who has made a most careful study of the
clam during this period of its life, has a rounded shape like the
quahaug, but as it increases in size it takes on the elongated
form of the adult. At this period the excurrent and incurrent
siphons are present, the excurrent part having a filmy telescopic
attachment which draws in and out with a folding motion, sim-
ilar to that of the young quahaug, as described in the "Report
upon the Quahaug and Oyster Fisheries" in 1912. When a
stream of water is shot out, the transparent tube is unfolded
and held as a hose to direct the flow. With the growth of the
clam it gradually atrophies, until only a slight trace can be
found in the adult. The ends of the siphons are equipped with
sensory tentacles, but lack the brilliant pigmentation of the
older clams.

The most prominent organ of the clam at this age is the rela-
tively large muscular foot, which serves as an organ of locomo-
tion. During the transitional stage from the veliger the foot is

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 115

first used as a swimming organ, propelling the animal through
the water by a kicking movement. After the clam settles to the
bottom the foot is used for crawling. The act of crawling is
accomplished with the flexible foot in the same manner as the
locomotion of the young quahaug, which is described in full in
the "Report on the Quahaug and Oyster Fisheries," 1912, and
consists of a forward or following movement, the common
method, and a backward movement, which is occasionally em-
ployed.

On the under side of the foot is the byssal gland, a conspicuous
papilla containing a pore. Numerous cells line this gland and
furnish a mucous secretion, which, when coming in contact with
water, immediately hardens into a tough, horny thread. When
formed the byssus consists of a single translucent thread with
several branches tipped with sucking discs for attachment to
various objects. Ryder (9) in 1880 found that the young of the
soft clam were attached by single branching threads to seaweed
and sea lettuce. This fact was clearly demonstrated by Kellogg
(2) in his report on the "Life History of the Common Clam," in
which he gave excellent drawings of the byssal attachment and
proved that the attachment stage was a necessary part of the
life of the young Mya. The byssus runs from one-quarter to
one-half of an inch in length but is so elastic that it can be
stretched to a length of 1| inches without breaking. The clam
retains the byssus until it is about three-quarters of an inch,
capable of burrowing deeply into the sand. Primarily the func-
tion is protection, as it enables the animal, though of small size,
to remain in the sand or on the seaweeds, and prevents its being
washed from its shallow burrow. Attachment is needed only
until the clam attains a sufficient size to protect itself by bur-
rowing. Professor Kellogg (2, 4) showed how the young clams
attached themselves in vast numbers to the sea lettuce and En-
teromorpha, and later migrated to the mud or sand. In many
instances they settle directly upon the soil and attach to the
sand grains, large numbers usually settling in limited localities.

The Set
We have seen in the preceding pages that the young clam,
after its free swimming life, either settles upon sea lettuce or
Enteromorpha and later migrates to the sand, or that it settles
directly upon the sand, attaching by means of the byssus. We
will briefly consider a few of the numerous causes influencing

116 FISH AND GAME.

the set and then follow a particularly heavy set of clams from
the beginning to the time they become adult clams. For this
purpose the set of 1906 on Rowley Reef Knobs in Plum Island
Sound has been taken as a typical example.

The time and amount of set varies with the spawning season.
The temperature of the water, cold rains and other climatic con-
ditions determine the spawning and set for any year. Since the
spawning season lasts from the middle of June to the middle of
August, the set may come at any time during July, August or
even September, when the requisite conditions are present. Or-
dinarily the set continues for two or three weeks unless unfavor-
able conditions intervene. Years of good set may be followed
by poor, owing to the condition of the weather during the spawn-
ing season. Localities which have a large set one year may have
none the next, merely because the conditions which brought
about the set have changed. At best, the set is but a happy
combination of two factors, — the presence of the larvae in the
water, a fairly constant item, and the variable tide and current
conditions of the particular locality. The nature of the soil also
plays an important part in deciding whether the young clam
can grow after it sets, as slime, silt, soft mud and shifting sand
may prove disastrous to its existence.

The set takes place between the tide lines, the ordinary loca-
tion, and below the low-water mark, in shallow and deep water.
The locality is chiefly determined by the relation of the shores
to the current or tidal flow, and secondarily depends upon the
nature of the soil. There is close similarity in the conditions
governing the set of the oyster and the clam, the sandy bars
over which the current passes often being the most productive
of oyster set.

The relation between these areas, often of extremely thick set,
as described by Kellogg (4) and Mead (13), and the regular beds
of clams is peculiar. Kellogg distinguished two kinds, the small
areas of heavy set and the thin scattering set, and considered
the former of little value for the replenishing of the large beds,
which were supplied by the scattering clams. This is true as far
as it concerns the particular segregations of clams on small areas,
these dense sets often resulting in complete extermination. In
what way man can take advantage of this fact, and plant many
areas of barren flats will be described later. From these densely
populated areas ordinarily there is little migration to the large
flats, which are replenished by the scattering set, and by clams

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 117

from the thatch or sedge banks, which offer excellent places for
the spat to catch. Here the small clams, less than lj inches in
length, unless too strongly imbedded in the roots of the grass,
frequently migrate to the flats.

Current. — Let us consider the causes which operate to form
heavy sets in certain localities and not in others. In what man-
ner is this result brought about and under what conditions do
such sets exist? Larvae have approximately the same abundance
everywhere during the spawning season, and it is not absolutely
necessary that the spawning clams lie in the immediate vicinity
of the set, although the chances of a favorable set are somewhat
increased by their proximity. In all probability the actual for-
mation of the set is mechanical in nature. The larva, at the
time it is ready for set, has lost its velum and propels itself
through the water by a muscular foot. The heavier body has
difficulty floating, but is carried in the current in the same man-
ner as suspended silt. When the current becomes slack there
is less possibility of keeping afloat, and if perchance the clam
larva strikes an object and settles to the bottom it is unable to
rise again. On the other hand, if it floats into an eddy or into
the quiet edge of a swift current it has a tendency to settle to
the bottom. Thus the current acts in a purely mechanical way
in distributing the clam set, as if the larvae were but inanimate
objects.

Two conditions appear suitable for a good set, (1) a projecting
bar against which the tide sweeps, forming an eddy, and (2) a
swift current with slack water along its edge. The first is more
commonly recognized by oystermen, and is more nearly in ac-
cord with the conditions usually chosen for the capture of oyster
spat between the tide lines. In the formation of the Rowley
Reef set, as described later, both conditions play an important
part.

The Soil. — Not every soil is suitable for clam set. In the
majority of cases the clam larva falls on poor ground and meets
an early death. When the surface is covered with a slimy ooze
or has a thick deposit of silt the young clam is soon smothered.
Flats filled with tube worms and other enemies of the young
larva prove unsuited for the set. Scattering sets have been
found on the rippled beaches or on shifting flats, but for heavy
sets ripple marks usually denote the limit of their extent. The
main consideration in the protection of the set is its shelter from
the wave and wind action. Where the flat is so situated that

118 FISH AND GAME.

the wind has a clear sweep no set will be found, since the young
clams are either washed away or rolled in windrows upon the
beach.

Rocky beaches and gravel bars offer protection for the set by
affording places sheltered from wave action where the clam larvae
may settle. Clams cannot exist on shifting beaches, except near
large, protecting rocks, but the heavy soil of gravel bars, even
when swept by swift tidal currents, renders shifting impossible,
so that the young clams having once gained a foothold are lodged
as permanent residents.

Sedge and thatch are also natural spat collectors, and if there
is any evidence of set it is usually present in such vegetation.
Evidently the swimming larvae strike against the upright plants
and fall to the ground, where they find an opportunity to settle
in a protected situation. From such a locality they can migrate
to the near-by flats, a fact which accounts, in part, for the
abundance of clams near thatch islands, as in Barnstable Harbor.
In addition, thatch serves as a means of preventing the exter-
mination of the clam, since it protects large numbers of spawn-
ing clams from the inroads of the clammers. Many instances
are recorded of the thatch bank gradually turning into good
clam ground by continued digging. The main point for con-
sideration is the checking of the larval-bearing tidal current in
such a way that the larvae are mechanically deposited. This
may be accomplished in other ways than catching in the thatch
or on the gravel, such as by the parting of the current either
by a projecting rock, by a thatch island or by the branching of
the tidal stream, where in the quiet water between the two side
currents the set may be found.

Shore Line. — Perhaps the best sets are found in little coves
where an eddy is formed by an uneven shore. The conditions
necessary for an eddy are a fairly strong current and a project-
ing sand or gravel bar which causes a back flow. In the quiet
water thus formed the larvae are deposited. On Lufkins Flat in
Plum Island Sound the set in 1906 was everywhere abundant,
except on the outer edge and near the shore, where the flat was
strongly rippled by the back current at both flood and ebb tide.
The heaviest set took place between the two currents on the
level center of the flat. In some instances the eddy exists only
until the bar is covered by the tide. Frequently heavy sets are
found on the sides of swift currents, as described by Kellogg (4).
On the river flats of Plum Island Sound similar sets have been

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 119

observed between the tide lines, on the side of a swiftly moving
body of water. A possible explanation of this phenomenon is
the mechanical settling of the larvse on the sides of the current
where the flow is less swift.

Notes on the Set of Clams in Various Localities. — The varia-
tions in the spawning season, owing to temperature differences
in localities and to the sporadic spawning of individual clams and
the variations in the rate of growth, make it possible to find
clams of small size every month of the year. Every year sets
vary in thickness, i.e., a flat with a heavy set one year may not
have any set the next. In the fall of 1906 and in the spring of
1907 the following observations were made on the sets of the
flats of Plum Island Sound and Plymouth Harbor.

(1) Lufkins Flat. — This flat is situated in Plum Island Sound
on the west shore of Plum Island, opposite Ipswich Bluffs. On
Nov. 13, 1906, about 2 acres of this flat was covered with a set
numbering from 500 to 1,000 per square foot of surface, where
a bend in the outgoing tide on the southern edge caused slack
water. No 1906 set was present on the rest of the flat. On
Nov. 13, 1906, the 1906 set averaged about 11 millimeters in
size, and on Aug. 28, 1907, 30.65 millimeters. Clams that had
been transplanted from Rowley Reef set to a portion of Lufkins
Flat which had no natural set on this latter date, on Nov. 13,
1906, averaged 30.57 millimeters in size, showing practically the
same growth.

(2) Foresides Flat. — There was a heavy set upon the Fore-
sides, the western part of the Middle Ground in Plum Island
Sound, which was not so numerous as Lufkins but covered a
larger area. At extreme low tide on the west side the coarse,
shifting sand contained a few rapidly growing clams. The area
of set lay on a smooth flat of fine sand, between an outer coarse
shifting sand and a mud flat near the thatch bank containing
larger clams of slow growth. The outer area of Foresides had
too swift and unchecked a current, the inner portion too slow
a current, for a numerous set, but in the central parts the cur-
rents were of sufficient force, yet checked enough by thatch pro-
jections and sharp bends to induce an ample set. On Nov. 13,

1906, the set ranged from 2 to 20 millimeters in size. July 1,

1907, the average of the smaller clams gave 20.5 millimeters, or
a gain of about 10 millimeters. Clams were still attached to
the sand grains by the byssus, and ran from 10 to 50 per square
foot. Aug. 28, 1907, in the outer portion the clams averaged

120 FISH AND GAME.

40 millimeters, in the inner portion 29 millimeters, showing the
effect of the current on growth. On Aug. 28, 1907, the 1907 set
averaged 4.75 millimeters, varying from 2 to 10 millimeters.

(3) Northeast Sides. — Upon a small high flat on the northeast
side of Plum Island Sound Middle Ground, where the current
made a sharp curve, there was a heavy 1906 set upon ground
already inhabited by clams of various sizes. In 1907 no set
took place.

(4) Wheelers Flat. — This flat is situated in the Ipswich part
of the Essex River, adjoining the Spit. On July 6, 1907, a set
averaging 380 clams per square foot was found over an area of
6 acres, making a total estimate of about 87,500,000 clams. One-
half the entire flat, approximating 60 acres, was covered with
a scattering set, estimated at 50,000,000 clams, making a total
of 137,500,000. The average size was 16.2 millimeters. On the
Essex Spit toward the channel, a set running 25 per square foot
measured 15.67 millimeters in length. On Aug. 28, 1907, the
clams in the thick portion ran about 350 to the square foot and
averaged 22.21 millimeters in length.

(5) Castle Neck. — Along the west side of Castle Neck in the
fall of 1906 was a heavy set of small clams of variable size, aver-
aging 11 millimeters. On Aug. 28, 1907, the clams on the higher
portion, where they were submerged but four hours out of the
twenty-four, measured 18.65 millimeters, running about 100 per
square foot, while low down, with an exposure of only two hours
out of the twenty-four, they averaged 36.84 millimeters, at 250
per square foot, and on the outer reef, where they ran 218 per
square foot, 29.93 millimeters, showing that the circulation of
water and length of time submerged control the growth.

(6) Greys Flat. — In Plymouth Harbor in the town of Kingston
a set was found on Greys Flat in October, 1906, on the site of the
planted clam beds. This set on May 24, 1907, measured 19 mil-
limeters; on Sept. 5, 1907, 26.45 millimeters.

(7) Coles Shore. — Along the Kingston shore of Plymouth
Harbor was a fair 1906 set, which measured on May 31, 1907,
18.6 millimeters in length.

Spat Collecting.

The subject of spat collecting in connection with the oyster

industry has always received considerable attention. On the

other hand, the collection of seed clams has not as yet attained

any great importance; but with the development of the industry

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 121

attempts will doubtless be made to procure large quantities of
young elams for planting. There are several ways by which this
may be accomplished.

The least probable, yet the most remunerative if successful, is
the artificial hatching of clam eggs. While it cannot be definitely
stated that this method is impossible, up to this time it has been
entirely impracticable, and probably will never be successful
from a commercial standpoint. Various investigators have dem-
onstrated that artificial fertilization can be carried out with
more or less certainty, but the subsequent rearing of the young
larva? has proved a more serious problem, which is yet to be
solved. Mead (13) describes the rearing of a few clams in an
aquarium, but no investigator has demonstrated a practicable
method whereby a large number can be reared successfully by the
culturist. While this problem may appeal to future investigators,
its solution is not necessary at the present time, since there are
other means of obtaining the young clams in sufficient abundance
for planting.

Box spat collectors were first described and used successfully
by Mead (14) in Rhode Island, who found that the swimming
larvae could be captured in the water by means of a net of fine
bolting cloth. He observed, when the larvse were in the aqua-
rium, that any sudden agitation of the water, such as would
result from a sharp tap on the glass, caused the animals to cease
swimming, close their shells and sink to the bottom. In accord-
ance with this fact a spat collecting device, consisting of a square
bottomless box with a top of fine galvanized wire screening, was
set in the flat so that the sides projected several inches above
the sand. As high as 1,300 clams per square foot of sand were
taken from this spat collector.

Various spat collectors of this type were tried by this depart-
ment during 1905 and 1906, with but little success, owing to
their precarious location upon flats exposed to strong tidal cur-
rents. Boards projecting above the level of the flat proved suc-
cessful in but one case, the majority soon being undermined by
the current. It was observed that this type of collector when
covered with copper wire "was less successful than with galvanized
iron netting. The destructive influence of copper was demon-
strated by the death of a small scallop and of clam veligers
which were kept in an aquarium in dishes covered with copper
wire, and by the survival of others under similar environment
when iron wire was used. Galvanized iron netting proved to be

122 FISH AND GAME.

superior to the plain iron, which did not last more than two
weeks when exposed to the corrosive action of the salt water.

In the quiet waters of the Powder Hole at Monomoy Point
a considerable number of small clams were caught in the boxes
of sand without netting suspended at various depths. The
heaviest set between 1906 and 1909 was obtained in 1907, ten
boxes giving an average of 155 clams, or approximately 100 per
square foot of sand surface. The best box gave 200 per square
foot. In 1909 the set was poor, as the supply of clams in the
vicinity had been almost exterminated. This method of catching
the young of various shellfish, while interesting, will hardly be-
come a practical method since the expense far surpasses the
returns. At the present time methods of spat collecting are un-
necessary as the natural clam set is sufficient to supply abundant
seed for planting. By utilizing the heavy natural sets, so abun-
dant in certain localities, which are entirely wasted under natural
conditions, the future clam culturist will be able to procure suf-
ficient seed clams. He will obtain his seed by methods such as
described for the Rowley Reef set, but as he becomes more adept
he will endeavor to let Nature do the work of transportation,
turning his grant into a huge spat collector by developing the
surface in various ways for catching the set. On examining the
sand from the clam flats at Monomoy Point more larva? were
obtained from the hollows than from the surface of the level flat,
indicating that an uneven surface is more favorable for collecting
the set. The planting of thatch or sedge in rows to catch and
hold the set is being tried by Mr. Marcus Howes of Barnstable.
Other methods, such as the building of artificial bars to direct
the currents so that the set will be deposited upon the grant,
should prove entirely practicable.

The Rowtley Reef Set.

In November, 1906, a good illustration of a typically heavy
set of clams was found on Rowley Reef Knobs, a sand flat in the
form of a horseshoe in Plum Island Sound. Its history and final
fate are here recorded.

The set was confined chiefly to the eastern section of a sand
bar which was swept by a swift, narrow current except when
exposed for three hours at each tide. Upon the west side of this
channel a long reef formed the eastern bend of the horseshoe.
The area of this set was approximately 3 acres and covered
about one-third of the entire flat. The soil was a fine, tenacious

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PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 123

sand, typical of this region, in parts rippled by the current, in
others of a firm consistency. The current swept in a curve
around the horseshoe at low tide and over it at high, passing
in both directions. A projecting salt marsh on Plum Island on
the east side of the current caused a partial turn in the current,
forming an eddy over the sand flat, and at the same time a
spreading of the water on the sides of the channel, both condi-
tions being conducive to a set.

The clammers of Rowley stated that sets frequently occurred
on this flat and furnished good digging when the clams had
reached maturity. However, such evidence is only hearsay and
the prevalence of previous sets is not definitely known. The
set was first described in November, 1906, by J. R. Stevenson: —

Upon an area of 600 to 700 feet long, tapering at the ends, and about 150
feet wide in the center, I found a set of young clams from 1,000 to 5,000
per square foot. From an average square foot of sand in which every
clam was burrowed out of sight, and in which I counted roughly 1,000
holes, I dug 1,937 clams averaging about one-half inch in length. From
a square foot of sand into which the clams had not completely burrowed
I sifted 2,416 clams. Roughly estimating this area as containing 50,000
square feet set with clams at least 1,000 per square foot, we have the
enormous number of 50,000,000 young clams. These averaged 3,000 per
quart, making a total of 17,000 quarts, or over 500 bushels of young clams.
Upon the boundaries of this thickly set portion the young clams spread
out in decreasing numbers over an extensive area, although few clams
could be found in the shifting sand on the top of the reef. This lesser
and more scattered set increased perhaps by 50 per cent, the number of
young clams upon this reef.

Xear the center of the most thickly set area I found a tidal pool, roughly
12 feet long by 6 feet wide and about 15 inches deep. At first sight it
seemed but an inch or two in depth, but upon wading into it I sank to
my knees. Imagine my surprise when I found that it was not sand into
which I sank but a groaning mass of living clams. Here were more than
60 cubic feet of solid clams. Reckoning 2,000 per quart, as these seemed
larger than those burrowed in the sand, with 25.7 quarts per cubic foot,
I found in this one pool more than 3,000,000 young clams. Upon other
portions of the thickly set area were many smaller hollows, set full of
clams, layer upon layer, tier upon tier, till the former sand hollows now
became ridges of living clams, which could be scooped up by the pailful.

The cause of this enormous set is found in the arrangement of
the currents. The main channel of Plum Island Sound takes a
bend of 90 degrees just northeast of the reef. Upon the western

124 FISH AND GAME.

side of the channel is slack water. The swift current bearing
the larvae is suddenly checked, and the larvae as well as sand
grains are deposited in the slack water. On the top of the reef
and on the western side of the flat the waves beat .with too
great force to permit of any permanent set, but upon the eastern
side of the flat the waves do not exert sufficient power to dislodge
the clams, which explains the peculiar outline of the set. When
first observed no enemies and no other shellfish, i.e., Gemma,
Mo coma, Mactra, Ensis, Lunatia, Littorina or Nassa, were pres-
ent. It was a pure set of clams.

Methods of Transplanting. — The uneven distribution of set is
of importance to the planter; the thicker the set the greater the
ease of transplanting. But even with heavy sets the work of
obtaining the seed is far from an easy matter. The proper time
for collecting is after the clams have reached the size of one-half
inch and the byssus no longer holds them firmly to the sand.

For transplanting to experimental beds a sieve was made in
the form of a cradle which could be rocked in the water. The
framework was covered with fine sand wire, which allowed the
sand to sift through, leaving the clams inside. One man rocked
this cradle under the water while two others shoveled the sand
and clams into the cradle. In this manner the young clams
could be obtained for planting entirely free from the soil. On
April 25, 1907, three men using the cradle sifter were able to
obtain seed clams at the rate of two bushels an hour, or six
bushels per tide, since the flat is exposed about three hours.
These clams ran about 67,600 per bushel, or a total of 405,600
clams gathered.

From 200 quarts of sand taken from an area of 45 square feet
6f quarts of clams 15.5 millimeters in size (2,112 per quart)
were gathered in six minutes by three men. Hence, three men
can dig and sift 2,333 clams per minute, or enough to seed 100
square feet of clam flat. These clams ran about 550 per square
foot, but the amount saved by the sifting was only 313 to the
square foot. On June 25, 1907, when the clams ran about 450
to the square foot, they could be obtained faster, 166 quarts of
sand then yielding 17 quarts of clams, which ran 1,000 to the
quart and measured 20.3 millimeters in length. Four men ob-
tained 5 bushels in one hour, or at the rate of \\ bushels per
man, which is considerably faster than two-thirds of a bushel
per man obtained on April 25, although the total number of
clams was about the same. This successful method of obtain-

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 125

ing the seed clams for the experimental beds was used almost
exclusively in this section.

Another method of transplanting clams from a locality of
heavy set, which was more adapted for commercial purposes and
for planting on a large scale, was to load dories with both sand
and clams, and, without sifting, to transfer the cargo directly
to the place of planting. This method was undoubtedly the best
for rapid work or when the planting grounds were near the
locality of set. In this way the town of Rowley could have
seeded over 100 acres of barren flats at a comparatively slight
cost.

A third method of obtaining the seed clams was by digging
trenches across the thickly set portion of the flat, thus forming
artificial tide pools into which the clams were washed by the
waves and could be gathered on the succeeding tide by the pail-
ful. The yield was further increased by turning over part of the
surrounding flat with clam hoes. A modification of this method
was also used with an incoming tide when a strong wind was
blowing. As the tide began to flow, portions of the thickly set
flat were turned over in advance of the incoming waters. The
waves washed the clams over from the heavier sand and rolled
them in windrows where they could readily be gathered. A
somewhat slower and more laborious method was to dig the
clams under water with a clam hoe, gathering them by hand.

Many bushels of clams were experimentally transplanted to
the unproductive flats of Plum Island Sound. The subsequent
fate of the clams on Rowley Reef demonstrates how the town
of Rowley, by a lack of initiative, allowed thousands of dollars
to be wasted merely because, under the present condition of
town regulation, satisfactory transplanting could not be carried
on by the clammers. Practically the same conditions obtain
in many shore towns throughout the Commonwealth.

Growth of the Rowley Reef Set. — In most cases areas of heavy
set are not always areas of rapid growth, owing to the location
and to the greater number of mouths to feed. Rowley Reef set
proved an exception to this rule as its rate of growth equaled
the average for this section. In the spring and summer of 1908,
two years after the set, the first marketable clams were dug as
small "steamers," about 2 J inches in size, the larger specimens
being selected. During this period the number of clams had
passed through many changes, illustrating the destruction of the
natural set. A record of the growth of the set was obtained from

126

FISH AND GAME.

successive examinations, as indicated in the following table. To
all practical purposes no growth took place in the winter (not
over 2 millimeters), the greater increase occurring in the summer.

Date.

Size
(Milli-
meters).

Number

per
Quart.

Number

per
Bushel.

Number

per
Square
Foot.

Total

Number

Clams.

Total
Number

of
Bushels.

Nov. 13, 1906, ....

12.90

3,200

100,000

1,934.0

96,700,000

9C7

April 25, 190V

15.50

2,112

67,000

550.0

27,500,000

411

June 25, ls)07

20.30

1,000

32,000

450.0

22,500,000

703

July 17, 1907

21.20

850

27,200

425.0

21,250,000

781

Aug. 29, 1907, ....

26.40

468

15,000

400.0

20,000,000

1,333

May 10, 1908, ....

45.88

2,592

53.4

2,670,000

1,030

The Depletion. — Nature regulates the number of clams on any
flat by the elimination of the weaker or unfit. It is practically
impossible for a square foot of soil to contain more than 50 adult
clams of the same size, owing to the lack of actual space, even
when the hindrances to growth by such crowding are not con-
sidered. In any heavy set the majority must perish, the surplus
clams being forced out by the pressure exerted by the growth of
the others. A cubic foot of soil will hold perhaps 2,000 small
clams, but when they have doubled in size it is manifestly im-
possible for the same space to hold the increased bulk, which
results in forcing out the weaker clams or those near the surface
of the soil. There are certain exceptions to this rule; for ex-
ample, at Lufkins, where the soil is hard, the clams cannot be
forced out, with the result that the growth is checked. Once
out, the clam finds it practically impossible to find space to bur-
row back into the ground, and must perish unless it can find
other favorable ground. It therefore lies on the surface of the
flat, and is rolled around at the mercy of the wind and waves, a
prey to predatory animals and the warring elements, which soon
destroy it; or, if fortune favors, it is carried to suitable ground.
In the case of the Rowley Reef the clams that were thrust out
of the soil were washed into the deep waters of Plum Island
Sound where they perished. The tidal pool mentioned in the
first part of the description of Rowley Reef is only one of the
many instances where large quantities of clams are washed out
of their burrows by the action of wind and tide. Comparatively
few reach good ground and restock other flats. As can be seen

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

127

from the above table, the ravages of winter are especially heavy
upon such unprotected sets.

Not only, do the elements destroy these sets but active enemies
contribute directly and indirectly to their destruction. Two
principal enemies were found on Rowley Reef, but their work
was not noticeable until August, 1907, when the clams had at-
tained sufficient size to serve as prey for the cockle or winkle
(Lunatia heros) and the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus),
which soon accomplished considerable damage. The horseshoe
crabs, in ploughing their way through the sand, displaced from
their burrows thousands of clams, which were swept away by
the current, and crushed numerous others with their claws, de-
vouring all they could eat. Of eleven horseshoe crabs examined
five held crushed clams in their claws, and the stomachs of many
crabs examined elsewhere were distended with crushed clams.
The cockles did considerably less damage, owing to their slower
method of boring through the shell.

Transplanting of the Rowley Reef Set. — Several bushels of the
small clams were transplanted to the neighboring flats in Plum
Island Sound, where the growth was compared with the natural
set. Two bushels were sowed upon Lufkins Flat abreast of
Ipswich Bluff, just south of the "North Guzzle" and well out
upon the flat. Two more were distributed along the west side
of Treadwells Island in Ipswich River, in November, 1906, and
in the following spring, on April 25, 1907, on North Foresides
and Southwest Head in Plum Island Sound. That part of Luf-
kins Flat where the clams were planted had a slower current
than Treadwells and Rowley Reef, and possessed a sort of soft
mud and sand. Treadwells was a hard mud flat on the side of
a swift current, where rapid growth was obtained for the planted
beds. Both places proved suitable for good growth.

Rowley

Reef.

Tread-
wells.

Lufkins.

North
Foresides.

Southwest
Head.

Date.

o
QQ

« If

o
s B

s a

•1

N B

— ©
OQ

Nov. 13, 1908, .
April 25, 1907, .
June 25, 1907,
Aug. 29, 1907,
May 10, 1908,

12.90
15.50
20.30
26.40
45.88

3,200
2,112
1,000

468
81

12.90
15.75
19.50
33.20

3,200

2,018

1,134

220

12.90
15.74
17.40
20.35
45.74

3,200.0
2,018.0
1,561.0

300.0
81.8

15.5
22.0
35.0

2,112
795

185

15.5
20.3

2,112

1,000

128 FISH AND GAME.

Conclusion. — The fate of heavy natural clam sets, as typified
by that at Rowley Reef, indicates that in this respect Nature is
destructive and wasteful. Of 2,000 clams to the square foot all
but 50 perished, and these were of but slight benefit to the Row-
ley clammers. Under natural conditions 25 per cent, of these
clams were wasted, having perished in the manner previously
described. The remedy for such a deplorable condition is ar-
rived at by simply transplanting the clams to unproductive flats
before they are destroyed. The potential producing power of the
967 bushels of small clams contained in this flat on Nov. 13,
1906, seems incredible. From some productive flats less than
500 two-year-old clams fill a bushel basket. If it had been pos-
sible to successfully transplant this set in its entirety at the end
of two years a total of 154,720 bushels would have resulted.
Even if half the number had survived the gain would have been
enormous, — far greater than in natural areas, where the set is
most uneven in its distribution. The value of these clams at
75 cents per bushel would have been in round numbers $110,000
to the town of Rowley, which could at slight expense have trans-
planted these clams to barren flats and provided profitable clam-
ming for the citizens. The direct cause of this continuous neglect
of natural resources is the present state of our shellfish laws,
whereby all power is delegated to the town, which can at will
either neglect or improve its valuable shellfish resources. Such
sets should be unrestrictedly State property, and not improvi-
dently controlled by an individual town.

The presence of such sets as that at Rowley Reef is a great
advantage to clam culture, since the necessity for artificial spat
collecting no longer exists when nature furnishes such an abun-
dance of seed clams. The planter then merely has to find such
places of heavy set and transfer the clams to his grant by any
method best adapted to his convenience. In this way these sets,
which under natural conditions are wasted and destroyed, may
be utilized for the public. The Rowley Reef set is not a solitary
instance but is one of many similar sets located in the various
coast towns, which afford means of easy and successful planting
if proper precautions are observed.

Enemies.
The numerous enemies of the larval clam have already been
described, but even when the young clam has set on good
ground, it is not free from enemies, and during this early period

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 129

great destruction ensues/ We will now consider certain of the
more important active enemies of both the young and the
adult.

Waterfowl. — At various hearings on bills for bird protection
before the Legislative committees on fisheries and game during
the past few years evidence has been submitted concerning the
destruction of shellfish by different species of waterfowl. From
facts submitted it was shown that quantities of clams were eaten
by coots, shelldrakes and other waterfowl. Although no clams
have ever been taken by the writer from the crops of such water
birds, other small adult shellfish of a similar nature have been
found. If these mollusks are eaten, it is very evident that the
small clams which lie near the surface might fall an easy prey
to these birds. Dr. Benjamin Sharp once personally described
the destruction of small sea clams (Mactra) by coots at Nan-
tucket, which indicates that small clams (Mya) could be taken
as readily by these birds. It is impossible to accurately estimate
the extent of destruction from this source.

Crabs. — The lady crab (Ovalipes ocellatus) is found in abun-
dance on sand flats, where it buries itself up to its eyes and
antennae in the sand and watches for prey or foe, quickly disap-
pearing beneath the surface by burrowing with its "paddles"
when danger approaches. The blue crab (Callinectes sepidus),
which has achieved fame as the edible soft-shelled crab, is less
abundant, and usually inhabits muddy shores. This species is
larger and more ferocious than the lady crab, and individually
may do more damage to clams. The lady crabs greedily devour
the small clams, which they dislodge as they scuttle backward
into the sand. However, their destructive influence is limited,
for in compact flats the clams cannot be turned out in this man-
ner, and only the small are thus captured. On one occasion four
clams lj inches in length were dropped into a pen containing
six lady crabs. One of the latter immediately seized a clam in
each large claw and hastened to devour its prey in a solitary
corner, but upon pursuit by a companion dropped one in its
flight, and finally consumed the remaining clam with the aid of
the mandibles, after having broken the valves apart by inserting
its claw and crushing the shell. For a while the other clams
remained unnoticed, although the crabs passed over them several
times, but eventually one was taken, and the captor chased as
before. This incident broke the spell, and the remaining clams
were then rapidly disposed of.

130 FISH AND GAME.

The horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus), king crab, or "horse-
foot" as it is commonly termed, is found along the Atlantic coast
from Maine to Mexico. It inhabits either tidal flats or those
just below low-water mark in the summer, being especially abun-
dant during the breeding season, when the eggs are deposited in
the sand. The male of this species is considerably smaller than
the female. It has a thorax in the form of a horseshoe, bearing
two pairs of eyes, and seven pairs of appendages on the under
surface; an abdominal portion on the under side of which are
several overlapping, platelike appendages; and a long movable
spine, which aids the animal in turning. The first pair of tho-
racic appendages are small and lie in front of the mouth, but
like the next four appendages they are tipped with claws which
enable the crab to seize, crush and devour young clams. These
crabs burrow through a bed of young clams, actually rooting
them from the soil, and gorge themselves with the victims. The
writer has examined the stomachs of crabs taken from thickly set
flats and without exception has found the contents to consist of a
mass of crushed clams in various stages of digestion. Consider-
able damage may be done by a single individual, since the ap-
petite of the crab appears to be insatiable, and culturists should
see that their grants are kept free of this voracious enemy.

Another species, the small hermit crab, found so commonly on
our beaches, has been observed to devour small clams which
were lying exposed on the surface, but damage from this source
is of minor importance.

Fish. — Although certain fish prey upon young clams, it has
yet to be proved that they do any damage to the adults. It is
a popular idea among the clammers that the flounder or flatfish
takes delight in biting off the tips of the siphons or necks of the
clams as it swims over the surface of a flat. If such is true the
flounder must necessarily exhibit surprising celerity to catch the
sensitive siphon, which is so readily retracted. The writer has
never been able to verify this theory by examination of the
stomachs of flatfish, nor has he ever found clams thus deprived
of the upper portion of their siphons. Such mollusks as Lcevi-
cardium mortoni and young razor clams (Ensis directris) have
been found in the stomachs of flounders, and, naturally, small
clams before they had burrowed deeply into the flat could be
taken in similar fashion by bottom-feeding fish. The species of
fish which are destructive to the oyster in southern waters can

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 131

do but little damage to the clam, and it may safely be concluded
that fish are not a menace to the adult clam but that certain
species do destroy the small clam.

The Oyster Drill. — Kellogg (2) reports the finding of small
clams the shells of which were perforated by the oyster drill
(Urosalpinx cinerea). However, this pest, so destructive to the
oyster, does but little damage to the buried clam, since it cannot
burrow far beneath the surface of the flat. Our records indicate
that only small clams are attacked and that the perforation
occurs at the upper end of the shell in the region of the
siphon.

The Starfish. — The starfish or "fivefinger" seldom is capable
of injuring the clam, which is well protected in its burrow. This
animal is the great pest of oyster planters, destroying thousands
of bushels of oysters each year. If the clams, like oysters, were
exposed on the surface, the starfish would attack them similarly
by forcing the valves apart by the slow concentrated action of its
sucking feet, and by passing its everted stomach into the shell
to digest the contents. Although the damage to adult clams is
very slight, the young clam offers a more serious problem. Mead
(13) and Kellogg (2) have shown that the young starfish during
its development preys particularly on young clams, destroying
enormous numbers. Thus in regions where the starfish abounds
we have an active enemy capable of doing considerable damage
to the clam set.

The Winkle. — By far the most destructive enemy of the adult
clam is the common winkle or cockle (Lunatia duplicata and L.
heros), which destroys the clam by boring a hole through the
shell. In Massachusetts there are three species, Lunatia heros,
L. duplicata and L. triseriata, the last possibly erroneously con-
sidered to be the young of L. heros. L. heros is more abundant
than L. duplicata, the latter being a more southern form, ranging
from Massachusetts Bay to the Gulf of Mexico; which, although
abundant in Vineyard Sound, rarely occurs on the north side of
Cape Cod. L. heros is found from Georgia to Labrador, occurs
in abundance on the flats in Massachusetts Bay, and has been
taken at a depth of 40 fathoms in Vineyard Sound. L. triseriata,
the small variety, is found in about the same locality. Accord-
ing to Verrill (10) in his "Invertebrates of Vineyard Sound,"
fossils of both L. heros and L. duplicata are found in the Miocene,
Pliocene and post Pliocene periods.

132 FISH AND GAME.

The adult snail inhabits a heavy spiral shell from 2 to 4 inches
in length, into which it can withdraw for protection, closing the
large aperture by means of a horny operculum attached to its
foot. The shell of L. duplicata is relatively less high, and the
angle at the apex is more obtuse than is that of L. heros, its
width exceeding its height, while in the region of the umbilicus
on the lower side there is a calcareous formation of purple color
which is lacking in L. heros. The shells of both species are usu-
ally of a dull bluish white or grayish color, but old age alters
the surface, which becomes rough and worn.

The most noticeable part of the animal's anatomy is the large
foot, which is protruded from the shell when the animal is crawl-
ing or burrowing. This muscular organ, with thin spreading
edges, gives the animal the typical snail appearance with the
small shell on the back and the proboscis or feeler in front. A
thick mucus is secreted which covers the foot with a slimy exu-
date, and, according to Verrill (10), assists the sucker-like action
of the concave under surface. By means of this foot the animal
can burrow in search of clams, sea clams, quahaugs and other
mollusks.

On protected harbor flats the usual size of L. heros is from 2
to 3 inches, but at Monomoy Point, Chatham, in more exposed
waters, they often reach a size of 4 inches.

Of particular interest is the radula or lingual ribbon, which is
set with rows of small teeth and enables the animal to drill a
clean, countersunk hole, from 1 to 4 millimeters in diameter,
through the shell of a clam. With the quahaug, which lives near
the surface, the perforation is at the umbones or back in nearly
every instance, but in case of the clam the point of attack varies,
since the clam, buried upright in the sand, can be reached only
by burrowing. To make its attack the cockle envelops the clam
with its muscular foot, and after making the perforation with its
rasping tongue, sucks out the contents. No mollusks are safe
from this potent enemy, and in some cases others of the same
species are a prey.

From observations upon lunatia confined in boxes with various
sized clams, it was ascertained that the size of the perforation
depends upon the size of the lunatia. A 2|-inch lunatia made
a 4j-millimeter hole. The experimental clams were placed in
boxes forty-eight hours before the lunatia were introduced, in
order to give them an opportunity to burrow well into the sand.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

133

Five sizes of lunatia were used, J, 1, lj, 2 and 2§ inches, re-
spectively, while 5 of each of the following sized clams were
used: 1, \\, 2 and 2|, one lunatia being assigned to a box con-
taining 20 clams. The results of two series of four days each
are shown in the following table: —

Table of Clams bored by Lunatia.
Experiment I.

Lunatia Size (Inch).

Clajms.

Total

1 inch.

W2 inch.

2 inch.

VA inch.

Destroyed.

2H,

Total

Experiment II.

1H, •
2,

2A, •
Total,

1^2

V/2

®A
VA

The conclusions from this experiment are as follows: —

1. One-half inch lunatia can do damage to clams over 1 inch
in size.

2. One or one and a half inch lunatia cannot operate on clams
over 2 inches in length.

3. Two-inch lunatia appear even more effective than the 2\-
inch size.

4. Eliminating the J-inch lunatia with inch clams, 4 lunatia
bored 28 clams in eight days, which indicates that 1 lunatia is a
potential destroyer of 7 clams in eight days, or about 26 clams
per month, if it worked continually. At this rate it would appear
that the cockle 'can satisfy its gastronomical propensities with

134 FISH AND GAME.

approximately 150 small clams in the course of the six summer
months. "With 2-inch clams, except in one instance, lunatia over
2 inches were alone effective, and performed their work nearly
twice as quickly as the smaller cockles.

Another method of determining the respective sizes of lunatia
and clams was to ascertain the depths to which various sized
lunatia could burrow. The larger a clam the deeper it settles
into the sand. In like manner, the burrowing faculties of the
lunatia increase proportionately with the size of the animal, but
beyond a certain limit it is manifestly impossible for the lunatia
to burrow deeply enough to attack the clam. Various sized
lunatia were placed in bottomless boxes which were covered
with screens and pushed into the sand to depths of 1, 2, 3, 4
and 6 inches, respectively. It was found that lunatia from 1 to
2|" inches in size could burrow under enclosures less than 3
inches deep, but none escaped from those between 3 and 6
inches in depth, indicating that this gasteropod probably does
not burrow to a depth of more than 3 inches below the sur-
face.

In spite of the fact that several experimental clam beds were
totally destroyed by this enemy, the danger is not to be feared
by the culturist, since cockles can be readily gathered for bait
at an even greater profit than clams.

During the last few years the industry of gathering cockles for
bait, especially for the rip-fishermen, has increased in importance.
These mollusks are found most abundantly in places of extensive
flats, such as Plymouth, Hingham, Boston Harbor, the Annis-
quam and Essex rivers, especially in the vicinity of large beds of
mussels, sea clams or clams. Formerly they were gathered by
hand, but as the supply became scarce they increased in value,
and the inhabitants of certain coast towns now make a regular
business of catching them with baited traps. This method is
practiced in the early spring from the first of March to the mid-
dle of May, when the cockles make their appearance on the flats.
During the remainder of the season they are picked up by hand.
To obtain them on soft mud flats use is sometimes made of a
rude board framework, similar in principle to snowshoes, which,
by reason of the increased surface, prevents the wearer from
sinking into the mud. In this manner the fisherman is able to
collect from one to five buckets per day, which he is able to dis-
pose of at the price of 90 cents or more per bucket.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 135

At Hingham the traps are made in the following manner:
from the iron tire of a wagon wheel, cut down to make a circle
some 30 inches in diameter, is suspended a bowl of 1-inch mesh
twine netting. The rim is suspended by three ropes joining some
distance above the trap to another rope, which in turn is at-
tached to a floating buoy. To bait the trap some dozen crabs
are fastened around the rim by thrusting a stick through the
body into the meshes of the net. If crabs are not readily
obtainable fish heads are used. One man may easily operate
as many as thirty such traps, which require attention but once
a day. The average haul is perhaps one-tenth of a bucket to a
trap.

Until used the cockles are confined in cars, which usually are
made 10 by 6 by If feet, with slats of 2-inch furring, \ inch apart.
During the summer the fishermen call for these cockles once a
month or more. In the spring as many as fifty buckets of
cockles may be kept without risk in one car, but in the summer,
because of the heat, it is not safe to keep more than twenty.

The cockle industry in Massachusetts possesses certain pos-
sibilities of development, since the supply of cockles under pres-
ent methods of fishing will inevitably be exhausted unless some
means is found for increasing their numbers. The possibility of
rearing the young has as yet not been investigated, but it is
hoped that some enterprising fishermen may enter this promising
field.

The peculiar egg cases of cockles, in the form of sand collars,
which are often seen on flats and beaches, are composed mostly
of sand cemented together by a gluelike material. In these col-
lars there are numerous little vestibules containing the eggs.
Verrill (10) states that: —

The peculiar form of these egg masses is due to the fact that they are
molded into shape by being pressed against the body of the shell when they
are being extruded, and while they are still soft and gelatinous; they thus
take the form and spiral curvation of that part of the shell, and when laid
in the sand the fine grains at once adhere to and become imbedded in
the tenacious mucus, which soon hardens.

The egg case of L. duplicata differs from L. heros in having a
crinkled edge, that of the latter being smooth and plain. A
specimen of L. duplicata 1J inches in size was found which had

136 FISH AND GAME.

laid a case 3-f inches in diameter and lj inches high. During
the spawning season in June and July the cockles apparently
enter shallow water to spawn, and deposit their egg cases on
the sandy beaches or flats. The practical application of cockle
propagation lies in the possibility of collecting the cases, hatch-
ing the eggs, and rearing the young in enclosed tidal pools.

The rate of growth invariably depends upon the amount of
food consumed rather than upon the age of the cockle. At the
present time information with regard to the actual time requisite
for the cockle to attain maturity is as yet incomplete. What
few observations were made at Monomoy Point in 1906 indicate
that growth is rather slow. Various sized cockles confined up
to Oct. 22, 1906, in three boxes covered with netting and partly
filled with sand, which contained numerous clams for food, gave
the following results: —

(A) 40-millimeter lunatia gained 5.75 millimeters in width.

(B) 29-millimeter lunatia gained 3.83 millimeters in width.

An average gain in width of 4.53 millimeters (J inch) was
obtained in two months.

Worms. — The question of the actual damage caused by worms
is indefinite, and a decisive answer is practically impossible, ow-
ing to our inability to secure reliable data. As regards directly
injuring the clam, the majority of worms are harmless, but in-
directly they interfere with the food supply. However, the con-
ditions which are unfavorable for clams are apparently favorable
for worms, thus giving the misleading impression that the worms
and not the environment bring about their destruction.

The clam worm (Nereis virens, N. lumbata, N. pelagica), occa-
sionally used for bait, is common on mud, sand and gravel flats.
Its head is armed with strong, pinching jaws and a large, re-
tractile proboscis, which enables it to prey on various marine
forms. The greenish red body is rounded above, flat below, and
is divided into separate segments, equipped with projecting tac-
tile parapodia which function as limbs. Nereis is often found on
flats in close association with clams, a fact which undoubtedly
accounts for the name of clam worm. Frequently, clam shells
containing the worm are dug up, thus lending credence to the
fallacv that the worm .destroys clams, but no case has ever been

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 137

recorded where a clam was either actually killed or in process of
being devoured by this worm. In boxes suspended from a raft
at Monomoy Point, in which clams were kept for growth ex-
periments, several young clam worms, not exceeding three inches
in length, were found in 1908. Yet all the clams in these boxes
were in good condition, which is further evidence that this species
is not harmful.

Glycera americana is a long, smooth, segmented worm tapering
at both extremities, and has a large proboscis armed with four
hook-like jaws, similar to those of Nereis. It inhabits flats,
but is less common and apparently does no damage to clams,
since it has been found in experimental boxes with healthy
clams.

The presence of numerous tube worms (Clymenella) on a flat
is usually an indication of an absence of clams, such flats being
unfitted for clam growth. This species constructs almost per-
pendicular tubes of pure sand, which project slightly above the
surface of the flat. They can hardly be considered as enemies of
the clam, although they may possibly consume the same type
of food, and may devour the larval clams. On examination, no
diatoms have been found in the stomachs and intestines of these
worms. The conditions best suited for this worm are unsatis-
factory for clam life, which accounts for the rarity of clams
where they are abundant.

The Meckelia, recognized by fishermen as the "tape worm,"
is a large, flat, ribbon-like, flesh-colored worm, usually found in
mud or sand flats between tide lines, where it remains a few
•inches below the surface. Exact measurements are impossible,
as the worm is continually expanding and contracting. The
adult is from two to three feet in length and about one inch in
width. When disturbed it readily breaks into several parts, each
of which may regenerate to form a new individual. On one occa-
sion a large specimen when placed upon a laboratory table lay
in a sticky mucus, one part of the body seeming to flow to an-
other in a series of wavelike expansions, which enabled the ani-
mal to progress slowly. The worm repeatedly thrust out a
slender banded proboscis two inches long and one-sixteenth of
an inch in diameter, which coiled and uncoiled on the table.
When the worm was picked up the proboscis, covered with mu-
cus, shot forward and coiled around the observer's fingers, caus-
ing a cool or burning sensation. When placed in formalin by a

138 FISH AND GAME.

forcible ejection it cast off the entire proboscis, which evidently
was used as a feeler or sensory organ.

Sometimes this worm occurs in flats where many dead clams
are found, and the question naturally arises as to whether it
destroys this mollusk. A clam found by Mr. J. R. Stevenson
on Grey's Flat, Kingston, with the rim of the mantle and siphon
still remaining, contained inside the shell a living tape worm
about 4 inches long. Other similar instances have also been
observed where it appeared as if the worm had destroyed the
clam.

On Jeremy's Point, Wellfleet, a clam was found with a 4-inch
Meckelia inside the shell. In this case the soft body of the clam
was gone, but the mantle, siphon and muscles were still intact
and undecayed, showing that it had only recently been killed.
The specimen was brought to the laboratory and placed in a
small aquarium, when the worm soon crawled out of the shell.
During the remainder of its stay of three days in the aquarium
it refused to notice the clam, the water finally becoming so foul
that it died. Here the evidence points strongly to the fact that
the clam was killed by the worm. The fact that the worm did
not resume its activities might, however, throw doubt upon a
hasty conclusion.

It may be stated conservatively that, although instances may
be extant where Meckelia have destroyed clams directly, their
prevalence on flats unsuited for clams is rather due to natural
conditions favorable for their existence but unfavorable to clam
life.

Passive Enemies. — Certain forms of life injure the clam pasr
sively by direct interference with its growth or indirectly by
depriving it of necessary food. Mussels and many other species,
considered valueless at present, assimilate the same food as the
clam, in this way exerting a mildly injurious influence. The
mussel beds serve as collectors for clam set, but at the same time
destroy many small clams by deposited silt. Diseases are in-
clined to spread over a flat where the circulation of water is
poor, and infected clams quickly contaminate their neighbors.

Man. — The influence of man has had severe and far-reaching
effects upon the decrease in the clam supply in two ways, either
directly in overthrowing the balance of Nature by ill-advised
methods of clamming, or indirectly through pollution of waters;
but much of the damage may be repaired if man will only assist
Nature in its renewal of the supply. By such unwise exploita-

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 139

tion it has been reduced to a seriously depleted state. Excessive
and ill-advised digging in certain localities has brought the clams
to almost complete extinction by the method of taking scattered
clams, thus totally depleting acres of flats.

Overdigging is deleterious in its effect in the following ways:
(1) adult clams which are capable of furnishing spawn are re-
moved, which naturally leads to a diminution in the reproduc-
tive capacity of the bed; (2) actual destruction results from
breakage of the shells, and the inability of the injured clam to
burrow again in the soil; (3) the number of clams taken from
the average flat is greater than its productive capacity, which
will result inevitably in a progressive depletion.

With the advent of man upon New England shores came also
domestic animals, and we read with interest in Winsor's "His-
tory of Boston" that "swine were doubtless instrumental in
eradicating clams and mussels at the points they visited, since
it is well known that, at localities in the west where they are
allowed to run at large, they quickly destroy the fresh-water
mussels in all the streams where in seasons of drought they can
gain access to these animals."

Pollution. — The area of available clam flats has greatly di-
minished during past years owing to restriction of certain har-
bors, such as Boston, Lynn and New Bedford, which the State
Board of Health, after due investigation, have considered unfit
for the production of edible clams. The reason for this action
was occasioned by the numerous typhoid epidemics which have
been traceable in many instances to shellfish from sewage-pol-
luted waters. The curtailing of this available clam territory is
greatly to be deplored, and while protective from the standpoint
of the public health, it is by no means a curative measure. The
true remedy lies in removal of the causative agents which have
produced this condition. Unnecessary pollution of public waters
by sewage and manufacturing wastes should be prohibited, and
then the present distressing condition of our rivers and streams
would be at least ameliorated if not fully remedied. It is our
purpose to make an unbiased statement concerning some con-
ditions now existent on clam flats of the State in an endeavor
to attract the attention of the public to the necessity of imme-
diate, thorough reform by means of proper legislation. In pre-
senting these facts we wish to specify particularly that the clam
industry or clammers of any one section are not the objects of
our criticism, but rather the underlying causes which have been

140 FISH AND GAME.

operating during the past century by reason of the laxity of our
laws. Many conditions cannot be remedied, but in numerous
instances their noxious features may readily be avoided at a
comparatively slight expense.

When the first settlers landed upon the "rock-bound coasts' '
of New England all our streams and tidal waters were unpolluted.
As the colony expanded and the various towns arose along the
rivers near the ocean, these waters were considered the natural
exits for refuse and waste. Towns rapidly enlarged into cities
with extensive industrial interests, and the volume of sewage and
manufacturing wastes proportionately increased, with little or no
effort to prevent such a wanton practice. In this way the fish-
eries of some of the finest rivers in this Commonwealth, the
Merrimac, Connecticut, Taunton, Charles and Mystic, have been
ruined. Pollution has not been confined to fresh water alone,
but has irretrievably ruined for commercial value shellfish beds
in many salt-water rivers and harbors.

The soft clam, unlike the oyster and little-neck or quahaug, is
rarely eaten raw, which fact materially lessens the danger of
typhoid infection. It feeds in a similar manner to the oyster,
acting as a living filter by straining all microscopic life from in-
flowing water by means of the tiny cilia of the gills. Then if
any pathogenic bacteria, such as the typhoid bacillus, are present
in the water, they are collected in concentrated form. The con-
sumer who by chance takes such clams raw or imperfectly cooked
ingests this accumulation of bacteria, with the possibility of
serious results. Fortunately, in the majority of instances the
clam before being eaten is subjected to a sufficiently high tem-
perature to destroy pathogenic bacteria. Undoubtedly in the
case of the clam the danger of infection from contaminated
waters has been to some extent exaggerated in the public mind.
Nevertheless, the fact remains that it has been essential to close
large tracts of clam flats in the interests of the public health.
The great problem which confronts us at the present time is the
legitimate utilization of such areas.

Even more important than the purity of the water in which
the clam lives is the application of sanitary methods in its
handling and preparation for market. Yet this important con-
sideration is neglected by the general public. The clammer is
hardly to be criticized for ordinary negligence in sanitation, since
the average man, if placed under similar circumstances, would com-
mit similar indiscretions from lack of knowledge. Nevertheless,

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 141

in justice to the majority of clammers of this Commonwealth, the
few who are guilty of practices directly prejudicial to public health
should be restrained. Whoever either through carelessness or
ignorance sends clams to market from an unsanitary environ-
ment potentially injures not only the health of the consumer but
the business of every man engaged in the clam fishery. When
the public fully realizes the importance of the use of proper care
in marketing shellfish, the fishermen as a class will reap the
reward of diminished trade resulting from the careless neglect of
the few.

Clams are marketed in two ways: in the shell as " steamers"
or shucked. In the case of the first class the danger of con-
tamination in transit is negligible provided the clams are dug
from clean flats, properly handled, washed with pure water, and
packed in clean barrels for market. With shucked clams the
sanitary condition of opening shanties is essentially important,
since chances of contamination are greatly enhanced. Such places
should receive systematic and thorough inspection. For the most
part they comprise small shacks or cabins, where the clams are
opened for market, and in these absolute sanitary cleanliness
should be maintained. The opener in the typically unhygienic
and unclean shanty usually sits on a stool or low chair with a
bucket or basket of clams beside him. In front of him is a tub
of questionable cleanliness partly filled with water, which is often
of such a character as to be considered unfit to drink, into which
the shucked clams are thrown. The tub is admirably adapted
to collection of dirt and other refuse as well as clams, and per-,
chance if an opened clam slips to the dirty floor, it invariably
is tossed with the adherent dirt into the tub. However, this case
as cited may be taken as an example of the worst type of un-
sanitary preparation for market. Fortunately, such cases are
few, but they are sufficiently numerous to warrant the inspec-
tion and regulation of the opening shanties. By the enforcement
of a simple law governing the inspection of shellfish, the interests
of the public, the dealers and the fishermen would all be safe-
guarded. Persons guilty of such deplorable practices should be
made to appreciate the danger and should be instructed in the
proper handling of their product.

The practice of swelling or soaking shucked clams is to be
deplored. In the report upon the "Scallop Fishery" is a de-
scription of how the small yellow "eye" or adductor muscle of the
scallop is soaked in fresh water until it has increased one-third

142 FISH AND GAME.

of its former size by the swelling of the tissues, and how it is
converted into a plump white body more tempting in appear-
ance to a prospective consumer. While soaking brings a tem-
porary reward to fishermen through an increase in immediate
returns, the consumer loses not only the sweet flavor of the un-
soaked product, but actually receives less nourishment, since the
nutritive value is also depreciated by this process. When a
clam has been immersed in fresh water for several hours it in-
creases about one-third in bulk by infiltration of the tissues with
water through osmosis. This, of course, enables the clammer to
materially increase the volume of his product and present to the
consumer finer appearing clams. Although this practice results
in loss of nutritive material and flavor it causes no danger to
public health if the soaking is carried on with sanitary precau-
tions. The only possible sources of contagion in this process
would be either from the water used or the tubs, which should
be harmless if clean and properly sterilized. Danger is occa-
sioned by the use of unclean utensils and water from contami-
nated wells.

Chemical waste and sewage exert a detrimental effect upon the
clam. The precipitation of sewage sludge renders flats unsuit-
able for the clam growth. The idea prevails that clams thrive
most readily at the mouths of sewers, chiefly because more food
is supposed to be present. In the immediate vicinity of sewers
this fact is not true; the food perhaps may be more abundant,
but the benefit is offset by a great preponderance of suspended
organic material in the water, which renders proper feeding a
mechanical impossibility. The putrefactive changes which or-
ganic matter undergoes indirectly have a detrimental effect upon
the clam growth. The waste products of gas factories, chiefly
that of water-gas tar, have been shown to destroy oysters, and,
even if not fatal to clams, necessarily would have a deleterious
effect by imparting a tarry flavor, credited to clams taken from
certain waters entering into Boston Harbor. Perhaps the great-
est damage from manufacturing wastes is in making flats un-
tenantable for young clams. Soft silt on the surface of a flat pre-
vents a set, and the clam larvse soon perish in the soft ooze,
while the oily film on the surface of the water probably destroys
vast numbers before the swimming larvse attain sufficient size
to set. In this way good clam flats may become unproductive
and the clams unfit for food.

The history of sanitary shellfish legislation is interesting as

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 143

exhibiting discrepancies between enactment and enforcement of
laws. In 1901 it was enacted that the Commissioners on Inland
Fisheries and Game (now the Commissioners on Fisheries and
Game), whenever so requested in writing by the State Depart-
ment of Health, should prohibit the taking of oysters, clams,
scallops and quahaugs from tidal waters or flats of any part of
the Commonwealth for such period of time as the latter might
designate. The penalty for violation of this measure was a fine
of not less than $5 nor more than $10 for the first offence and
not less than $50 nor more than $100 for each subsequent offence.
Unfortunately, the beneficial effect of this law in protecting pub-
lic health by restricting sewage-polluted areas was made void by
another bill in 1907 which permitted the taking of shellfish from
these areas for bait, if permits were first secured from local
boards of health. As a matter of fact, it is impracticable to
properly enforce the law, since it is possible only in rare in-
stances to keep any single lot of clams under surveillance from
the time of digging until they have been used as bait. Unre-
stricted prevention of clam digging in these areas with severe
penalties is the only means by which public health can be safe-
guarded under present conditions.

The waters in the immediate vicinity of many productive clam
flats have been found to be more or less polluted, as revealed by
an inspection of the clam flats of Massachusetts in 1910, at
which time certain of the immediate sources of contamination
were recorded. A brief outline of this 1910 survey is here
given: —

The Merrimac River is one of the worst examples of the results of
pollution from manufacturing sources. The cities of Lowell and Lawrence
and Newburyport have for years emptied wastes into this river. This
condition, in addition to dam obstructions, has contributed to the ex-
tinction of the salmon, shad and alewife fisheries in its waters. At the
mouth of this river on the south bank lie the extensive Joppa Flats, some
1,080 acres in area, while on the north bank are the Salisbury Flats,
covering 250 acres. The immediate source of pollution is the city of
Newburyport, as but few culverts empty into the river on the Salisbury
side. The sewage system of the city consists of 2,215 regular drains, 3,144
connections, 30 culverts and 2 mains, one of which empties directly upon
the clam flats. In addition to this 25 private sewers empty into the river.
Twelve manufacturing plants, distilleries, shoe and cloth mills discharge
their waste wholly or partially into the stream. In spite of the polluted
nature of the water quantities of clams are dug for market from these

144 FISH AND GAME.

flats, and the only remedy for this unsanitary and even dangerous state
of affairs is the proper regulation of the sources of pollution by the different
cities.

At Ipswich 100 private sewers, 10 public sewers and the sanitary sys-
tems of 2 mills were found to empty into Ipswich River. Dyes and other
refuse from 2 woolen mills and part of the waste from a gas factory add
to the pollution. Fortunately, the greater part of the clam flats are 2
to 3 miles from the source of this pollution, and for that reason the mar-
keted clams are reasonably safe, but for the good name of "Ipswich
clams'' these sources of pollution should be removed.

The only pollution entering Essex River is a small amount of
refuse from 2 shipyards and from street culverts. At Gloucester
the waste from 2 factories and the sewage from a hospital and
a number of summer cottages are discharged into the Annisquam
River. The major portion of the contaminating material is emp-
tied into water that does not affect the clam flats. The clam
fishery between Gloucester and Lynn is so insignificant as to
render a consideration of the question of pollution superfluous.
Lynn and Boston harbors have already been adjudged unfit and
set aside by the State Department of Health. In the case of
Plymouth Harbor the sewer empties about 50 feet from the
shore. In addition to this a gas house, 2 woolen mills and the
Plymouth Cordage Works empty refuse into the harbor. At
Wareham an electric power plant empties refuse into the Aga-
wam River, while at Edgartown 4 small sewers discharge near
the clam flats. In the vicinity of Mattapoisett a schoolhouse
sewer leads to the water. Owing to the tremendous amounts of
pollution entering the Acushnet River from New Bedford and
Fairhaven this stream has previously been closed by the State
Department of Health.

The Taunton River conveys sewage and manufacturing wastes
from Taunton, which has 29.7 miles of sewers and a population
of 30,067, from a bleachery and paper mill at North Dighton,
and from private sewers at Somerset. The city of Fall River,
with a population of 115,097, in addition to its 71.35 miles of
sewer's emptying by 11 mains directly into Mount Hope Bay,
contributes the wastes from 8 large manufacturing plants.

Movements.
The movements of the clam may be grouped into two classes,
the burrowing of the adult and the migratory activities of the
young. Occasionally the adult is turned out of its burrow by

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 145

the clammer or by natural agents, but its anatomical structure
renders it unfit for any movement except downward in the sand.
Therefore the culturist is certain of retaining a planted bed un-
less his grant is situated in an exposed location.

When the clam is exposed on a flat by a clammer, it lies inert
until covered by the rising tide. When once immersed its ac-
tivity begins. From the anterior end of the shell, opposite the
siphon or "snout," is extended a small white arrow-shaped organ,
the foot, which has been enlarged several times its normal size
by engorgement with fluid from the rest of the body. The ex-
tended foot works down between the sand grains and slowly
lifts on end the shell, which disappears into the soil in a series
of jerks by a pulling action of the foot. At Monomoy in coarse
sand measuring from the surface of the soil to the uppermost
point of the shell, 38-millimeter clams averaged a depth of 4.07
inches below the surface, 64-millimeter, 5.53 inches, and 75-
millimeter, 5.73 inches. Clams in a pure sand flat apparently
live at a deeper level than in a mud or gravel soil.

The length of time for burrowing depends upon three factors:
(1) the size of the clam, (2) its activity, and (3) the character of
the soil. Large clams take longer to burrow as they are less
active, have a greater displacement, and owing to the relatively
smaller size of the foot require more propelling force to enter
the soil. From the standpoint of the planter, Mead (16) has
carefully studied the burrowing of clams of different sizes under
various conditions. His results showed that the larger clams
take longer to burrow than the smaller clams and that a smaller
percentage bury themselves. In transplanting clams he found it
best to keep the small seed in moist seaweed, and plant them on
unfurrowed soil, allowing them to burrow naturally instead of
ploughing them in.

The consistency of the soil regulates the speed of burrowing,
as harder soils make the entrance of the clam more difficult. In
addition to age, the activity of the clam is governed by the tem-
perature of the water, cold producing a state of torpidity. When
the temperature of the water runs below 45 to 50 degrees Fahren-
heit they burrow more slowly, and often lie exposed on the sur-
face, a fact which culturists should bear in mind when planting
during winter months.

Clammers report that in winter clams burrow more deeply
into the soil and work toward the surface in the spring, but this
observation has not been verified by the writer. The depth at

146 FISH AND GAME.

which a clam is buried is dependent upon its size and the nature
of the soil in which it lies. Doubtless clams are found at a
lower level in winter, owing to increased growth during the pre-
vious summer, but there is no evidence that they rise in their
burrows.

The young clam on reaching the attachment stage has rela-
tively a much larger foot than the adult, which enables it to
creep or burrow in the sand. Kellogg (4 and 6) has demon-
strated in at least a large percentage of cases that the young
Mya passes through a migratory stage in its existence, during
which it attaches itself to seaweeds or other substances by its
byssus before it finally settles into the sand. He says: —

The small clams are restless, and apparently always desire to creep
about. Though the [byssus] threads are many times the length of the
body, they allow of little movement. From time to time the thread is
cast off, for, once attached at its ends to sand grains or other bodies, it
cannot be loosed. The clam then creeps about by means of its foot, but
soon spins a new thread, at the same time attaching it by its free ends.
This may be repeated many times, as the clam never remains for any
length of time unattached.

Very early the young clam manifests the digging instinct. Being a
helpless creature, and subject to attack by enemies (notably small star-
fish), it is necessary that it should cover itself in the bottom as soon as
possible. When but little more than a millimeter in length, the creature
thrusts its tiny foot down between the sand grains in a tireless effort to
obtain a lodgment. This cannot be accomplished, however, for the light
body is still not much larger than the sand grains which it attempts to
displace. When a length of 2 or 3 millimeters is reached, the body is
sometimes partially or perhaps wholly covered, if the sand of the bottom
is very fine. When a length of 6 or 7 millimeters is reached, a clam is
able to dig below the surface on any bottom, and is able to cover itself
with much celerity.

Even in its burrow, the small clam exhibits a strange restlessness. It
repeatedly casts off the byssus from its body, digs out to the surface, and
creeps away, only to go down and again attach itself.

The ordinary crawling of the young clam, like that of the
quahaug, is accomplished by a pulling movement of the foot.
The small clam opens its valves, stretches out its foot hesitat-
ingly, lashes it to and fro for a second, and then applies the
distal end to a suitable resting place. In this position the two
retractor muscles of the foot are relaxed. The remainder of the
foot, with the elbow-like byssal gland, is extruded, and this

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 147

movement draws the shell down slightly and in the direction
of the tip of the foot, while the anterior end of the shell, that
nearest the foot, tips down toward it. This movement is due
to contraction of the anterior retractor. Then as the posterior
retractor shortens, the foot is drawn into the shell, which results
in advancing the shell as far as the distal end of the foot, and
causes it to assume its original position, having covered a dis-
tance corresponding to the length of the extruded foot. Half-
grown Gemma and young Venus mercenaria have been observed
to employ similar movements, and very probably many lamel-
libranchs use this means of locomotion during early life. Young
Amonia and Pecten travel by means of a straight pull with the
foot with no tipping of the shell, due either to the absence or
lack of development of the anterior retractor muscle of the foot.
The backward movement described for the quahaug in a pre-
vious report is likewise performed by the clam. In observing a
0.7-millimeter clam it was ascertained that the average move-
ment took 5.1 seconds, the longest 10, and the shortest 2. Two
or 3 millimeter clams burrowed within one minute from time of
first extending the foot.

The clam less than 1 inch in length is not imbedded in the
soil deeply enough to prevent washing out and the animal is
thus frequently forced to migrate. Many of our experimental
beds have been filled with small clams from neighboring locali-
ties, a condition which often caused confusion in the records of
the planted clams, and rendered difficult the determination of
set. Clams on rippled wave-washed flats are occasionally car-
ried away before they attain adult size, a difficulty with which
the prospective culturist must contend. At Plymouth and Well-
fleet seed clams were washed out and completely disappeared
from the beds on exposed flats. Therefore it may be considered
that the movements of the young clam depend upon its size,
its environment and natural forces being brought to bear upon
its existence. But once having attained a size sufficient to bur-
row deeply in the soil, it loses its power of voluntarily moving
from place to place.

Recovery from Injury.
Frequently clams are broken in numerous ways by the inex-
perienced and occasionally by the experienced clammers. Un-
less the fracture is too extensive the wound is healed by the
formation of a layer of new shell inside the old. Though the

148 FISH AND GAME.

old crack never joins it is held together by substratum of new
growth, secreted by the mantle. Usually the breaks are more
serious than mere cracks, and being unable to burrow the clam
perishes on the surface of the flat. In a few tests made at Mon-
omoy Point with broken clams various sorts of shell wounds
were found to heal. One test consisted in mutilating large and
small clams in five different ways, viz., breaking the edges of the
shell, puncturing a small hole just below the umbo, clipping a
piece from the tip of the siphon and breaking the anterior and
posterior ends of the shell. Small clams exhibited greater recu-
perative powers than the large, as 43 per cent, of the former
recovered as compared with 30 per cent, of the latter. None of
the small clams recovered after breaking shell edges, while 40
per cent, of the large clams similarly treated were alive after
one month; 83 per cent, of the small clams recovered after hav-
ing a small hole drilled through the shell below the umbo, while
none of the large clams survived; 50 per cent, of the small clams
and 60 per cent, of the large recovered after removal of a piece
from the tip of the siphon; 25 per cent, of the large clams and
42 per cent, of the small recovered after having the ends of their
shells broken. It is well for the clam culturist to realize that
slight breaks are not necessarily fatal to the clam and that for
this reason broken ones should not be wholly discarded.

The Food Value.

Clams are shipped to market both in the shell, as " steamers "
and "shucked." Naturally the consumer is interested in quan-
tity and quality of clam "meat" rather than in the appearance
of the shell, in spite of the fact that the clammer markets the
attractive sand clam in the shell while he "shucks" the less
prepossessing mud clam. Since in our growth experiments we
have dealt only with the increase of the shell, it might perhaps
be interesting to consider the relation between shell and meat
in the different varieties of clams.

To determine the ratio between meat and shell simple tests
were made on clams of five sizes between 45 and 85 millimeters
in length from four localities, Newburyport, Ipswich, Essex and
Plymouth. The method of work consisted in (1) obtaining the
desired sizes from freshly dug clams, care being taken to select
no abnormal specimens; (2) determining the total weight; (3)
the removal of tfre meats, fluid and waste, in the customary
market manner; (4) weighing the meats and waste; (5) record-

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 149

ing the natural conditions of the flats from which clams were
taken; and (6) obtaining the volume of the different parts by
water displacement.

According to the results of At water and Langworthy (16) the
clam in the shell shows a composition of 43.6 per cent, refuse
material, 48.4 per cent, water, 4.8 per cent, protein, .6 per cent,
fat, 1.1 per cent, carbohydrates and 1.5 per cent, mineral matter,
making the total nutrients 8 per cent. Canned clams were found
to contain 84.5 per cent, water, 9 per cent, protein, 1.3 per
cent, fat, 2.9 per cent, carbohydrates and 2.3 per cent, mineral
matter, thus affording 15.5 per cent, of nutritive material, which
is greater than that of the canned oyster, with 14.7 per cent.,
and less than the canned quahaug, which averages 17 per
cent.

The Meat. — As with the quahaug, the greater part of the
solid contents of the clam is used as food. The waste portion
consists solely of the tip of the siphon, the edge of the mantle,
and a portion of the adductor muscle left adhering to the shell,
which in all amounts to 5.04 per cent., while the edible portion
averages 34.55 per cent, of the total weight. With increasing
age the flesh, particularly in the region of the siphon, becomes
yellow and tough, which tends to render an old specimen, not
necessarily a large clam, less palatable.

Among future possibilities is the production of clams with
characteristic flavors, since it is believed that the various species
of microscopic plants present in the water give a diversity of
flavor to mollusks. ,\Yhen more detailed information concerning
the food of the clam is available it may be possible to do much
towards the creation of such special flavors by artificially cul-
tivating these particular food forms. In this connection it may
properly be mentioned that the presence of oils, chemicals and
other manufacturing wastes frequently render the flesh of clams
distasteful.

The Shell. — The material for shell formation is assimilated
by the tissues of the body from the inorganic salts which are in
solution in the water and then deposited as shell. Soil is not
absolutely essential for shell formation, since clams have been
found to grow when kept without sand, in wire baskets sus-
pended in the water. The character of the soil, as shown below,
indirectly exerts an appreciable effect upon the type of shell
formation. The rate of growth is also important, as the more
rapidly growing clams possess a lighter and more delicate shell.

150

FISH AND GAME.

As the clam increases in size the weight of its shell in terms of
the total weight relatively increases but slightly, since the older
shell is heavier, except where its substance has been corroded by
organic acids in the soil.

The following table gives the values in per cent, by weight for
an average 60-millimeter (2-f inches) clam in different classes of
soil. From 100 pounds of clams by weight the consumer ob-
tains 34.55 pounds of meat.

Influence of Soil.

Shell.

Meat.

Waste.

Fluid.

Sand

50.41

37.74

5.11

6.74

Sandy mud, .

50.82

37.79

5.25

6.14

Mud

53.46

32.43

4.60

9.51

Gravel and clay,

57.98

30.24

5.19

6.59

Average, .

53.17

34.55

5.04

7.24

While it is impossible to eliminate the influence of current
upon clam growth, the above table indicates the general effect
of different types of soil upon the shell. First, the sand clam
has the lightest shell, sometimes styled the "paper shell." Sec-
ondly, the sandy mud clam in some localities, where the soil is
little more than a tenacious sand, varies little from the pure
sand clam. Thirdly, the mud clam has heavier shell and greater
width. Fourthly, the gravel clam has a characteristically rough,
heavy shell. The general shape and appearance of sand and
mud clams are radically different. The mud clam is wider and
appears to have grown more sluggishly than the smooth, slim
sand clam. The shell of the gravel or stony flat clam is rough
and heavy, and often shows marked deformities. Possibly this
strength and ruggedness have been necessitated by the irritating
nature of its environment. As the weight of the shell increases
that of the meat proportionately decreases, and though the dif-
ference is not entirely accounted for by the increased weight of
the shell, more value may be obtained by the purchase of sand
clams by weight than either the mud or gravel. As the clam
increases in size it changes but slightly the relative proportion
of its parts, as may be deduced from the table below. While
the shell becomes comparatively heavier the meat likewise in-
creases in weight, with a corresponding decrease in the waste
material.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

151

Size (Millimeters).

Shell
(Per Cent.).

Meat
(Per Cent.).

Waste
(Per Cent.).

Fluid
(Per Cent.).

65,

52.80
51.94
53.87
54.04

32.08
35.24
35.71
35.17

5.62
5.12
5.05
4.37

9.50
7.70
5.37
6.42

Comparative Food Value. — In a comparison of the food values
of the clam, quahaug and scallop it is necessary to eliminate
fluid volume from consideration, as with the scallop this is an
uncertain quantity. Again, only the adductor muscle of the
scallop is eaten, wThile the entire solid contents of the quahaug
and clam are consumed. Considering the weight of the shell
and the edible content, the latter, though practically the same
weight for weight in both the quahaug and scallop, being 17.85
per cent, for the quahaug and 17.77 per cent, for the scallop, is
much higher for the clam, in which the edible portion is 37.24
per cent. The weight of the quahaug shell in considering such
values is 82.15 per cent., that of the clam 57.32 per cent., and
of the scallop 49.43 per cent., while the soft nonedible parts of
the clam amount to 5.44 per cent, and of the scallop to 32.80
per cent.

Shell
(Per Cent.).

Edible Meat
(Per Cent.).

Nonedible

Meat
(Per Cent.).

Clam,

Scallop,

Quahaug,

57.32
49.43
82.15

37.24
17.77
17.85

5.44
32.80

CLAM CULTURE.

The Decline. — The diminution of the natural supply has been
brought many times to the attention of the general public by
the difficulty in obtaining good clams at a reasonable price. In
certain localities laws safeguarding the public health, by re-
stricting the area of productive clam flats, have brought about
a decline, but in a general sense the decrease in the natural sup-
ply has been caused by the lamentable practice of overfishing.
Even in the towns of Newburyport, Rowley, Essex and Glouces-
ter, the best clam producing sections of the Commonwealth,

152 FISH AND GAME.

the natural supply has shown signs of failing. South of Boston
the depletion of the clam beds has been even more noticeable.
A striking illustration of this condition is furnished by Plymouth
Harbor, where a yast area of flats which formerly yielded the
famous "Duxbury clams" is now barren and practically unpro-
ductive. The Buzzards Bay district barely yields sufficient to
supply home consumption, and the same is true of the shore of
Cape Cod. For a detailed statement of this decline the reader
is referred to the report on the "Mollusk Fisheries" for 1909.

The specific causes of the decrease in the clam supply can be
readily enumerated: (1) the destruction of certain productive
flats by natural forces, such as shifting sand, changing currents
and heavy storms; (2) the restriction of productive areas, owing
to sewage pollution; and (3) the exploitation of the natural clam
beds by overdigging, a direct result of the increasing popularity
of the clam as a sea food.

The Remedy. — Not only the clammers but the consumers as
well may properly ask what can be done to increase the supply
of clams. The Commissioners on Fisheries and Game now sub-
mit a plan for regulating the clam-producing territory of the
Commonwealth. In brief, it is to restore the barren and un-
productive flats to their former thriving condition by planting
clams, in this way preventing the inevitable decline and even
producing a greater supply than under natural conditions. Ex-
periments have demonstrated that clams may be successfully
transplanted and that their cultivation is a practical undertak-
ing. Not only may barren areas be restocked and made fruitful,
but the slender harvest of the mildly productive areas can be
notably increased.

To accomplish this end it will be necessary to radically change
the conditions now prevalent in the clamming sections. There
is no question but that clams can be profitably transplanted and
grown; but their extensive culture cannot be instituted except
along systematic lines, which means that the individual fisher-
man must supervise the operations of transplanting, seeding and
harvesting the crop. All that he lacks is the necessary land upon
which to raise clams, a deficiency which may be remedied by
timely legislation. To the clammer, this change signifies eleva-
tion from a chance gatherer of shellfish to the plane of a prac-
tical culturist. In other words, a waning industry would be
revived, and the clammer would receive a tract of land for a
clam garden, with the assurance of obtaining the fruits of his

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 153

labors. Only with absolute protection can the clam flats under
a system of clam farming be made to yield their normal harvest,
but this system can be inaugurated solely by the passage of
legislative measures, more liberal and specific than any on the
present statute books for the proper regulation of this infant
industry.

A choice between private and public management of clam cul-
ture must be made before the problem can be satisfactorily
solved. Two methods of procedure are available: (1) the seed-
ing of the flats at the expense of the town or of the State, with
permission given to the public to gather clams after a closed
season; (2) the leasing of the lands to individuals for private
planting, which would be equivalent to the adoption of a system
of grants. A review of the past efforts of towns to restock clam
flats on a communal basis will disclose the fact that failure has
resulted in practically every instance, invariably because the
planting was done by men unfamiliar with such work. Although
communal culture is a possibility, inherent drawbacks to such
a scheme will always remain, e.g., a just sharing of expenses,
equal co-operation in labor, and a satisfactory division of the
harvest, all of which tend to render the plan impracticable.

A more satisfactory plan is that of granting licenses to indi-
viduals by the town or by the State, allowing such persons to
hold and cultivate under proper safeguards a tract of clam flat,
which they shall seed and stock at their own expense. Accord-
ing to this method the clam-producing area of a town would be
divided into two approximately equal parts, one of which would
be reserved as public flats, and the other separated into small
sections of a few acres each, to be leased to clam culturists at
a fair annual rental. Only citizens of the Commonwealth or
residents of the town in which such ground was situated would
be permitted to hold these licenses. According to this plan the
lease would run for a specified term of years, with privilege of
renewal depending upon the efficiency with which the lessee had
improved his holding. Immunity from outside molestation would
be guaranteed to the licensee, who, in addition to the annual
rental to the town or State, would be subject to taxes upon his
holdings by the town in proportion to their assessed value.

The proposed remedy is the outgrowth of several years' in-
vestigation conducted by the Massachusetts Commission on Fish-
eries and Game. The results of experiments in practical clam
culture show conclusively that small clams may be successfully

154 FISH AND GAME.

transplanted from one locality to another and made to grow
rapidly to a marketable size with but a small outlay of capital.
It has also been demonstrated that clam cultivation or farming
is positively practicable and that good profits will result from
judicious planting. Clam farming is therefore not a theory but
an established fact. The remedial measures advocated are not
a makeshift, hurriedly formulated, but are the logical consequence
of several years' careful study of existing conditions along the
seacoast. By its installation clam farming may be placed upon
the same basis as oyster culture, to the ultimate benefit of both
the fisherman and the consumer.

Benefits. — The following advantages to all classes are now
demonstrable or may be conservatively predicted to result from
the adoption of the proposed remedy: —

1. Economically the available supply of sea food will be in-
creased, to the general benefit of the public. In Massachusetts,
where the population is so dense that the people have to depend
in a great measure upon other sections of the country for their
supply of foodstuffs, any important article of diet native to the
Commonwealth should be cultivated to its maximum production.

2. The supply of clams will be so increased as to more ade-
quately meet the demands of the market. The clam has become
a popular article of diet and there is no valid reason why it
should not be more readily obtainable and at a lower price than
at present. Any method of production which tends to increase
the supply of this valuable mollusk is deserving of public sup-
port.

3. The product of the planted beds would tend to limit the
drain on the natural beds, as many clammers who formerly dug
from these flats would be supplied from their own grants, and
in this manner allow nature to recuperate its own supply.
Spawning clams on the private grants would enhance the value
of the public flats by furnishing a greater amount of spawn.

4. Thousands of acres of barren or unproductive flats would
be converted into active sources of revenue. It seems poorly
in accord with prevailing methods of New England thrift that
large areas along the shore, which could be made more valuable,
acre for acre, than upland, should be allowed to remain unpro-
ductive. There is no question but that a division of the tidal
flats into gardens for the raising of clams is as feasible as sec-
tioning a large agricultural tract for different crops. The shore
lands, by a comparatively slight expenditure of time and money,

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 155

could be changed into clam farms, which would exceed in earn-
ings the income from tracts of the same size in rural districts.

5. The individual clammer would be benefited by having more
remunerative and steady work. The natural flats, open to the
public, in spite of the restricted area, would yield more clams,
owing to the increased natural supply, but the unfailing and
reliable source would be the private grant, from which, except
under the most unfavorable circumstances, the clammer should
be able to derive a respectable annual income. The value of an
acre of average clam flat, if properly cultivated, is about $450
per year, although it is possible for very productive ground to
yield $750 per acre. A man cultivating a grant of 1 J to 2 acres
could derive from it anywhere from $650 to $900 per year, which
quite surpasses the present average income of the Massachusetts
clammer.

6. The cultivation of clams will inevitably advance the general
prosperity of the coastal communities, where the shellfish indus-
try furnishes the main source of income. The proposed system
by insuring a steady income to the industrious fishermen residing
in these communities will materially aid in general civic advance-
ment.

The problem which now confronts us is as follows: Massa-
chusetts possesses 11,000 acres of tidal flats potentially capable
of clam production. The greater portion of this area is prac-
tically barren, unproductive of clams in paying quantities, and
yet these flats, once planted with small clams, would yield in
from one to two years large quantities of marketable bivalves.
In the past, such methods as closed seasons and restricting the
catch have been tried without success. In the case of the clam,
which readily lends itself to artificial propagation, restrictive
legislation alone is not only unnecessary but disastrous in its
effect, and the only scientific solution of the problem is an in-
crease in the supply, made possible by a system of clam farming
based upon properly regulated private grants.

7. The uncertainty of the present free-for-all fishing will be
practically eliminated. The clammer, with more or less cer-
tainty, will be enabled to estimate the exact size of his crop,
and thus will be in a position to market his clams to the best
advantage. Under the present system the catch has to be
shipped to market at once, regardless of the prevailing prices,
whereas under the proposed system the clammer is placed in a
position similar to the owner of desirable standing timber in a

156 FISH AND GAME.

region comparatively safe from forest fires, and can market his
product whenever he desires at his own price, in this way elim-
inating that often quoted bugaboo, the commission merchant.

8. In the capacity of clam culturist the attitude of the clam-
mer toward his work will undergo an agreeable change with the
realization that he will receive the direct reward of his labors,
and that the fruits of this work will be for his own permanent
benefit.

9. The social and economic status of the clammer will be ele-
vated, since at present his calling furnishes at best but an un-
certain and scanty income. By producing clams for the market
the clammer will increase his material assets, build up his credit
and establish a reputation for reliable business on the same plan
as the agriculturist and manufacturer.

10. By systematic cultivation the future of the clam industry
will be indefinitely assured. In this way the clammer will pro-
tect his own interests and will work out the salvation of the in-
dustry.

The Clam Farm.

In the following pages the problems which would beset a pros-
pective clam culturist are set forth for the enlightenment of per-
sons who are either desirous of engaging in the business, or who
are interested in the problem.

Selecting the Ground. — The most difficult problem confront-
ing the prospective culturist is the selection of suitable ground.
In the choice of a tract for cultivation the clam farmer should
be influenced by a consideration of three important factors: (1)
the capacity of the ground for rapid production of clams; (2) the
advantages for work; and (3) the facilities offered for advan-
tageous marketing of the crop. The ideal grant should be natu-
rally adapted to the rapid growing of clams, should possess ready
facilities for work and should be located reasonably near a good
market. Unfortunately, such a delightful combination of advan-
tages is not common, and the culturist will probably have to
choose a grant with such qualities as he thinks best suited to his
particular needs. For this reason it is perhaps well to explain in
greater detail these three factors.

(1) Productive Capacity. — The foremost consideration in the
selection of a grant is its productive capacity, which is based on
three conditions: (a) favorable soil, (b) water currents, (c) mini-
mum exposure at low tides.

A good flat should have a tenacious and compact soil which

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 157

nevertheless would afford comparatively easy digging. Perhaps
the best consistency is a mixture of fine sand and mud in a ratio
of one-third mud to two-thirds sand, which supplies the proper
degree of tenacity. The nature of the soil, which acts as the
supporting receptacle for the clam, affects it in two ways: (1) if
too shifting it buries the clam too deeply or washes it out of its
burrow; (2) soils in which organic acids, caused by vegetable
decay, are present prove unsatisfactory for the catching of seed
and interfere to a slight extent with growth by destroying the
shell, often giving to the clam a black appearance, making it less
favorable for marketing. Although the shell of the clam is se-
creted by the lime salts absorbed from the water, nevertheless,
the nature of the soil in some indirect way determines the ap-
pearance, the composition and the weight of the shell, as can
readily be seen by comparing clams from various soils in the
same localities.

The growth of the clam depends chiefly upon the circulation
of water, as the current bears both food and oxygen, and there-
fore, within limits, the more current, the more food, a fact which is
fully explained in the section relating to the growth of the clam.
The clam obtains its sustenance from the water, feeding almost
exclusively upon minute marine plants (diatoms), which in turn
derive their nourishment from the nitrogenous waste products
which pass into the streams from the land. The currents also
keep the ground clean and prevent the spread of contamination
and disease. It is highly desirable that the grant should be
located where there is a steady current, such as can be found
over river flats, since the rate of growth of this mollusk depends
directly upon the circulation of water. It is possible for a flat
to be washed by too rapid a current, which causes a shifting of
the bottom and washes the clams out of their burrows. How-
ever, such conditions exist in but few localities where one would
consider planting.

The growth of the clam is more rapid on ground seldom ex-
posed by the tide, since the clam is able to feed only when the
water is over its siphon. Our experiments have shown that clams
grow faster when continually under water than when partially
exposed. The question of exposure is not as vital a problem as
that of current, and the most satisfactory conditions for clam
culture are found on a fairly high flat which has a good circula-
tion of water, a tenacious soil and which affords a reasonable
time between tides for digging.

158 FISH AND GAME.

(2) Facilities for Work. — The second important consideration,
facilities for work, comprises (a) accessibility, and (b) a suitably
long period between tides for digging. If possible, the grant
should be readily accessible from the home of the culturist, so
that he may have access to it without loss of time and have
protective oversight. That grant is most desirable which by vir-
tue of its location offers the greatest possible length of time be-
tween tides for labor. In this respect there is great variation,
high flats being exposed for hours, while low flats are often un-
covered. The former offers the advantage of a longer working
period to the clammer, but at the same time possesses the dis-
advantage of less rapid growth.

(3) Proximity to Market. — It is an extra asset if the grant
affords facilities for an easy disposal of the crop. Certain clam
flats have the advantage of being near city markets and have
advantages for shipment, which result in greater net profits
than is the case with the more remote grants. The parcel-post
system should prove of value to the clam culturist in making
small shipments of clams in the shell, or "shucked," to the in-
dividual customers, thus doing away with excessive express
charges.

Proximity to Seed Clam Supply. — The cost of obtaining a
supply of seed clams is worthy of consideration. If a grant can
be chosen so as to be near an area of natural set, where seed
clams may be readily obtained, it will do away with the diffi-
culty of transporting seed from remote beds. The culturist
should also consider the possibility of so modifying his grant as
to turn it into a natural spat collector, and in this way make
Nature seed the flat.

Pollution. — It is important that the location of the grant be
far removed from sources of pollution, which inevitably results
in serious depreciation of the market value of the clams when
the fact that the grant is situated in contaminated waters be-
comes publicly known. In the future rigid inspection of marketed
shellfish will be instituted, which will result in the exclusion of
clams deemed dangerous to the public health. In connection
with this the clams from particular localities and with particular
flavors should be permitted to be marketed under registered
trade names and under suitable laws, prohibiting improper sub-
stitution and false representation.

Preparing the Grant. — Usually the ground needs no prepara-
tion previous to the planting of the clams, although the removal

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 159

of cockles, horseshoe crabs and other enemies which might prove
detrimental is a wise precaution. Often the culturist will find
that the grant needs such preliminary treatment as the removal
of eelgrass, sanding, providing drainage, and other similar pre-
requisites before it can become a productive clam flat.

Procuring the Seed. — The set of clams is usually restricted to
certain localities which vary from time to time in the amount of
seed clams. Heavy sets are generally found in limited areas, in
one instance running as high as 2,000 per square foot of surface,
and covering an area of nearly 3 acres. Natural flats are in part
supplied with young clams from these areas, but nature unas-
sisted is extremely wasteful, depending upon the washing out of
the seed from the areas of thick set and the chance depositing
upon receptive soil. Often whole sets are wasted because the
young clams, instead of being washed upon favorable ground,
are carried to unsuitable flats, where they soon perish. In this
way heavy natural sets often contribute practically nothing to
the reseeding of barren flats. These regions of heavy set occur
to a greater or less extent in almost every harbor on the coast,
and it should be the concern of every clammer to check this
natural waste by correctly utilizing the seed clams. Clam farm-
ing presents a means of saving natural sets by transplanting the
seed to favorable soil, in this manner making lucrative the bar-
ren flats.

Spat Collecting. — Methods of spat collecting have been pre-
sented in reports of the Rhode Island Commission of Inland
Fisheries and unintentionally the impression has been created
that clam farming will never be successful until some practical
method of spat collecting is devised. In the case of the soft
clam there is no immediate necessity for a method of spat col-
lecting. The problem here is the proper utilization of the enor-
mous natural sets, which are even more than sufficient to restock
the barren flats. The solution is rendered difficult by lack of a
rapid method of obtaining the small clams. Since the character
of the soil and the size of the clams vary, no one method is ap-
plicable in every case, and upon the ingenuity of the individual
planter depends the success in overcoming obstacles presented
by a particular locality. The methods of set gathering employed
at the present time are: (1) the slow process of digging the
small clams with an ordinary clam hoe; (2) the somewhat
quicker method of digging the set in shallow water in such a
manner that the clams are washed out of the soil; (3) the mak-

160 FISH AND GAME.

ing of trenches across thickly set flats into which the clams are
washed by the action of the tide and wind; (4) the transporting
of both soil and clams to the new ground; and (5) the sifting of
the clams from the sand by means of a cradle, as is described
in detail in the section dealing with the Rowley Reef set.

Transportation of Seed Clams. — In cases where the seed has
to be carried many miles by rail extreme care must be used in
transit, since the shells of small clams are extremely fragile,
especially the sand varieties, which are therefore less favorable
for transportation than the same species from gravelly, stony or
muddy soil. -The length of time that they will live out of water
depends upon the temperature; in cold weather they will live
several days (clams have been kept for several weeks at a low
temperature); in warm weather they will be in poor condition
after being out of water for even one day. For rapid burrowing
it is essential that the clams be in good condition when planted.
The best method of shipping seed clams is by packing them in
damp seaweed, a more successful method than keeping the clams
in water. Perhaps the safest way is to pack the clams in light
crates such as are used for strawberries, but this method is open
to the objection of expense and excessive amount of time con-
sumed in packing. In transplanting clams for certain experi-
mental beds of this department, seed clams were shipped in good
condition 150 miles. In our method of packing ordinary barrels
were divided into three compartments by means of two cross-
bars set at right angles, and nailed firmly to the sides of the
barrel. On these crossbars circular pieces of wire netting were
laid and over the netting was strewn a layer of rockweed or eel-
grass. A piece of ice about the size of a two-quart measure was
placed in each division and holes were bored in the bottom and
sides of the barrel. The netting might well be eliminated as
the rockweed resting on the cross pieces is sufficient to pre-
vent the clams grinding together. Less than 3 per cent, thus
shipped were damaged, and when sown nearly all burrowed
rapidly, showing that they were in excellent condition in spite
of the fact that they had been out of water over twenty-four
hours. Twenty-one bushels were shipped in nine barrels, aver-
aging two and one-third bushels to each barrel.

Planting. — The operation of planting consists merely of sow-
ing the seed clams upon the surface of the flat. The small clams
when covered by the tide will rapidly burrow into the soil if in
good condition, and require no further attention. Certain classes

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 161

of soils require raking over the surface to facilitate the burrowing
and prevent their "clumping" by the tide. For the experi-
mental beds the arduous, time-consuming method of planting the
individual clams by making holes in the soil with the finger or
with a stick was used, but for practical use it is scarcely worth
considering. The practice of ploughing the small clams under,
in deep furrows, an erroneous application of agricultural prin-
ciples, is to be avoided. Dr. Mead (16) of the Rhode Island
Commission of Inland Fisheries, upon investigation of this
method of planting, found that when the clam had been buried
sidewise or the wrong end up it had difficulty in righting itself,
especially if it were a large specimen, and concluded that this
method was at best unsatisfactory. The results of our experi-
ments favor the method of sowing by hand, with due regard for
such factors as the tide and force of the tide, the nature of the
soil, and the freshness of the seed.

A novel method of planting was used at Wellfleet, which well
illustrates the necessity of adapting the method to the particular
locality. Here the flats which line the head of the harbor from
Duck Creek to Herring River are exposed to the influence of
southerly winds, and for this reason are slightly shifting. If
clams were sown here in the usual manner the incoming tide
would roll them in windrows upon the beach before they would
have time to burrow. Although this difficulty could be avoided
by the selection of a calm day for planting, it is usually impera-
tive that the planter work immediately, before the seed perish.
This problem was solved by planting at half tide, when water
was at least 3 feet deep over the flat. At this depth the clams
on the bottom remained undisturbed by the motion of waves in
an ordinary breeze. All planting was done either from boats or
by wading in the water. A comparison of the two methods was
made, and in spite of the fact that the flats had been well raked
over to afford a resting place for the clams, and though the wind
was not blowing hard, many of those planted on the dry flat were
washed for a distance of 200 feet. On the other hand, clams
planted when the water was over the bottom deeply enough to
prevent a ripple were not washed off the bed. The method of
planting clams in ploughed furrows was tried by the town on
these flats and resulted in many of the clams being washed out
of the furrows and collected in bunches, while the soil became
soft and temporarily unsuitable, a condition which illustrates the
undesirability of such a method in this locality.

1G2 FISH AND GAME.

Harvesting the Clams. — Once planted, the clam crop requires
less toil on the part of the planter than does the raising of prod-
uce for market. Cultivation is unnecessary for the rapid growing
clam, and, in fact, they grow better when left undisturbed.
However, protection from poachers and natural enemies demand
the attention of the owner at all times. The time of harvesting,
in a general sense, depends upon the size of the clam, but, unlike
other crops, clams undergo no deterioration if not harvested dur-
ing a certain season. By digging certain sizes the farmer can
cater to a particular trade or demand, as in some instances he
may find it profitable to market a small clam after a short period
of growth, while on other occasions it may be of a greater ad-
vantage for him to sell large clams. This situation is very sim-
ilar to that of the farmer who harvests his crop of cucumbers in
two sizes, the smaller for pickles and the larger ones for table
use. Since the greater growth takes place during the summer
months, a clam culturist may control his seed and its rate of
growth so as to obtain clams of desired size in six, eighteen or
thirty months.

History of Clam Farming. — The idea of artificially raising
clams is not new; past years have witnessed attempts at clam
culture; but it is a noteworthy fact that all conspicuous experi-
ments up to date resulted from legislation aimed to protect the
cultivator's right to his crop. The prevailing idea seems to have
been that such enterprise could not successfully be launched
without a lease from State or town, by virtue of which the
planter might protect the fruits of his labors. Although acts
purporting to give such desired protection have been passed,
examination of the records have shown them to be either invalid
or not enforced.

The first record of any legislation upon this subject is an act
regulating the clam fishery of Plymouth Harbor, passed in 1870,
whereby clam planting and the distribution of licenses was au-
thorized. Only in recent years has this opportunity been taken
advantage of. In 1874 a similar act was passed governing the
shellfisheries of Mount Hope Bay, but it was repealed the follow-
ing year. In 1888 the town of Winthrop was empowered to give
2-acre grants, and in the same year the town of Essex was en-
dowed with a similar right. Each and every one of these acts
clothed the respective town with authority to regulate such
licenses unrestrictedly.

In substance the Essex act was the most liberal, and several

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 163

fishermen, after procuring licenses, successfully started clam
cultivation. As the licenses in these cases were not sufficient
protection from trespassers, these clam grants were given up
after a few years. Nevertheless, the attempt served to prove
that clam farming properly protected would be profitable. In
1906 the barren flats in Essex River were again leased under
the same act, protection being afforded by general sentiment
against poaching and mutual agreement to respect individual
rights. Since that time clam culture has been carried on with
more or less success. The history of clam culture in Essex is
given more at length in the "Report upon the Mollusk Fish-
eries," 1909. However, the Essex system may not be practicable
on a large scale or in every community, and need of protective
legislation is still urgent, to say the least.

Lack of protection, which discouraged the early Essex planters,
has had similar results in other shore towns where attempts at
clam culture have been made, and it may be stated unreservedly
that until protection is guaranteed clam farming may never be-
come more than a possibility. The present law is in no sense a
safeguard, as according to its precepts all persons have an in-
alienable right to dig clams anywhere between the tide lines.
No clammer will expend labor and money to plant clams if an-
other has a legal right to dig them. Clam culture can never
become a successful industry until a law is passed to protect the
planter from trespassers.

By the year 1911 several coast towns had seriously taken up
the problem of clam culture, and many enterprising men had
ventured into the new business. These pioneers, with but feeble
legal backing, are now bringing the inhabitants of the Cape Cod
towns to a realization of what may be done with the now un-
productive flats along the shore. As a result more men are
entering the business, even with full recognition of their slender
chance for redress in case of injury by trespass.

Not all towns are actuated by the same progressive principles
existent in Barnstable, Plymouth, Kingston, Duxbury and Essex,
the only towns which have taken advantage of the special acts
of the Legislature by leasing small sections of barren flats to
their citizens. The results of such efforts in the town of Barn-
stable are eagerly awaited by other towns on Cape Cod, and if
success is the reward in this novel departure it is to be expected
that many will quickly follow its example. Already great strides
in quahaug culture have been made in Chatham, Harwich, Barn-

164 FISH AND GAME.

stable and Swansea, as well as in many of the Buzzards Bay
towns. The fact that quahaug culture is now safely under way
augurs well for the future success of clam farming.

Interest in this new enterprise is strongly manifesting itself on
Cape Cod. Premiums are now offered at the Barnstable County
Fair for the best cultivated clams, quahaugs and oysters, and in
1912 genuine enthusiasm was aroused over the shellfish exhibi-
tions and competition for these prizes was very keen. Proper
protective legislation is greatly to be desired by way of encour-
agement to these planters.

Clam Laws.

Up to the present time legislation governing the shellfisheries
of this Commonwealth has been of a desultory character. Now
and then the requirements of the industry have called forth new
legislation, confined in scope to the relief of adverse conditions
in particular localities or pressing monetary needs. As a result
of this narrow policy the welfare of the shellfisheries in general
has suffered, and the results are now very apparent. Unques-
tionably the shellfisheries are heavily burdened with antiquated
and obsolete laws which hinder possible improvement.

In the past clam legislation has been necessary only as a pro-
tective measure, while now we have reached the point where legal
regulation of clam fishing is to play an important role in the
development of the industry. In one sense it is entering upon
a new and critical phase of its existence, the cultural stage, and
true advancement will henceforth be measured by the impetus
given by numerous laws governing the leasing, planting, pollu-
tion and sale of clams. For this reason it is well to consider the
extent of the previous protective legislation.

History. — The fundamental principle upon which the shell-
fish laws of the State are founded is the so-called beach or free
fishing rights of the public. While in other States property ex-
tends only to mean high water, in Massachusetts the property
holders own to extreme low-water mark. Nevertheless, accord-
ing to further provisions of this ancient law, the right of fishing
(which includes the shellfisheries) below high-water mark is free
to any inhabitant of the Commonwealth.

(1) Origin. — The first authentic record of this law is found
under an act of Massachusetts in 1641-47, by which every house-
holder was allowed "free fishing and fowling" in any of the
great ponds, bays, coves and rivers, as far "as the sea ebbs and

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 165

flows," in their respective towns, unless "the freemen" or the
General Court "had otherwise appropriated them." From this
date the shellfisheries were declared to be forever the property
of the whole people, i.e., the State, and have been for a long
period open to any inhabitant of the State who wished to dig
the shellfish for food or for bait.

(2) Early Benefits. — In the early days, when the natural sup-
ply was apparently inexhaustible, and practically the entire popu-
lation resided on or near the seacoast, it was just that all people
should have common rights to the shore fisheries. As long as
the natural supply was more than sufficient for the demand, no
law could have been better adapted for the public good.

(3) Present Inadequacy. — Two hundred and fifty years have
passed since this law was first made. The condition of the shell-
fisheries has changed. No longer do the flats of Massachusetts
yield the enormous harvest of former years, but lie barren and
unproductive. The law which once was a benefit to all has now
become antiquated and incapable of meeting new conditions.

(4) Evil Effects. — If this law were merely antiquated, it could
be laid aside unnoticed. On the contrary, as applied to the pres-
ent conditions of the shellfisheries it not only checks any ad-
vancement but works positive harm. From the mistaken com-
prehension of the so-called beach rights of the people, the general
public throughout the State is forced to pay an exorbitant price
for sea food, and the enterprising fishermen are deprived of a
more profitable livelihood. The present law discriminates against
the progressive majority of fishermen in order to benefit a small
unprogressive element.

History of Legislation. — The clam, with the scallop, oyster
and quahaug, was grouped under general shellfish legislation in
acts which fall naturally into the following divisions: (1) town
regulation; (2) permits; (3) seizure in vessels; and (4) the pro-
tection by limitation of catch, place and time of taking.

The clam is first mentioned in the Public Statutes under an
act of 1870 regulating the clam fishery in and around the shores
of Plymouth, Kingston and Duxbury. Although this act was
substantially the same as the Essex act of 1888, printed in an-
other section of this paper, it excepted the specification that the
grants made should be on "unproductive" flats, and is now in
force. The towns embraced within the scope of this act regulate
their clam fisheries according to its provisions, which are in
brief: (1) Five-year licenses to be granted to any inhabitants to

166 FISH AND GAME.

plant, cultivate and dig clams. (2) Such benefits to be bestowed
subject to the discretion of the selectmen. (3) Grants to be
given on any flats or creeks in respective towns of applicants.
(4)' Licensed territory to be described by metes and bounds, and
recorded. (5) Payment of a $2 fee to the selectmen and 50 cents
to the town clerk for recording. (6) Protection and treble dam-
ages to be adjudged in an action of tort against any person dig-
ging or taking clams from grants without consent of the owners.
(7) Towns may make such by-laws as expedient to adequately
protect the shellfisheries. (8) Penalty for each offence not less
than $5 nor more than $10, with cost of prosecution, and $1 for
each bushel of shellfish taken in violation of the provisions of
this act.

In 1874, in a legislative act "to regulate the shellfisheries in
the waters of Mount Hope Bay and its tributaries," the select-
men of towns bordering on Mount Hope Bay were permitted to
issue licenses to any inhabitant for clam, quahaug, scallop and
other shellfish cultivation. It seems strange that such a pre-
cocious and beneficial act should have been enacted at such a
period, certainly before the time was ripe, as is made evident
by its repeal the following year. Only within the past few
years has similar legislation been passed for the quaiiaug, as
typified by the act of 1909, which permits granting of leases
by the selectmen for quahaug culture provided the town meet-
ing has voted to adopt the general law. The act of 1874, though
it applied only to the Narragansett Bay section of Massachu-
setts, clearly emphasizes the fact that shellfish cultivation is no
new project. It was considered of practical importance thirty-
five years ago.

In 1875 the town of Winthrop, through special act of the
Legislature, required that to gather clams for market residents
must have permits, and forbade the taking of clams by any
nonresident without a written permit from the selectmen. The
price of such permits was left to the discretion of the selectmen,
and the fine for violation of the act was not less than $5 nor
more than $10, but any inhabitant was allowed to take clams
for family use or for bait.

In 1880 the word "clam" appears in a general act of the Com-
monwealth which delegated to towns and cities their present
authority and control of the shellfisheries. Later this act was
amended by the Acts of 1889, but the substance remained un-
changed, and to-day it differs but slightly.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 167

In 1888 the town of Winthrop was authorized to regulate its
shellfisheries by an act similar to that already governing those
of Plymouth, Kingston and Duxbury, but differing in that not
over 2 acres of unproductive flats could be granted to any one
person, and no grant could be situated within 500 feet of high-
water mark.

During the same year similar legislation was enacted for the
town of Essex which embodied the best features of previous acts,
and is here quoted: —

Acts of 1888, Chapter 198.

An Act authorizing the Planting of Clams in and around the

Shores of Essex.
Be it enacted, etc., as follows:

Section 1. The selectmen of the town of Essex may by writing under
their hands grant a license for such a term of years, not exceeding five,
as they in their discretion may deem necessary and the public good requires,
to any inhabitant of said town, to plant, cultivate and dig clams upon and
in any flats and creeks in said town now unproductive thereof, not exceed-
ing two acres to any one person, and not impairing the private rights of
any person.

Section 2. Such license shall describe by metes and bounds the flats
and creeks so appropriated and shall be recorded by the town clerk before
it shall have any force, and the person licensed shall pay to the selectmen
for the use of said town two dollars and to the clerk fifty cents.

Section 3. The person so licensed and his heirs and assigns shall for
the purposes aforesaid have the exclusive use of the flats and creeks de-
scribed in the license during the term specified therein, and may in an
action of tort recover treble damages of any person, who, without his or
their consent digs or takes clams from such flats or creeks during the
continuance of the license.

Section 4. Said town of Essex at any legal meeting called for the
purpose may make such by-laws, not repugnant to the laws of the com-
monwealth, as they may from time to time deem expedient to protect
and preserve the shellfisheries within said town.

Section 5. Whoever takes any shellfish from within the waters of
said town of Essex in violation of the by-laws established by it or of the
provisions of this act shall for every offence pay a fine of not less than five
or more than ten dollars and costs of prosecution, and one dollar for every
bushel of shellfish so taken.

Section 6. This act shall take effect upon its passage. [Approved
April 9, 1888.

In 1901 it was enacted that the Commissioners of Inland Fish-
eries and Game (now the Commissioners on Fisheries and Game)

1GS FISH AND GAME.

should prohibit the taking of oysters, clams, scallops and qua-
haugs from tidal waters or fiats of any part of the Commonwealth
whenever so requested in writing by the State Board of Health,
and for such period of time as the latter might determine. The
scope and other features of this act are discussed more in detail
under the subject of pollution.

. In 1905 the Commissioners on Fisheries and Game were em-
powered to conduct a biological investigation and make report
as to the best methods, conditions and localities for clam prop-
agation. The final results of this investigation are embodied
in this report.

In 1911 the planting and cultivation of clams and quahaugs
was authorized in the town of Barnstable, and in 1915 extended
to all Barnstable County by an act which provided that: (1) the
license term should be not over five years; (2) the area of grants
should be not less than 2 nor over 5 acres; (3) transferable only
to a citizen of the town of Barnstable; (4) certain powers should
be exerted at the discretion of the selectmen; (5) a public hear-
ing should be required before licenses could be issued by the
selectmen; (6) the price of 82 be paid to the selectmen for the
license and 50 cents for recording; (7) the exclusive use of flats
described in license to be vested in licensee and heirs; (8) after
failure to use and occupy a grant for two years after investiture,
the grant should revert to the town; (9) on any person using
flat, other than licensee, a penalty of not less than So and not
more than $10, costs of prosecution, and $1 for each bushel of
shellfish taken, be imposed for each offence; (10) each town
might make by-laws to protect its shellflsheries.

Under chapter 710 of the Acts of 1912 any city or town in
Essex County was given the privilege of leasing for ten years
at an annual rental of So per year from the Commonwealth the
right to control and regulate the taking of clams from all the
flats within its borders.

Town control of the clam fishery has been exerted chiefly
through issuing permits. Of the 69 seacoast towns in this Com-
monwealth. 25 grant permits to take clams. The town of
Plymouth issues an excellent permit, which limits the quantity,
sale and size of clams taken, besides requiring a weekly report
of the number of bushels dug by each holder.

Proposed Legislation. — Numerous special laws and regulations
have resulted in a lack of uniform control of the shellflsheries of
various coastal towns. The future of the shellflsheries depends

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 169

essentially upon legislation which will correct the present inade-
quacies in our mollusk laws and permit the establishment of
prosperous industries on our coast. The Commissioners on Fish-
eries and Game believe that the present situation can best, and
will ultimately, be met by placing the shellflsheries under uni-
form State control. At present they consider that such a dis-
position should not be undertaken before the selectmen of the
various coastal towns have been given a full opportunity to
demonstrate their ability to handle the situation. In order to
afford every opportunity it is advisable that uniform laws be
enacted, especially in regard to guaranteeing a safer tenure for
grants than under the existing conditions. The rights of the
riparian owners to the areas suitable for shellfish grants should
be eliminated through some form of taking by eminent domain on
the part of the State. In the light of our present knowledge the
following detailed suggestions are offered to the selectmen for
working out a definite and uniform system of town control: —

1. The selectmen of every coast town should be authorized to conduct
an accurate survey of all mollusk territory below mean high-water mark
and to lease such territory for the cultivation of food and bait mollusks.
They shall appoint one or more deputies for the detection and prosecution
of any violation of the laws of the Commonwealth relating to the mollusk
fisheries.

2. The selectmen may, by writing under their hands, grant a license,
for a term not exceeding twenty years, to any inhabitant of the Common-
wealth to plant, grow and dig mollusks at all times of the year, or to plant
shells for the purpose of catching mollusk seed, upon and in any territory
below mean high-water mark in their respective towns, upon such terms
and conditions as they may deem proper, not, however, materially ob-
structing navigable waters.

3. All territory for which a license has been granted as aforesaid shall
t>e designated by suitable bounds, consisting of both stakes and buoys,
one each at each of the several corners of every grant, so that its precise
situation may be in evidence at high and low tide, and these bounds shall
be maintained by the licensee under penalty of forfeiture of the license
within seveu days after his failure to maintain the proper stakes and buoys.
The selectmen shall keep at their office a record of each license, describing
by metes and bounds the waters, flats and creeks so appropriated, with a
map of its location, and these records shall be open at any time to public
inspection.

4. Every licensee shall be required to submit to the selectmen, or to a
duly authorized inspector or inspectors appointed by them, an annual
report of the total number of bushels of mollusks produced upon the

170 FISH AND GAME.

territory covered by his license, together with the value received for the
same, and an estimate of the total number of bushels of specified mollusks
produced upon the territory covered by his license, together with the
value received for the same, and an estimate of the total number of bushels
of specified mollusks at that time growing upon the said territory. This
statement shall be duly sworn to before a justice of the peace, and if the
total sum shall fall below 50 bushels per acre, or if the selectmen, after due
examination, shall find that the sum has fallen below 50 bushels per acre
for two consecutive years, unless such condition has been brought about
by natural causes, then the license shall be declared forfeited and the grant
revert to the Commonwealth.

5. The available territory for the growth and planting of mollusks shall
be divided into two classes: the shallow waters near shore, including the
flats, creeks, inlets and bays, which shall be allotted to the smaller planters;
and the deep or more exposed waters, which shall be leased to individual
planters, partnerships or corporations, who shall give suitable guarantee
of sufficient capital to develop the same. Not more than one-half of the
whole territory of the first class in any town shall be granted, and the re-
maining half, unless voted to the contrary by the voters of the town in
regular town meeting, shall be retained as a public fishery. Due regard for
the public fisheries shall be given by the selectmen in granting these
licenses.

6. Any citizen of a coast town shall have the first right to any license
for the territory within the boundaries of that township over any other
inhabitant of the Commonwealth who is not a citizen of that town, and
at all times and under all conditions the selectmen shall give due consid-
eration to secure to every worthy citizen a just opportunity to participate
in and to benefit from these fishing privileges. Any citizen of the Com-
monwealth may have the right to receive a license under this act in any
coast town where suitable territory remains after the citizens of the town
have obtained the licenses for which they have petitioned. Preference
in the allotment of new licenses shall be given to the holders of oyster,
clam and quahaug grants as held under the present laws. After the system
shall have been established every grant shall be leased according to pri-
ority of petition for the same. Any vacant territory shall be regularly
advertised by the selectmen, and residents of a town may at any time file
an application with the commissioners stating their ability and what they
desire in mollusk territory, which shall be allotted to them whenever there
is vacant ground. These licenses shall be granted only to and held by
citizens of Massachusetts, firms composed of Massachusetts citizens and
Massachusetts corporations domiciled within this Commonwealth.

7. Any citizen, firm or corporation, qualified as aforesaid, desiring to
obtain a license as provided above, shall present to the selectmen of the
respective town a written application, setting forth the name and address
of the applicant, a reasonably definite description of the desired territory,
and shall petition that the application be registered, that the territory be

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 171

surveyed, that a plan or map be made, and that a license be granted to
the applicant.

8. All licenses shall be for the use and profit of the licensee alone, and
shall be absolutely nontransferable by sale, sublease, transfer or private
contract of any nature whatever, and if any licensee attempts such pro-
cedure the license shall thereupon be forfeited. It shall nevertheless be
lawful for any licensee to hire labor or assistance for the working of his
grants: provided, that such labor shall in no wise impair his title or owner-
ship of the grant or cause it to pass from his control. Two years after the
death of a licensee the grant shall revert to the town, unless the widow or
children or legal heirs of the licensee continue to plant and grow mollusks.
In such cases due allowance shall oe made for all improvements. Three
years before the expiration of a license the licensee shall be informed
whether or not he is entitled to a renewal. At the expiration of a license
the previous owner shall be given the preference of renewal.

9. An}' person holding a license under these provisions shall pay an
annual fee of not less than SI and not more than $10 per acre, the exact
amount to be ascertained and fixed annually according to a just and
equable valuation by the selectmen, under penalty of forfeiture of the
license if the rental is not paid within six months after it becomes due.
The money received from the annual fees shall be expended as far as
necessary for the protection and surveying of the grants, and the re-
mainder shall be paid into the town treasury. The mollusks sold from
any grant and the equipment connected therewith shall be subject to
taxation by the towns in the same way as other taxable property.

10. The selectmen shall give notice of every application for a license
by publication once a week for three successive weeks in one or more news-
papers published in the county in which the land applied for is located,
describing the territory and giving the name and residence of the appli-
cant, and the day, hour and place at which the selectmen will give a public
hearing on the application, the last publication to be at least one day
before said hearing. The license shall not be granted until after a public
hearing as aforesaid in the city or town where the land is situated, due
notice of which shall be posted in three or more public places in that city
or town at least seven days before the time of said hearing. Upon petition
of any person aggrieved by the decision of the selectmen upon any appli-
cation for a license filed within one week therefrom, the superior court,
sitting in equity, may, after such notice as it ma3' deem sufficient, hear
all interested parties and annul, alter or affirm the decision.

11. The selectmen may grant a permit in writing to an}' person to take
mollusks from the natural beds or from areas designated as unleased at
such tunes, in such quantities and for such uses as they shall express in
their permit; but every inhabitant of a city or town may, without such
permit, take mollusks from the public beds therein for the use of his family,
not exceeding in any week two bushels, including shells, or any fisherman
who is a naturalized citizen of this Commonwealth may take from such

172 FISH AND GAME.

public beds mollusks needed for bait not exceeding at any one time seven
bushels, including the shells.

12. Any person to whom is issued a license by the selectmen shall have
the number of his license painted in letters at least 2 inches high in a con-
spicuous place on his boats and buoys.

13. No person shall dig, take or carry away any mollusks or shells
between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise, by any method
whatever, from any waters, flats or creeks.

14. Any person who shall wrongfully make claims to any public mollusk
ground, of which he has no lease or title from the State, by erecting bounds
or monuments thereon of any description, or otherwise claiming the title
to such land, shall for the first offence pay a fine of not less than $50 and
not more than $100, and for every subsequent offence pay a fine of not
less than $100 and not more than $200.

15. Any person who shall wilfully injure, deface, destroy or remove
such marks or bounds as may define any lease or grant or place any mark
thereon, or shall tie or fasten any boat or vessel to such stake or buoy, shall
be fined $20 for each offence. Every person in addition thereto shall be
liable in an action on the case to pay double damages and costs to the
person who shall be injured by harming the marks and bounds, stakes or
buoys of the said grants injured, removed or destroyed as aforesaid.

16. Whoever works a dredge, oyster tongs or rakes, or any other im-
plement for the taking of mollusks upon any territory officially designated
as licensed, or in any way disturbs the growth of the planted mollusks
without the consent of the licensee during the continuance of such license,
or discharges any substance which may directly or indirectly injure the
planted mollusks, shall for the first offence be punished by a fine of not
less than $50 and not more than $100, or by imprisonment for not more
than thirty days, and for each subsequent offence by a fine of not less than
$100 and not more than $200, or by imprisonment for not more than six
months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

17. Any person who shall wilfully break up, damage or injure any bed
of mollusks, or any tract of land leased from the Commonwealth for a
mollusk bed, by depositing thereon earth, stones or dredging or scoopings,
shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $500 and shall forfeit Ms boat or
vessel with her tackle, apparel and furniture, and all the implements used
by him in injuring such mollusk bed.

18. Any police constable in view of the commission of any offence
against the provisions of this chapter shall arrest the offender without
warrant and detain him for prosecution for a period not exceeding twenty-
four hours.

19. A licensee who violates any provisions of this chapter relative to
the planting and growing of mollusks or the planting of shells shall, in
addition to the penalties as provided, forfeit his license.

20. For the purity of all Massachusetts mollusks, no territory in pol-
luted waters shall be granted for the growing of mollusks for market. The

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 173

selectmen shall from time to time employ experts to make such examina-
tions as may be deemed necessary by the State Department of Health to
ascertain the sanitary conditions of the waters over and adjacent to the
mollusk-producing areas and may give written certificates of the sanitary
condition. No mollusks shall be taken from areas which are found upon
examination to be polluted beyond such standards as may from time to
time be determined by the State Department of Health, except that this
Department may make special rules and regulations for the legitimate use
of mollusks from such polluted areas in such a manner as to safeguard the
public health.

THE INDUSTRY.

From the viewpoint of the fisherman methods of securing and
preparing clams for market need no explanation, but to the aver-
age reader, possibly unfamiliar with the practical phase, the fol-
lowing pages may be of interest.

The Fishing Grounds.
As Cape Cod marks the dividing line between a northern and
a southern fauna, it also divides the clam flats of Massachusetts
into two distinct areas. The same species is found both north
and south of Cape Cod, but the natural conditions under which
it lives are quite different. In comparing these two areas, several
points of difference are noted.

1. The clam areas of the north coast are mostly large flats,
while those of the south shore are confined to a narrow shore
strip, as Buzzards Bay and the south side of Cape Cod for cer-
tain geological reasons do not possess flats but merely beaches.

2. The rise and fall of the tide is much higher on the north
shore, thus giving an extent of available flats nearly six times
the clam area south of Cape Cod.

3. Clam growth as a rule is much faster on the north shore.
This is due to the great amount of tide flow over the river flats
of the north shore. Current is the main essential for rapid clam
growth, as it transports the food. The average south shore flats
possess merely the rise and fall of the tide, and as a rule have
not the currents of the north shore rivers.

4. The temperature of the northern waters is several degrees
colder than the waters south of Cape Cod, affording a longer
season of growth for the southern clam.

The present advantages lie wholly with the north shore dis-
trict, as through overdigging the less extensive areas of southern
Massachusetts have become in most parts commercially barren.

174 FISH AND GAME.

Overdigging has not occurred to the same extent on the north
shore, owing to the vast extent of the flats. Nevertheless, many
acres at Plymouth, Kingston, Duxbury, and even Gloucester and
Essex, have become wholly or partially unproductive. The only
important clamming in Massachusetts to-day is found in the
towns bordering Ipswich Bay. The south shore and a good part
of the north shore furnish but few clams for the market.

In view of restocking the barren areas through cultural
methods, the north shore possesses two advantages over the
south shore: it has a larger natural supply at present, which
will make restocking easier; it has larger areas of flats, which
can be made to produce twenty times the normal yield of the
south shore flats. Although, compared with the north shore, the
clam area of the south shore seems poor, it is above the average
when compared with the clam areas of other States south of
Massachusetts, and when properly restocked the clam flats of
southern Massachusetts should furnish a large annual produc-
tion.

The North Shore. — The clam industry of the north shore,
Cape Cod forming the point of division between the two great
sections of Massachusetts shore, is distributed in approximately
four localities: (1) Ipswich Bay, which produces at the present
time the greatest supply in the State; (2) the shore from Glou-
cester to Boston, including Boston Harbor and its tributaries,
where clamming is now restricted by the State Department of
Health as a sanitary precaution; (3) the shore from Cohasset
to Cape Cod, particularly the harbor of Plymouth, with its ex-
tensive flats; (4) the north side of Cape Cod.

(1) Ipswich Bay. — This section may certainly be significantly
called the "home of the clam." The numerous tributaries enter-
ing sheltered Plum Island Sound and the tidal rivers presenting
extensive flats of smooth, tenacious sand and mud adapt it
peculiarly to the growth of this bivalve and the maintenance of
a flourishing industry. Here the clamming centers are situated
along the rivers that flow into Ipswich Bay or Plum Island
Sound, or in the towns which border on the protected waters of
the latter, and embrace a total area of 4,260 acres, 2,825 of
which are set with clams, 1,595 affording good clamming, while
1,430 lie unproductive.

The most northerly of these extensive clamming territories is
located in the Merrimac River, and includes the town of Salis-
bury and the city of Newburyport. A single flat of 216 acres

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 175

extending along the north bank of the Merrimac for nearly 2
miles comprises all of the productive Salisbury ground. The
flats of Newburyport, comprising in all about 1,080 acres, of
which some 800 are more or less productive, produce the greatest
quantity of clams of any city or town in the Commonwealth,
and provide a means of livelihood for about 175 men. Flats
are broad, level and continuous in nature, and, though muddy
for the greater part, they are fittingly adapted to clam culture.

Of the towns bordering upon Plum Island Sound, where clam-
ming is conducted both on the open flats of the sound and those
of the river tributaries, Newbury yielded the smallest quantity
of clams, although over 300 acres of flats are available. For the
most part these are in Parker River and in Plum Island Sound,
and are barren. Possibly 100 acres of sand flats, the usual type
in this region, contain a few clams here and there, but they sup-
ply no good digging and no consistent effort is extended toward
utilization. In Rowley we find conditions not dissimilar, as out
of 400 acres of available flats only 20 are really productive of
as good clamming as is the case on Rowley Reef Knobs, where
was found the vast set described in another part of this report.

Ipswich, second only to Newburyport in production, possesses
large areas of flats of varied characteristics, which offer great
possibilities of development. The flats situated in Plum Island
Sound, Ipswich River and Essex River, with their numerous
tributaries, are relatively of small size, diverse in character and
scattered over a considerable territory. Four distinct divisions
of the clam territory of this town may be made, — Ipswich River,
Plum Island, Green's Creek with Roger Island, and Essex River.
The available ground here averaged 970 acres, 400 of which
furnish good clamming, while 420 contain but few.

Essex, while still ranking as an important clam-producing
town, has but imperfectly developed her fine resources, although
in the past few years clammers have attempted improvements
by planting clams on the barren flats. Of the potential total
of 650 acres, hardly 25 acres can be considered unfit for the
production of clams. Nevertheless, little more than half the area
is at all productive, and of this half less than 150 acres yield
the main supply. The productive portions are for the most part
scattered along the banks of the Essex River, which furnishes
excellent sets of seed clams in many places.

At Gloucester the clam flats lie in the Annisquam and Essex
rivers, the former flats being the more productive. While the

176 FISH AND GAME.

present clam fishery here is fairly important, it yields but an
inconsiderable portion of the possible revenue from the large
area of flats now unproductive. The total of flats now in
use approximates 550 acres, only 75 acres of which furnish
good clamming, while a scant 100 acres produce few clams
and 250 acres lie barren, although qualified to produce if
planted.

(2) Gloucester to Boston. — The section of the coast between
Gloucester and Boston is of little importance commercially in
the production of clams. It has not the requisite natural ad-
vantages for clamming possessed by the shores of Ipswich Bay,
and under present conditions can never become of value. Man-
chester and Beverly are not able to boast of any such industry,
while the flats of Salem Harbor, comprising about 100 acres,
annually produce a crop to the value of not more than $200.
The only localities in this section made capable by reason of
natural facilities for the production of clams, Lynn and Boston
harbors, are closed to commercial clammers, owing to the danger
to public health because of sewage pollution. Under present
conditions it is probable that it will be many years, if ever, be-
fore such contamination is eliminated by scientific disposal of city
sewage and regulation of manufacturing wastes. For this reason,
large areas of flats, which otherwise would naturally be produc-
tive, or could be made so, can never be utilized for clam culture.
Of the 900 acres lying along the shores of Nahant, Saugus and
Lynn, over two-thirds could be made prolific, while it is evident
that 3,280 acres out of a total of 6,325 in Boston Harbor could
be made of value were it not for the pollution. Outside of the
proscribed area in Boston Harbor, the towns of Weymouth,
Hingham, Cohasset and Hull provide clams merely for home
consumption and for bait.

(3) Boston to Cape Cod. — Scituate and Marshfield possess
some clam territory in the North River, but the output there-
from is inconsiderable. The great clam region of this section is
Plymouth Harbor, with its extensive flats in the towns of Dux-
bury, Kingston and Plymouth. This territory, 5,700 acres in
area, contains only 1,475 acres capable of producing clams, the
remainder being covered with mussels and eelgrass. Only about
85 acres are producing clams in natural abundance at present;
1,390 acres have been barren until within the last few years,
when various areas have been planted and the first large clam
farm of 200 acres started. The clam industry of Plymouth Har-

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 177

bor is peculiarly interesting as demonstrating a transition from
a state of productive prosperity to its present status, or from a
time when the trade name Duxbury represented the acme of
perfection in clams to a time when this title has become simply
a by-word, for Duxbury clams have not been shipped in quan-
tities to the market for years. Whether this great tidal area
can ever be converted into extremely profitable clam ground is a
difficult question. However, no adequate reason can be advanced
why a fishery at least as flourishing and remunerative as of yore
cannot be re-established, and the barren flats in part, at least,
utilized.

(4) North Side of Cape Cod. — The principal clamming centers
of this section are Barnstable Harbor and flats along the Brewster
shore, where a fairly large amount of clams is shipped to market
in winter. The clams from this section are particularly good in
quality and bring a good price, and the flats here are now in
process of cultivation under a system of local town grants. These
flats resemble those of the Ipswich Bay section, and comprise
an area of 400 acres, practically all of which may be made pro-
ductive, but of which only 20 acres now provide good natural
clamming. The area of Brewster flats now productive is variable,
but opportunities for culture are present, although most places are
more or less exposed to the open waters of Cape Cod Bay. At
Orleans, the north side of the Cape, clam flats are found in Nauset
Harbor, Town Cove, Pleasant Bay and Cape Cod Bay, where they
are of a sandy character, a total of 200 acres, 150 of which may be
reclaimed. At Eastham similar conditions prevail, although the
main source of supply is Nauset Harbor. At this place the total
area is 200 acres, 175 of which can be made productive. Well-
fleet possesses extensive flats, but only portions may be made
prolific, owing to physical surroundings. Out of a total area of
605 acres only 15 yield clams, in spite of the fact that 250 acres
of barren flats may be reclaimed. The clam flats of Truro are
confined principally to the Pamet River basin, where there are
approximately 50 acres of flats, only 3 of which furnish clams.
Owing to their shifting nature hardly 6 out of a possible 400
acres of flats in Provincetown Harbor yield clams.

The South Shore. — The clam industry of southern Massachu-
setts is found along the south side of Cape Cod, Buzzards Bay,
Narragansett Bay and the islands of Nantucket and Martha's
Vineyard, and is relatively of less importance than is that of
the north shore.

178 FISH AND GAME.

(1) South Side of Cape Cod. — This section offers little oppor-
tunity for clam culture because of the presence of a slight tidal
flow. The average clam flats here, except in the case of Chat-
ham, consist of narrow strips along the sides of harbors and
tidal streams, and the entire production from this section is
inconsiderable.

Chatham, situated at the elbow of Cape Cod, produced a
greater quantity of clams than all the rest of the Cape in 1879,
but to-day the annual output is much less than that of several
other towns in the Cape district. Clam territory is situated in
Stage Harbor, Pleasant Bay and at Monomoy .Point, and com-
prises 300 acres, but 60 of which produce clams.

In Harwich some clams are obtainable from the shores of
Pleasant Bay, Wychmere Harbor and Herring River.

In Yarmouth and Dennis clam fisheries are now found in Swan
Pond River, Mill Creek and Bass River, although in former
years considerably greater quantities were present in Barnstable.
In Mashpee the shores of Popponesset River afford favorable
conditions although little clam-producing territory is available.

(2) 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. That clams grow wherever opportunity per-
mits 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 favor-
able features, the lack of any considerable territory is a disad-
vantage that will forever act as a barrier to any expansion.
Falmouth and Dartmouth on the east and west sides of Buz-
zards 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 an intermittent fashion, chiefly in the summer, but
with a small investment of capital. That the combined area of

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 179

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.

(3) 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 Mount 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. They 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.

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

180 FISH AND GAME.

controlled, and this territory, with its inherent possibilities de-
pleted to the verge of exhaustion by unwise and wasteful meth-
ods, it is for the interest of the Commonwealth to protect and
improve.

Swansea, the most western town of this district, is by far the
most favorably located, and has the greatest possibilities in clam
production. Situated as it is on the northern shore of Mount
Hope Bay, and the majority of the flats in the Cole and Lee
rivers, it possesses greater available territory, free from contam-
inating influences of the Taunton River, than any other town
in this region. Here the total area suitable for culture is not
far from 150 acres, of which about 20 acres are gravel and the
rest practically all mud. 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, particu-
larly in Lee River, produce some clams, but the industry is prac-
tically exhausted. The total clam area comprises about 75 acres.
Berkley, on the west bank of the Taunton River opposite Digh-
ton, has clam territory similar both in extent and characteristics
to that of Somerset; but little use is made of clams taken here
except as bait, as the river water renders them very unsatisfac-
tory as food. Freetown, which joins Berkley to the south near
the Fall River line, possesses a number of clam flats, aggregating
25 acres, but very little business is carried on, although condi-
tions are better than in Berkley or Dighton. Dighton has a very
limited area of clam flats, which comprises only about 10 acres.
Clams extend but little beyond the southern boundary of this
town on the Taunton River, and about three-quarters of a mile
up the Segregansett River on the west. Fall River has no clam
territory on the south, owing to wharves and other adverse con-
ditions. At the more open waters of the north toward Freetown
there is a stretch of clam ground covering about 25 acres. Here
the foreign element of the city dig clams for food, and some are
dug for bait, but as a whole the industry is of little consequence.

(4) The Islands. — Although Edgartown possesses 200 acres of
potential clam flats, it is not in a true sense a clam-producing
town. The nature of its flats, which at low tide are mostly under
water, makes clamming difficult, and this fact answers for the
limited production. The clam territory of the town is situated
along the shores of Cape Poge Pond and in the lower part of
Katama Bay, where many acres of flats are continually sub-
merged. The shore flats are small in area, owing to the light

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 2b. 181

rise and fall of the tide, which is less than 3 feet at this part of
the coast.

At present Nantucket does not possess a clam industry of any
importance. Years ago it is claimed that clams were abundant
there, and that quantities were dug for food and bait, but now
the reverse is true, and fishermen often find it difficult to pro-
cure clams even for bait. Indeed, the clam fishery of Nantucket
is an excellent illustration of decline in clam industry. Prac-
tically all its flats are shore flats, i.e., narrow stretches 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, can
never assume the importance of its quahaug and scallop fisheries.

History.

Early History. — The early history of the Massachusetts clam
industry is buried in obscurity. Even before the time of the
earliest settlers the native Indians depended largely upon the
abundant mollusk for their food supply, as is clearly indicated by
the scattered shell heaps which mark their ancient camp fires.
Upon the arrival of the Pilgrims, clam digging was incorporated
among the most time-honored industries of the Commonwealth,
and in times of want the early colonists depended largely upon
this natural food supply. The arrival of the colonists marks the
first epoch of the clam fishery as an economic factor in this Com-
monwealth, a period which lasted nearly two hundred years.
This period witnessed the exploitation of the clam grounds merely
for home consumption. Money was scarce, inland markets were
practically unknown, and the importance of this shellfish was
confined merely to local quarters.

Rise of the Bait Industry. — Early in the last century a grow-
ing demand for clams as bait for the sea fisheries became appar-
ent. Clams had always been utilized for this purpose more or
less, but an increased demand called for the development of an
important industry in this line. Various centers of activity were
established, particularly at Newburyport, Essex, Ipswich, Boston
Harbor and Chatham. The clams were mainly shucked, that is,
removed from the shell, and shipped either fresh or salted in
barrels to the fishermen at Gloucester, Boston and Province-
town. This industry opened up new fields of employment for
many men and boys, and brought considerable ready money
into various coast communities.

182 FISH AND GAME.

The Development of Inland Markets. — The consumption of
clams for food in the coast towns continued throughout the rise
and gradual decline of the bait industry, but the creation of in-
land markets did not begin to be an important factor until 1875.
It was about this time that the clam came to be generally looked
upon throughout the State as an article of food, and consequently
an important industry was gradually evolved to meet this grow-
ing demand. This step marked the beginning of the extensive
fisheries of the present day.

The mistaken policy of the average shellfish community, which
regarded clam grounds as natural gardens of inexhaustible fer-
tility, still persisted, even after the fallacy of this policy had
long proved apparent through the depletion of extensive tracts.
The same ill-advised methods were pursued, to the ultimate
ruination of much valuable territory. All wise regard for the*
future was overshadowed by the immediate needs of the present;
local legislation fostered the evil; State legislation was conspicu-
ous by its absence; and, left to the mercy of unsystematic dig-
ging, these natural resources rapidly wasted away.

The disastrous tendencies which have lurked in the ruling
policy of the clam fishery have been shown in the rise and fall
of the industry in certain localities. Forty years ago Duxbury
and Plymouth ranked as the greatest clam towns of the coast.
Their supply has long since become insignificant. Newburyport
and Ipswich have become the chief producers of the State clam
harvest; but Essex and Gloucester, in the same fertile regions,
have greatly declined, and the industry at Rowley has become
nearly extinct. In the Fall River district the digging of small
seed clams for food has brought the fishery to the verge of ruin.
The few resources of Buzzards Bay have become nearly ex-
hausted, while on Cape Cod the industry has shown here and
there a temporary increase, overshadowed by a far more exten-
sive decline, such as at Chatham. Furthermore, the sewage con-
tamination of coast waters in the harbors of Boston and several
other large cities has closed extensive regions to the production
of food.

Attempts to develop the Industry. — Various efforts have been
made to restrain overdigging the clam flats, by local regulations,
particularly by "close" seasons. These attempts have been pro-
ductive of little good. Other efforts, designed to develop exten-
sive tracts made barren by wasteful methods of fishing, have beeni
put in operation. These efforts have been along two independent

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

183

lines: the first, an effort on the part of the community to seed
in common flats by the appropriation of money for that purpose,
as in the case of Wellfleet; the second, an attempt to arrive at
the same end by leasing private grants to individuals, as at
Essex and Plymouth. These efforts, while tending in the right
direction, have not as yet yielded the results that might be
wished for. Within the past three years the State has taken
hold of the problem, and by an extensive series of experiments
is endeavoring to devise practical means by developing the great
inherent possibilities in this extensive industry.

Clam Production Table for Massachusetts, obtained from the Reports
of the United States Fish Commission.

Year.

Bushels.

Value.

Price

per Bushel

(Cents).

1880

158,626

§76,195

41.73

1887,

230,659

121,202

52.54

1888

243,777

127,838

52.44

1889

240,831

137,711

57.14

1892

191,923

133,529

69.57

1898

147,095

102,594

69.74

1902

227,941

157,247

68.98

1905

217,519

209,545

96.19

The Clam Industry.

Methods of Digging. — The ordinary method of taking clams is
so simple as hardly to need explanation, yet clam digging
requires considerable skill, and it takes years of experience to
become a good clammer.

There are two methods of clam digging used in Massachusetts,
— the "wet" and the "dry" digging. Wet digging is carried on
when water is over the clam beds; dry digging, which is the
common method, takes place when the flats are left exposed by
the tides. The only places in Massachusetts where wet digging
is carried on regularly are Eastham, Chatham, Swansea, and in
Katama Bay, Edgartown. In the lower end of Katama Bay is
found a submerged bed of clams which is one of the most pro-
ductive beds of this class in Massachusetts. These submerged
clams are taken with what is known locally as a "sea horse,"
which is an enlarged clam hoe, with prongs 12 to 14 inches long,

184 FISH AND GAME.

and a strong wooden handle 4 feet in length. This handle has a
belt attachment which is buckled around the clammer. Two
men are required for this work. The sea horse is worked deep
into the loose sand and is dragged along by one man, who wades
in the shallow water over these submerged flats, while his partner
follows, gathering the clams which the sea horse roots out. An-
other method of wet digging is called "churning," and is based
on the same principle as the above method, only the clams are
turned out under water by long forks or hoes. This method is
not used in Massachusetts to any extent. Excellent results are
usually obtained from wet digging.

The methods used in dry digging depend upon the nature of
the soil. The difference lies only in the kind of digger. The
clam hoe of the south shore, where the soil is either coarse sand
or gravel, has broad prongs, some even being \\ inches across.
The usual number of prongs is four, but occasionally three broad
prongs suffice. The clam hoe of the north shore, often called
"hooker," has four thin, sharp prongs and a short handle. The
set of this handle is a matter of choice with the individual clam-
mers, some preferring a sharp, acute angle, and others a right
angle. This style of clam hoe is best suited for the hard, tena-
cious clam flats of the north shore. At Essex spading forks are
used for clamming, but not as extensively as the hooker. For
sand digging the forks are said to be better, while for mud dig-
ging the hooker is preferred.

Outfit of a Clammer. — The outfit of a clammer does not re-
quire much outlay of capital. A skiff or dory, one or two clam
hoes and three or four clam baskets complete the list. Occa-
sionally, as at Ipswich, where the clam grounds are widely scat-
tered, power dories are used, and this necessitates the investment
of considerable capital; but the investment of the average clam-
mer does not exceed $26. Personal apparel, such as oilskins and
boots, are not considered under this head.

Clamming Outfit.

Skiff dory, $22 00

Two clam diggers, 1 50

Four clam baskets, 2 00

Total, $25 50

The boats most often used by the north shore clammers are
called "skiff dories," and in construction are between a dory and
a skiff. These boats are especially adapted for use in rivers.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 185

Marketing. — Clams are shipped to market either in the shell
or "shucked out." Two rules are followed by the clammers in
making this distinction: (1) small clams, or "steamers," are
shipped in the shell, especially during the summer months, while
the large clams are "shucked;" (2) the fine appearing sand clam
is usually sold in the shell, while the unprepossessing mud clam
is shucked, i.e., the shell and the external covering of the siphon
or neck are removed. This causes, on the north shore, a division
by locality. The Ipswich and Essex clams, except for a few in-
dividual orders, are mostly shipped to market in the shell, while
the Annisquam River and Newburyport clams in the winter are
usually shucked. Little if any shucking is done by the south
shore clammers.

Shucking almost doubles the value, as a bushel of clams, worth
in the shell 75 cents, will furnish, when soaked, about 10 quarts
of shucked clams, which bring about 50 cents per gallon, or a
total of SI. 25 when marketed. The shucked clams are put
through a process of soaking in the same way the scallop "eyes"
are treated before marketing. They absorb a sufficient quan-
tity of fresh water, after soaking six hours, to increase their
bulk about one-third, which gives a plump appearance to the
clams.

While many clammers do not soak their clams, it seems to be
a universal tendency, wherever clams are shucked, to gain by
this method. Soaking of any sort impairs the flavor of the clam,
and for this reason such a practice is to be deplored, but as long
as the consumer is satisfied to take second-rate goods this prac-
tice will continue, and it can be stopped only by the united de-
mand of the shellfish dealers.

Shipment. — Second-hand flour and sugar barrels are used for
the shipment of clams in the shell, while kegs and butter tubs
hold the shucked clams. In winter, clams can be shipped inland
without perishing; but in hot weather they spoil in a few days
unless iced.

Maine Clams. — Massachusetts annually consumes many thou-
sand barrels of Maine clams. If the demand of the Boston
market were* not partially met by the influx of Maine clams,
the clam flats of Massachusetts would be subject to a greater
drain.

Market. — The principal market for the clam industry of Mas-
sachusetts is Boston. Gloucester, Newburyport, Salem and Lynn
draw part of the clam trade of the north shore, but the greater

186 FISH AND GAME.

portion goes to Boston, whence it is distributed throughout the
State. In recent years shipments have been made from the
Ipswich Bay region direct to New York, Baltimore and Phila-
delphia.

Price. — The price of clams is fairly constant, varying but
little in summer and winter. Naturally, this seems curious, when
winter and summer clamming are compared. The production in
winter is much smaller than in summer, which is due to (1) fewer
clammers, because of the severe work in cold weather; (2) less
working days, as the clammer is often unable to dig for weeks,
and even months, and also cannot work early or late tides, as
in summer. In spite of this diminution of supply, the winter
price is practically no higher. This is due to a smaller demand
in winter, as well as to the influx of Maine clams at this season.
In summer there is an increased demand for clams, caused by
the arrival of the summer people at the seashore, when large
quantities are used by hotels, cottages, etc. This increase in
demand is enough to offset the increase in supply, resulting in
a stationary price.

The price varies with the quality of the clams, whether soaked
or unsoaked, small or large, good or poor looking shells, and
fresh or stale. As stated before, the average price received by
the clammer for clams in the shell is 75 cents per bushel;
shucked clams, when soaked, 45 to 50 cents per gallon.

GROWTH.

Growth experiments were conducted with the following objects
in view: (1) to ascertain the normal rate of growth; (2) to
further develop the lines of experimental work begun by Kellogg
and Mead; (3) to determine the length of time consumed in the
production of a marketable clam; (4) to find the average length
of life; (5) to obtain information of practical value to prospec-
tive clam culturists; and (6) to discover methods of reclaiming
barren flats.

Methods of Investigation.
Experimental Beds. — In order to satisfactorily solve the prob-
lems of clam growth under varied environments it was essential
to lay out numerous experimental beds, necessarily of small size,
owing to the limited appropriation for this investigation. Three
sizes were used, y^, lQ10o and j-oVo' of an acre, l0100 of an acre
proving the most convenient. These plots were bounded by

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 187

stakes and protected by signs, which briefly stated that the en-
closed space was under the control of the Commonwealth for
experimental purposes, as provided by chapter 327, Acts of 1906,
but in spite of these precautions many of the beds were de-
stroyed by trespassers after the clams had attained adult size.
The experimental beds were put out under varied conditions
of tide, current and soil, on both barren and productive flats,
along the Massachusetts coast.

Recording. — Different methods of planting were tried. In
many instances the seed clams could be obtained in the imme-
diate locality only with more or less difficulty, so they were
transported from a distance. At first they were measured with
rule, calipers and a triangular measuring instrument, such as
described in the report on the "Scallop Fishery " in 1910. Later,
after a table of the number per quart for each length from 10
to 85 millimeters had been made from hundreds of specimens,
and a table of corresponding width and thickness for any given
length similarly formulated, actual measurement of the clams
was discarded in favor of recording the number per quart.

An easy means of recording the successive yearly growths of
the planted clams was afforded by notching the edges of the
shell with a file, a method originated by Dr. A. D. Mead of the
Rhode Island Commission on Inland Fisheries, who states: —

As it [the clam] grows the notch remains perfectly distinct, and always
at the original distance from the hinge. A growth ring usually accom-
panies the notch, and so, after a month, or even years, the complete out-
line of the clam at the time of notching can be readily identified and traced
upon the shell of larger growth.

Planting. — In most beds the seed clams were planted indi-
vidually, after the bed had been thoroughly cleared of the natu-
ral clams. This was accomplished either by making holes in
the sand with a finger or sharpened stick, and then dropping in
the clam, siphon end up, or by a more elaborate method with a
wooden framework divided into square feet. By means of this
device it was poss:ble to plant different numbers of clams to the
square foot in the same bed, and by using the same framework
redig them in the same order. Another method of determining
the maximum production per square foot consisted in sinking
bottomless wire baskets into the soil, thus confining the clams.
In the larger beds the clams were merely scattered evenly over
the surface before the tide covered the flat, and under such con-

188 FISH AND GAME.

ditions the small clams, if fresh, burrowed rapidly. Methods of
preparing the soil and regulating the time of planting according
to tide, current, wind and soil were attempted with varying re-
sults. Beds were tried on high and low flats, both between the
tide lines and below low-water mark. At Monomoy Point clams
were planted in submerged boxes of sand and suspended from a
raft, as described in the " Quahaug Report," 1912, and their
growth compared with that on the Powder Hole flats.

Location. — The experimental beds were located principally in
Ipswich Bay and its tributaries, in Plymouth Harbor, and at
Monomoy Point, Chatham. In addition a large number were
planted n the following towns: —

Newburyport. Kingston. Falmouth.

Newbury. Plymouth. Edgartown.

Rowley. Dartmouth. Nantucket.

Ipswich. Wellfleet. Bourne.

Essex. Provincetown. Marion.

Gloucester. Chatham.

Lynn. Harwich.

These beds were placed under all sorts of conditions, favorable
and unfavorable, on productive and barren flats, and in some
cases were never recovered, having been destroyed by an un-
favorable environment or by clammers. The majority were re-
covered, and the growth of the planted clams under a variety
of natural conditions was obtained.

Ipswich Bay Experiments. — This section comprises the flats
of Plum Island Sound, Ipswich River and Essex River, lying
principally in the towns of Ipswich and Essex. Experimental
beds were planted in Ipswich River, Plum Island Sound, Greens
Creek, Roger Island Creek and Essex River.

The Ipswich River has in itself a great variety of clam ground.
Both sides of the river for nearly 3 miles are fringed with flats,
mainly of mud, though sandy near the mouth. Some of the
mud flats are so soft that they are practically barren, or covered
with mussel beds; while certain sand flats, e.g., the main portion
of the high sands, are too shifting to be valuable. However, the
larger part of these river flats are productive.

The Plum Island division comprises Lufkins, Point Peter, Ap-
pletons, Foresides and several other minor flats. Of these, Luf-
kins is important. It occupies a semicircular depression on the

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 189

coast of Plum Island, and, owing to its peculiar location, the
swift current which flows past its outer edge makes a double
eddy at both ebb and flood tide. The outer border to the north
is mud, to the south sand. The portion near shore is a hard
bluish clay in which clams are abundant.

Point Peter, or "Pint" Peter, is also an important flat, com-
prising altogether 28 acres, though about 7 acres of the outer
portion are so shifting as to be practically worthless. The re-
mainder varies from sand and hard mud on the outside to soft
mud in the creeks. The central portion of the flat is peculiarly
adapted to the culture of clams, and is extremely productive.

Appletons Flat comprises about 6 acres of hard, tenacious
sand, thickly strewn with old clam shells. It lies at the mouth
of Perkins and Pine Creeks, which run for about a mile into the
mainland of Plum Island, and which contain nearly 25 acres
each of fairly productive flats.

Foresides is a thatch island a little over a mile in length, lying
in the mid-channel of Plum Island Sound. The sand flats which
surround it on all sides comprise about 80 acres. The western
side is more or less productive, though the outer edge, over
which the strong cross currents of the channel sweep, is unsuited
for clam growth. The strip of sand along the northern and
northeastern sides, though of rather limited area, is productive,
while most of the southeastern portion, which projects far into
the channel, is barren and totally unadapted for the soft-shelled
clam, though bedded with sea clams. The productive section of
this flat is one of the most important of the Ipswich clam
grounds.

The west coast of Plum Island Sound, comprising the Greens
Creek and Roger Island Creek territories, extends from the
Ipswich River to the Rowley River. This division contains the
bulk of the waste and barren flats of Ipswich, although there is
exceptionally good clamming in Stacys Creek, Third Creek and
the "Nutfield."

In the lower Essex River region the three main flats are Essex
Beach, Wheelers and the Spit. Essex Beach usually has a good
set, evenly sprinkled over the ridgy, shifting bars that skirt the
channel. Wheelers is an irregular sandbar, occupying about 77
acres, one-half of which is productive. The Spit, mainly a sandy
soil, lies in the three towns of Ipswich, Essex and Gloucester;
about one-third of the whole area of 300 acres lies within the
town of Ipswich. This whole bar is so liable, to change that any

190 FISH AND GAME.

calculations based on the precise area or location of clam terri-
tory are decidedly unreliable. Good digging occurs in limited
areas on the north and west sides.

In the region of Conomo Point, numerous flats, a large por-
tion of which are barren, are situated along the sides of Essex
River and its tributaries. Many experimental beds were planted
in Joe's Creek, on "Newfoundland" and other flats near Conomo
Point. "Newfoundland/' a barren flat which formerly had been
productive, yielded excellent results, owing to its favorable loca-
tion at a bend in the river. The results of the clam planting
on barren flats in this section were most successful, and served
as a stimulus for clam farming in Essex.

Plymouth Experiments. — During the year 1906 and 1907 ex-
periments were carried on with a view to ultimately increasing
the production of the extensive flats of Plymouth Harbor. At
that time the prevailing conditions were studied: (1) by a care-
ful observation of the natural clam on the shores and flats; (2)
by numerous artificial beds; and (3) by recording the 1906 set.

Plymouth Harbor presents a vast area of flats more or less
covered with eelgrass, with a great variety of soils. Three towns,
Duxbury, Kingston and Plymouth, share the fishing rights of
this harbor. The natural conditions are: (1) large rise and fall
of tide; (2) good circulation of water, due to the swift currents,
except on the shore flats of the western side; (3) high flats with
long exposure; (4) variety of soils, ranging from a shifting sand
to a soft mud; (5) great area of eelgrass flats.

In 1906 clams were naturally present in the greatest quantities

(1) in the gravelly soil upon the south side of Clarks Island,

(2) on Plymouth Beach, and (3) in the grants to property holders
along the western shore, where all conditions for the growth of
clams, except current, were satisfactory. These shore flats, ex-
posed for many hours, were washed by a gradual inspreading of
the water and an equally mild ebb, with the result that the cur-
rent was not strong enough to permit even an average growth.
This area, which included the entire extent of the shore flats
from the Cordage Company's plant to Eel River, was small as
compared with the possible clam areas of the barren harbor flats,
some of which were later placed under artificial cultivation by
the Andrew J. Kerr Company.

In 1906 here and there on the uncultivated central flats of the
harbor an experienced clammer might be able to dig a few large
clams, but in general this mollusk was not found in abundance.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 191

Upon the top of Wind Flat, among beds of mussels, some clams
were present. Near at hand were areas swept by a better current
but absolutely void of clams, though they appeared similar in
every respect to good clam flats in other localities along the
coast.

Egoberts, the larger of the two Kingston flats, has an area of
about 275 acres, covered by thick eelgrass, except for a triangular
piece in the mid-southern section, which comprises about 80
acres of smooth, unshifting sand. The greater part of this open
section is barren, although a few clams are scattered along the
edge near the channel.

Greys Flat, situated to the west of Egoberts, is of an entirely
different type. It is a long flat, with a uniform width of 100
yards, and runs throughout its length parallel to the shore, while
on the east side it is separated from Egoberts by a channel. It
is essentially different in the nature of its soil, which is mud
throughout. Although the total area of the flat is about 115
acres, an irregular section of mud on the southeastern part
comprising 30 acres, is the only available clam territory. The
flat is composed of soft mud on the north and on the south, but
the middle section contains several acres of hard mud.

During the year 1906 a series of experiments in clam culture
were conducted at Plymouth, in the course of which approxi-
mately 100 small beds were planted, most of which proved un-
successful. These beds, which averaged but 40 clams each, were
situated on the Oyster Grant, Beach Wharf Flat, White Flat,
Greys Flat, Egoberts Flat, Corys Flat and near the outlet of
Eel River. On examination ten weeks later only 7 per cent,
were recovered. The explanation of this lack of success, as com-
pared with the experiments in the Ipswich Bay region, probably
lies in the fact that the experiments were located for the most
part in unfavorable places where the clams were easily destroyed.

In 1907 further experimental beds were planted on Greys,
Egoberts and Whites flats, and upon the shore flats on the grant
of Frank J. Cole of North Plymouth, who afforded every assist-
ance in his power to further the work. Thirty-four beds planted
with comparatively large seed clams proved more successful on
these flats and supplied definite data as to the rate of growth
in the northwestern part of Plymouth Harbor, particularly in
regard to the influence of soil, eelgrass, drainage and current.

Monomoy Experiments. -•— During the period from 1905 to 1910
growth experiments were conducted in the Powder Hole, a shel-

192 FISH AND GAME.

tered harbor of salt water situated at Monomoy Point, Chat-
ham, at the elbow of Cape Cod. In former years the Powder
Hole was a spacious harbor where a hundred vessels could anchor,
but the sandbars have so shifted that nothing remains at the
present time but an almost enclosed body of water of perhaps 5
acres connected with the ocean on the bay side by a narrow
opening through which a dory may enter at high tide. The
opening changes constantly, owing to the shifting nature of the
sand, and has successively worked from the south to the north
side, and closed and reopened again at the south at intervals of
one and a half years. A large part of the original harbor is now
either dry land or salt marsh, while on the north and west sides
is a sand flat of 3 acres, which up to 1910 contained an abun-
dance of soft clams. The harbor itself is slowly diminishing in
size, due to the encroachment of the sand, and will doubtless
eventually become completely landlocked.

The water on the north and west sides averages from 15 to
18 feet in depth, and gradually shoals to the south and east.
In the shallow water the soil is covered with a heavy growth of
eelgrass. The rise and fall of the tide is about \\ feet on the
average, but it is extremely erratic, as the force and direction of
the wind, and the position of the opening, are important factors
in determining the amount of water passing through the narrow
inlet. The location and depth of the opening makes it possible
for the clam flat to be constantly under water for weeks, while
at other times several days may pass when the water barely
covers the flats. At such times the water is over the flats for
only a brief period, probably not averaging over five hours out
of the twenty-four. Naturally, the amount and frequency of
the tidal flow affect the salinity of the water, which varies with
the influx of the tide. The volume of water also varies with
the high or low running tides, as a certain height has to be
reached before water will flow through the inlet.

(1) Box Experiments. — Two main classes of experiments were
undertaken, bed and box, which differ but slightly, the latter a
convenient modification of the experimental bed, consisting of
small wooden boxes filled with sand and equipped with rope
handles. The advantage of the experimental box lay, first, in
its greater accuracy, since it permitted the operator to obtain
each time the exact number of clams planted, a practical im-
possibility with the planted bed, and secondly, it furnished a
convenient form of handling.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 193

The box experiments were divided into classes as follows: (a)
boxes in the shallow water near the shore, at a depth of from
1 to 3 feet; and (6) boxes suspended by ropes from the raft.
In all cases, especially on the raft, they were made as strong as
possible to withstand the strain. The boxes could be used only
one year, as the ship worms {Teredo) render the wood unfit for
further service. The shallow-water boxes, which were located
on the south side of the Powder Hole on clear bottom, were
somewhat larger than the deep-water boxes, as they could be
more easily handled.

A raft, 20 feet long by 10 feet wide, was moored in the Powder
Hole near the flat on the north side, where the deepest water
and the best circulation were obtainable. It was provided with
a central well and four trapdoors, by means of which the boxes
could be lowered to any depth up to 18 feet. This raft was
used only during the summer months, and in the winter was
hauled up on land, the box experiments being transferred to
water deep enough to avoid the ice.

The natural conditions on the raft were especially favorable
for clam growth, and extremely good results were obtained. The
position of the raft was such as to receive the full benefit of the
incoming tide as it passed over the flat, bringing with it abun-
dant diatomaceous food.

(2) Experimental Beds. — The planted beds were located be-
tween the tide lines in the different parts of the clam flat. The
first of these beds was planted in 1905 and the last taken up in
1910. Important results are obtained by a comparison of growth
between the tide lines and in the submerged raft boxes.

Average Growth.

In the determination of the average growth of the clam it is
difficult to make general statements, since the natural conditions
which influence development are varied. The rate of growth in
one body of water invariably differs from that of other localities,
unless similar conditions are present, instances of which occur
but rarely in nature, a fact which necessitated the use of a large
number of experimental beds. Therefore, the reader should un-
derstand that the general figures given in the following pages
do not hold absolutely true for individual localities, since they
are merely averages for certain sections of the coast.

The enlargement of the shell indicates a proportionate growth
of the body, and new shell formation is the direct result of a

194 FISH AND GAME.

previous corresponding growth in the soft parts, which neces-
sitates further extension of the shell. In the growth experi-
ments the shell has been accepted as typifying the development
of the body, and all measurements have been recorded on this
basis. In another section the quality of the meat and the
plumpness of the tissues, so important to the dealer, have been
considered.

The shell of the clam, as of all mollusks, is almost wholly com-
posed of lime salts obtained from the water, but the amount of
soluble lime in the water, although an important factor in the
rapidity of growth, is not as essential as is the proper nourish-
ment of the soft parts by the ingestion of microscopic food
forms. Actual increase in growth due to an excess of lime is but
slight, since shell formation naturally is correlative to the increase
in the soft parts. The difference in localities rich in lime salts
is evidenced only by an increased weight of shell. The lime
supply varies slightly in different localities, but its efficiency is
dependent largely upon the circulation of water. However, food
is most vitally important. Within limits, the growth of the
clam is directly proportional to the amount of food it consumes.
This food consists primarily of microscopic plant forms, called
diatoms, which are uniformly distributed throughout the water.
Naturally the abundance of diatoms in any locality and the cir-
culation of water, the current, are the two important factors in
the growth of the clam.

Length of Life. — The maximum period of life for the clam is
difficult to determine. To our knowledge one of the largest
shells ever found in Massachusetts was found on Greys Flat,
Kingston, and measured 5f inches in length. At one point where
the flat had been worn away by erosion, the ground was white
with thousands of these large shells in an upright position, indi-
cating that destruction had suddenly come upon them. The age
of these clams could have been no less than twelve years. Natu-
rally the size does not signify the age, as the rate of growth
varies with the location. A clam high up in the sedge, near high-
water mark, may be small in size but at the same time several
years older than a large clam more favorably situated. The age
of the clam may be estimated from the weight of the shell, the
frequency of growth lines and the signs of external wear, espe-
cially on the umbones. Under natural conditions, when clams are
not dug for market death may result from destructive washouts

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 195

in heavy storms, prolonged exposure in hot weather and disease
when thickly set.

Average Rate of Growth. — The average growth for the entire
coast in terms of a 25-millimeter clam is 38 millimeters, or a
gain of 1,635 per cent, in volume. In general, clams from
river flats, where the current is strong, show a faster growth
than shore clams, owing to the better circulation of water. At
Monomoy for several years the annual growth in raft boxes,
shore boxes and on the flat was compared. The raft and shore
boxes were submerged continually, the raft having a better cur-
rent than the shore. Naturally the best growth was found in
the raft boxes.

Growth for the Market. — Mead (13-16) says that a clam may
grow to marketable size in one and one-half to two years, a
statement which coincides with the results obtained in certain
Massachusetts experiments, where, by planting clams 1 inch and
over under favorable conditions, marketable clams were produced
in one year. The definition of a marketable clam varies with
locality, abundance, and whether it is to be served as a " steamer "
or "shucked." However, it is fair to consider that a clam of 2\
inches is marketable, and on good growing flats this size may be
obtained in two years' time.

Diversity in growth may be said to be due mainly to location
with respect to three essential conditions, — current, length of
time submerged and soil, — and even the results stated here
cannot be applied to every locality, since each flat has, as it
were, an individuality all its own. The following statement gives
briefly the general results obtained with numerous experimental
beds under a variety of conditions. For the sake of simplicity,
a 1-inch clam is taken as the standard.

A 1-inch clam will grow in one year to a size between 2 and
3 inches. Under favorable conditions, with a moderately strong
current, the average will increase to 2 J inches, a gain of 1,600
per cent, in volume, which means that for every bushel planted
the yield in one year would be 16 bushels. In the case of beds
with but little current, 1-inch clams average about 2 inches in
size in a year, a gain of 865 per cent., or a return of 8.7 bushels
for each 1 planted. Certain beds under exceptionally fine con-
ditions have shown the amazing rate of 30 bushels for every
bushel of 1-inch clams planted. In these beds clams increased
from 1 to 3 inches in length.

196

FISH AND GAME.

The Maximum Production per Square Foot. — The number of
clams per square foot that can be raised to best advantage de-
pends primarily upon the location of the flat with regard to
natural conditions. Clams thickly planted^ in favorable locations
may show a greater growth than when thinly planted in less
favorable habitat; therefore, no definite statement can be made
which will apply generally. It can only be stated that a flat
with a current will produce a greater number of clams per square
foot than one without, and on good flats they may be planted
conveniently and economically from 15 to 20 per square foot,
or even in larger numbers. Experimental determination of the
maximum production per square foot is difficult, for unless the
experiment covers a large area, slight influences of environment
affect results. Attempts were made to ascertain the maximum
production by means of sinking into the soil bottomless wire
baskets, each enclosing one square foot of surface, in which
various numbers of clams were planted. Experiment Xo. 80 at
Monomoy Point comprised a series of twelve baskets, containing
from 3 to 49 clams per square foot, which were planted on Oct.
30, 1905, and taken up May 13, 1907. The growth did not mate-
rially differ between the 3 and the 49 per square foot beds, as
can be seen from the following table: —

Number planted.

Number
found.

PerC<
lost

Length Gain
(Millimeters).

3,
5,
8,
10,
12,
16,
20,
30,
35,
42,
49,

26.00
29.50
27.25
23.40
30.25
30.47
28.23
29.54
26.89
28.63
27.14

It is readily conceivable that if a bed has a poor circulation of
water overpopulation may result in an insufficient food supply
and slower growth. Dwarfed forms caused by crowding should
be differentiated from those caused by lack of growth because of

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 197

a naturally insufficient food supply. The number per square
foot which will give the best growth in a given locality can be
determined only by the planter's gradually increasing his stock
until the maximum production is reached.

Growing Months. — The clam differs slightly from the scallop,
quahaug and oyster in that its growing season, as typified by
shell formation, is longer. Growth takes place at a lower tem-
perature than with the quahaug, which increases its size only
during the warm summer months, from May 1 to November 1.
This peculiarity is readily explained by the fact that the clam is a
colder water species, its range extending from New Jersey north
on the Atlantic coast. The clam has a definite winter growth
between November 1 and May 1, which, however, is but a small
proportion of the annual increase. Undoubtedly the greater por-
tion of the so-called winter growth takes place during November
and April. Decrease in the microscopic food forms in the water
is not sufficient to explain the cessation of growth, which is also
due to the inactivity of the clam during the cold weather in
assimilating food and lime salts. Evidently the clam is capable
of performing its nutritive functions at a lower temperature
than the quahaug, scallop and oyster, possibly ceasing at a
point between 40 degrees and 42 degrees F.

An interesting comparison was made between clam 'beds in
the Essex River, in Plymouth Harbor and on the south side of
Cape Cod. In Essex River very slight growth occurred between
November 1 and May 1, as was readily demonstrated by a notch
filed into the edge of the shell. In Plymouth Harbor the beds,
especially upon the mud flats, showed a growth of several milli-
meters during this period. South of Cape Cod, particularly at
Monomoy Point, there was an appreciable growth during the
winter months. This peculiarity can best be explained as due
to difference in the temperature, exposure and current.

Summer and Winter Growth on Sand and Mud Flats. — By a
comparison of clam growth at Plymouth in mud (Wind Flat)
with that in sand (Whites Flat), interesting observations were
made regarding the proportionate increases in winter and sum-
mer.

Growth for nine and two-thirds months proved slightly more
rapid in the mud bed, and was especially marked for the seven
and one-third cold months, whereas almost the reverse proved
true during the two and one-third warm months of this period.
The mud flat, rich in organic matter and clam food, such as dia-

198

FISH AND GAME.

toms, gave a faster winter growth than did the sand flat, with less
food on its surface. Diatoms are more numerous and multiply
more rapidly on muddy soil, which holds the warmth of the sun,
and therefore more food is close at hand for the clams during
the winter. In summer diatoms are equally distributed through-
out the water, and since clams obtain their nourishment from the
water, growth is faster on the sand flat, where there is no clog-
ging of the gills with fine silt.

Gain in Length in Millimeters.

Oct. 27, 1906,
to Aug. 16,
1907 (Nine

and

Two-thirds

Months).

Oct. 27, 1906,
to June 6,

1907 (Seven

and
One-third
Months).

June 6, 1907,
to Aug. 16,
1907 (Two

and
One-third
Months).

Mud (Wind Flat bed)

Sand (Whites Flat bed)

Gain or loss,

20.84
16.72
4.12

12.72
7.78
4.94

8.12

8.94

.82

Growth of Old and Young. — Actual increase in length as well
as relative increase in volume constantly diminish as the clam
increases in size. In other words, the older and larger a clam
becomes, the more slowly it grows. By planting clams of dif-
ferent sizes in the same beds a comparison of the gain in length
may be determined. Naturally a small clam, for the purpose of
comparison we will say one 20 millimeters in length (the exact
size has not been determined), shows the greatest gain. Above
that size the yearly gain in length steadily diminishes with
advancing age. Under average conditions if a 20-millimeter
clam had an annual increase of 28 millimeters, larger clams
would show the following growth: a 25-millimeter clam would
gain 25 millimeters; a 50-millimeter clam would gain 12.5 milli-
meters; a 75-millimeter clam would gain 5.8 millimeters; a 90-
millimeter clam would gain 4.3 millimeters.

Opportunity was afforded to observe the rate of growth of
young clams collected in spat boxes at Monomoy Point. In 1907
boxes containing sand were suspended from a raft in the Powder
Hole on June 15 and July 26, and were taken up on October 15.
Three hundred and ninety-one clams in the June boxes averaged
34.38 millimeters in length, and 1,637 in the July boxes averaged
32.91 millimeters, or 221.3 per quart. The set which occurred
about July 1 showed a difference of 1.47 millimeters in growth

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 199

between the June and July boxes. In shallow boxes 1,705 clams
averaged 28.72 millimeters, or 361 per quart.

The averages would indicate that when a set is favorably
located and continually under water, the growth from July 1 to
October 15, three and one-half months, is approximately 30.5
millimeters (lj inches). Considerable variations are to be ex-
pected in other environments and under other conditions, but
these figures express the growth under very favorable circum-
stances for the first three and' one-half months. Naturally, when
sets are too thick, as on Rowley Reef, growth is slower, especially
if the set is late in the season. The spawning season extends
over a period of several months, and if a set does not occur until
late in August, cold weather will not permit rapid growth; e.g.,
on November 13 the Rowley Reef set averaged but 12.9 milli-
meters (about \ inch). Feeble winter growth and late set ex-
plain the presence of very small clams in the early spring.

Comparison with Quahaugs and Scallops. — Arranging mollusks
in order of rapidity of growth, — scallop, clam, quahaug, — we
find the same order in respect to weight of shell. Therefore we
can formulate the general rule that the growth of any mollusk
is directly in proportion to the weight of the shell, which not
only holds true for different species, but even for the different
varieties of clams, as is seen by a comparison of the slow-
growing, thick-shelled clams of gravel beaches with the fast,
paper-shelled clams of the sandy flats. During the spawning
season the clam shows no retardation of growth such as is
manifest in the scallop.

The annual growth of a scallop 25 millimeters in size repre-
sents a gain in volume of 1,850 percent.; that of a 25-millimeter
clam a gain in volume of 900 per cent. In the case of a quahaug
of 25 millimeters there is an increase in volume of 527 per cent.

Individual Variation. — Individual variation of clams with re-
gard to growth is frequently found. Certain specimens seem to
exhibit consistently slower growth, either from unfavorable posi-
tion or from impaired feeding powers. In case of defective nutri-
tion, shell formation is slow for a number of years, if not for the
entire life of the animal, as in experiment No. 80, when a clam
65 millimeters in size showed a gain of 4 millimeters for one and
one-half years, as compared with the average gain of 13 milli-
meters for clams of similar size under the same conditions.

Malformations. — Every time a clam is disturbed in its bur-
row there occurs a more or less pronounced growth line, which

200 FISH AND GAME.

is due to a slight check in its shell formation. Any injury to the
shell which the clam is able to survive results in a greater or less
deformity, therefore deformed clams are constantly to be found
in natural flats, particularly in gravel and stony soils.

Transplanting. — At first transplanting retards the rate of
growth of the clam, since a variable length of time is required
before it becomes accustomed to its new environment. For this
reason, in planted beds the first month's growth is naturally less
than the growth in subsequent months, and due allowance should
be made in computing the results of short-time growth in any
locality. Clams in certain beds scarcely show any change when
transplanted, while others apparently take some time to adapt
themselves to new environments. Such factors as date of plant-
ing, length of time out of water and changes in natural condi-
tions determine this period.

"Cultivation" of Clams. — From the mistaken theory that the
principles of vegetable cultivation should be applied to clams,
the idea has been fostered among the fishermen that the con-
tinual overturning of a flat by digging is beneficial for growth.
The fallacy of this idea is apparent when one considers that
clams are unlike vegetables, which obtain the greater portion
of their sustenance from the soil. Except where clams are too
thickly set to grow well, e.g., where there are too many mouths
to feed, digging is not only of no use but is injurious. In case
of a heavy set, it is good policy, by reducing the numbers, to
aid nature in her work of establishing an equilibrium, since only
a limited number to the square foot of surface can grow to the
best advantage.

To determine the actual value of "cultivation" an experiment
was carried on in 1906 at Monomoy Point. Two small beds,
x fa 0 of an acre in area, were located side by side near the south-
ern edge of the Powder Hole clam flat. The soil, a coarse sand,
was carefully dug over on July 17, 1906, and 1,500 clams from
48 to 58 millimeters in size were removed, showing that the area
was productive ground. Owing to a slight current and long ex-
posure, growth in this locality proved slow. Various sizes were
planted ranging from 44 to 75 millimeters, an equal number in
each bed. One bed was dug over with a clam hoe, without re-
moving any clams, on the first of August, September and Octo-
ber, while the other was left undisturbed. On Nov. 25, 1906,
both were taken up, 5.94 quarts of clams being obtained from
the undisturbed plot and 3.56 quarts from that which had been

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

201

dug over. A marked difference in favor of the undisturbed bed
was found both in the size and number of clams. No difference
was noticeable with regard to the catching of 1906 set in the two
areas.

Dug.

Undug.

Number.

Size
(Milli-
meters).

Number

per
Quart.

Number.

Size
(Milli-
meters).

Number

per
Quart.

July 17, 1906

Nov. 25, 1906

372
150

52.7
58.7

58.00
42.17

372
240

52.9
59.5

58.00

40.38

Conditions kegulating the Growth of the Clam.
In tidal waters clams are present in abundance on some flats,
in scattering quantities on others, and in many sections are en-
tirely absent. A superficial observer may notice but little dif-
ference in these areas; but certain definite conditions are essen-
tial for the existence of the clam, and there is no more convincing
illustration of the influence of environment than its effect upon
the rate of growth. Among the surrounding natural forces may
be enumerated current, tide, soil, depth and salinity of water,
arranged in order of their relative importance, yet so closely
interwoven that their separate action cannot always be clearly
demonstrated. Any discussion of the conditions which form a
favorable or unfavorable environment involves their separate
treatment, but the reader should realize that there are few, if
any, instances where the pure uncomplicated action of a single
natural condition can be obtained. These factors naturally fall
into three main groups: (1) the circulation of the water or the
current; (2) the condition of the water; and (3) the character
of the soil.

Current.
The most important factor in clam growth is a good current,
not necessarily an exceedingly swift one, but rather a fair cir-
culation of water. The varied services of the current render it
of particular importance to the culturist in the selection of a
grant since productive capacity of a clam flat is dependent almost
wholly upon the circulation of water. In choice of a location the
clam planter may follow the general rule that, as long as the flow
of water does not affect his clams in other ways, the swifter cur-

202 FISH AND GAME.

rent gives the faster growth; yet it should be remembered that
it has disadvantages as well as advantages, and that no hard
and fast rule can be made.

In general, current affects both the life and growth of the clam,
but it is difficult to draw a sharp line of distinction, as any effect
on growth directly or indirectly influences life. Under the former
may be grouped sanitary service, effect on soil and usefulness in
determining set. Under the latter may be classed the regulation
of food, lime salts and oxygen.

Food Carrier. — The current plays a most important part as
food carrier. The clam obtains its nourishment from microscopic
forms in the water, principally diatoms. These tiny organisms
vary extremely in size and shape, and are readily recognized by
their silicious cases and beautiful markings, which have won for
them the name of "the jewels of the plant world." While dia-
toms constitute a large proportion of the food of the clam, other
forms, such as small unicellular and multicellular animals, bac-
teria algse, and possibly soluble proteids are not negligible.

Diatoms are distributed throughout all waters. Different lo-
calities vary in abundance according to whether conditions are
favorable for their reproduction. Brackish waters are especially
prolific in food forms, since there is a mingling not only of the
salt and fresh water forms but also of animals and plants peculiar
pnly to brackish water. For this reason small bays, rivers and
inlets, to which entering streams carry down from the land the
nitrogenous salts, which form a source of nourishment for the
diatoms, are favorable localities for clam growth; likewise, the
high temperature of water in certain localities furnishes a favor-
able condition for the reproduction of diatoms.

As with lower animals the growth of the clam is directly pro-
portional to the amount of food consumed, and an animal situ-
ated in a current naturally receives a greater supply than one
in still water. For all practical purposes current means food,
and to a certain extent an increase in current indicates an in-
crease in the amount of available food. Diatoms are of two
kinds, pelagic and stalked, the first of which float free in the
water, while the second, unless detached, are fastened to the
soil. The clam draws from a limited area around its siphon,
and when aided by the action of the wind and waves, which
dislodge stationary forms, it can feed upon both kinds. Since
it is a stationary animal, with limited feeding range, it is obvious
that a point of maximum food assimilation can be obtained

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 203

where the clam is unable to take in any more food no matter
how swift the current. For this reason the term current, as used
here, implies only a good circulation of water and not an exceed-
ingly swift flow.

Oxygen Bearer. — For years it has been a well-known obser-
vation that clam growth is more rapid where water is constantly
in circulation than is the case in still water. It has commonly
been considered that difference in rate of growth was due to in-
creased amount of food, the clam in the current being most
bounteously supplied; but rapid growth from good circulation
is a more complex problem than simple increase in available
food supply. Five factors determine the amount of food con-
sumed by a clam: (a) the amount of food brought by the cur-
rent; (b) the quantity of oxygen absorbed from the water; (c)
the time of feeding as regulated by exposure of the tidal flat;
(d) the freedom of the water from contamination or silt, which
interfere with the automatic feeding of the clam; and (e) the
action of wind and waves upon the surface of the flat.

The relation of the first three factors is quite intricate, and
the exact proportion that each contributes to the increase in
growth is somewhat problematical as far as figures are concerned.
Current brings both increased food and oxygen to the animal,
as well as serving as a stimulus to its feeding. Oxygen, perhaps,
plays a greater part in growth than actual amount of food con-
sumed, since it is necessary for body metabolism and for stimulat-
ing the feeding activities of the clam. An experiment was made
at Monomoy Point in 1907 to determine the relation between
assimilation of food and rate of growth of quahaugs in still and
swiftly flowing water, the results of which are equally appli-
cable to the clam. In this connection actual increase in food
forms by means of the circulation of the water was alone con-
sidered.

Small nets of silk bolting cloth (No. 11) 2 inches in diameter
and 4 inches long were so arranged as to rotate on a steel rod
like a weather vane. Two nets, identical in every respect, were
used, one of which was placed 6 inches below the surface of the
water over a quahaug bed, in still water which was 2 feet deep
at low tide; the other was placed 2| feet below the surface of
the water over quahaugs bedded in sand boxes suspended from
a raft in a good circulation of water. These nets remained ex-
tended in the water, and on the slightest provocation would
swing on a pivot, so that their openings always faced the cur-

204 FISH AND GAME.

rent. After having been down a certain number of hours they
were taken up and the food which had been collected was washed
into 15 cubic centimeters of water and counted in the Rafter
cell. The approximate number of standard units in each case
was determined. Three parallel sets were made, ranging from
eight to eighteen hours in duration.

The total number of standard units present in the current per
cubic centimeter was 2,188,800; in still water, 1,612,800, giving
a gain of 35.7 per cent, in favor of the current. The annual
growth of quahaugs in the current showed a gain of 24.5 milli-
meters, or 612 per cent, in volume, as compared with a gain of
13.62 millimeters, or 241 per cent., in the still water, less than
two-fifths as much. It is apparent that the 35.7 per cent, gain
in food supply cannot account for the much greater difference
in growth, which is due undoubtedly to increased quantity of
oxygen furnished by the current, its utilization in body metabo-
lism and stimulation of feeding apparatus of the animal, since
other factors, such as silt and wave action, were absent in this
case. These figures at best are only approximate, but are suf-
ficient to illustrate that there is a great discrepancy in deduction
based solely upon the actual increase in the quantity of food
forms and the rate of growth. Therefore we may safely con-
clude that the other important factor, oxygen, may be of even
greater import to the clam.

Oxygen increases the growth in two ways, (1) by increasing
the metabolic functions of the clam and (2) by stimulation of
its feeding proclivities, but so closely are they connected that
it is impossible to determine their relative values. Oxygen is
necessary to the life and feeding of the clam since with increased
amount of available oxygen bodily functions are performed more
readily. Observations upon clams in an aquarium, in still or
even stagnant water, showed that such specimens feed but a
small portion of the time. For the most part they lay in a semi-
dormant condition, with siphons partly extended, but not feed-
ing. When the water was agitated by blowing upon the surface
the clams soon extended their siphons and began to feed actively,
showing that their feeding activity depends to a great extent
upon circulation of the water. This fact explains why prac-
tically no growth is evident in clams kept in still-water aquaria.

Lime Furnisher. — Similarly, current furnishes the clam with
a solution of lime salts, which are utilized in building its shell,
a process most essential to growth. An intimate relation exists

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 205

between the amount of ingested food and lime, the absorption
of the one depending upon the assimilation of the other. The
shell increases in proportion to the growth of the soft parts, and
unless the supply of lime salts is sufficient, growth is retarded.
The lime salts are obtained from the water (this can be demon-
strated by growing clams out of the sand), and are probably
transformed through bodily activity into suitable form for shell
secretion. The amount of lime in solution varies in different
localities, but this variation is largely obviated by the current.
Water deficient in lime salts but having a good current will pro-
duce a better shell than still water rich in minerals, although in
localities of rapid growth, where lime is scarce the shell is likely
to be thin and fragile.

The importance of temperature in shell formation should not
be overlooked. Practically all shell formation takes place during
the summer months, growth nearly ceasing during winter. Al-
though the food supply is not correspondingly diminished, cold
water renders the animal torpid, and inhibits its activities in
feeding and shell secretion. For this reason little growth takes
place during the winter, as temperature is the controlling factor
in the regulation of growth rate and shell formation.

Sanitary Agent. — The work of the current as a sanitary agent
consists in carrying away products of decomposition and thus
preventing contamination in thickly planted beds. More clams
to the square foot may be planted in a current than in still
water, where the decay of a few specimens affects others in the
same bed. Similarly, current prevents the spread of disease, in-
stances having been noted where whole beds of thickly set clams
have apparently perished, although at present little is known
concerning the diseases attacking the clam. Current also sweeps
from the surface of a flat any deposits of silt, and dead eelgrass
or organic matter, thus affording a sanitary environment for the
clam.

Influence on Set. — The influence of current on the set of
young clams has been described in a previous portion of this
report. The set is due to the relation of tidal currents to shore
formation, inasmuch as larva-bearing streams are deflected by
projecting shores and small clams are deposited mechanically to
the sides of the current or in the slack water of the eddies.

Action on the Flat. — Current affects the existence of the clam
by disturbing the surface of the flat and thus interfering with
its feeding. If a current is too strong it causes a shifting which

206 FISH AND GAME.

may prevent set and even destroy adult clams. For this reason
too swift a current is unfavorable for clam culture.

Summary. — Current possesses many advantages, as in the
role of food carrier, oxygen bearer, lime furnisher, sanitary agent
and set producer; but it also has the disadvantage of possible
excessive action, causing shifting flats, destruction of clams and
prevention of set. Nevertheless, by wise selection of his grant,
a culturist may avoid these disadvantages.

Water.
Materials present in water, organic and inorganic, soluble and
insoluble, regulate to some extent the growth of the clam. The
soluble constituents, comprising nitrogenous salts for the growth
of the food forms (diatoms) and lime salts for shell formation,
indirectly affect rapidity of growth. The insoluble material, such
as silt and sediment, tends to interfere with the feeding of the
clam, which mechanically throws off an excess of food and silt
by means of its gills, thus instituting an unconscious "hunger
strike. " On the other hand, the insoluble food forms furnish
practically all the nourishment. In addition, the physical char-
acteristics of the water, such as salinity, temperature, depth and
tide, influence growth.

Salinity. — Clams will grow in practically all degrees of salin-
ity. Experimental beds have been successfully planted in waters
ranging from 1.004 to 1.024, and clams from the natural flats
between these two extremes have shown little difference in
growth. Clams situated in rivers where there is a great rise and
fall of the tide frequently have changes from 10 to 15 points
in salinity within six hours, and yet suffer no ill effects. It is
of interest to the culturist to note that clams can be trans-
planted from waters of low density to high, or vice versa,
without apparent harm, an illustration of their hardihood as
compared with the oyster, which is affected by slight changes
in salinity.

Temperature. — The temperature of the water is the under-
lying factor which regulates the growth, habits and existence of
marine animals. It differentiates a tropical fauna and flora from
a temperate, and in a more limited way separates the animals
of one locality from another.

Its effect upon the spawning season and upon food produc-
tion, particularly in tide pools, has already been mentioned.
Temperature changes explain the fast summer and slow winter

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 207

growth, in that the clam's activities in the assimilation of food
and in the secretion of shell are stimulated by warm water,
while the action of cold water causes the clam to become slug-
gish. High temperature is of more importance in shell forma-
tion than high salinity, as the activity of the animal rather than
the amount of salts in the water is the controlling factor.

Depth. — Little difference in growth was found at various
depths, as observed in boxes suspended from a raft at Monomoy
Point. The relation of depth to growth could not be deter-
mined on a large scale owing to the impossibility of recovering
clams planted in deep water. In all probability the height of
water over the flat is of little consequence, provided that there
is a uniform distribution of food. In many instances the deeper
layers of water in enclosed bays do not exhibit the same circu-
lation as in shallow waters disturbed by wind and wave action;
but in tidal rivers the deeper waters may have a stronger current.
Since the habitat of the clam is between tide lines, the question
of depth is of minor importance.

Tide. — Although the natural home of the clam is between
high and low water mark, beds are frequently found below ex-
treme low-water mark. Submerged beds have been reported by
Kellogg (4) at the Salt Ponds at Woods Hole and West Fal-
mouth in Massachusetts; Kickemuit River, WTickford, and Salt
Pond, Point Judith, in Rhode Island; at Sag Harbor, Long
Island. Other places in Massachusetts are the Merrimac River
at Newburyport, Katama Bay, Edgartown, and Swansea. The
difference in growth in beds continually submerged and those
between the tide lines has been demonstrated by both Kellogg
and Mead, as well as by our experiments in Massachusetts, prov-
ing that the faster growth of submerged clams is due to a longer
feeding period.

Mead and Barnes (16) give interesting figures comparing
growth between tide lines and below low-water mark in two
sets of experimental boxes using similar sized clams. The boxes
below low-water mark, suspended from the house boat, gave the
following figures: July 7, 6.1 millimeters; August 4, 21.8 milli-
meters, and September 30, 29 millimeters, as contrasted with
the boxes between the tide lines, which gave July 7, 6.1 milli-
meters; 13.9 millimeters August 4, and 23.7 millimeters Septem-
ber 30. Kellogg (6) gives figures on the growth of the quahaug
in a series running from high to low water, which exhibit an in-
crease in growth of 145, 154 and 172 per cent., respectively,

208 FISH AND GAME.

as low-water mark is approached. Our experiments with both
the quahaug and the clam have substantiated these results,
which clearly indicate a lessened feeding period. Assuming that
the clam feeds continually when under water, an increased expo-
sure daily materially lessens the amount of food consumed. This
assumption is open to the criticism that lower beds have a better
circulation of water and therefore a faster growth, but this ob-
jection was eliminated by parallel experiments in the raft boxes
and on the flat at Monomoy Point, where the only difference was
exposure. Clams in the raft boxes gave a greater annual gain in
length than flat clams a few feet away.

Soil.

Soil is a less important factor in clam growth than is com-
monly supposed, and is by no means as valuable an asset to the
culturist as current. Soil affects the growth of the clam in two
ways, directly by affording a resting place for the clam, and in-
directly by regulating the quantity of food. The soil, which
furnishes a breeding ground for microscopic food forms, varies
greatly in productive capacity and thus indirectly affects the
growth of the clam. The action of waves and wind causes the
stationary and motile food forms upon the surface of the soil
to be washed off into the water, where they are available for
the clam. The direct action of the soil upon the growth of the
clam, on the other hand, is largely mechanical and depends upon
the composition of various constituents of the flat. Soils may
be placed in two groups, those below low-water mark and those
between tide lines. Clams live in both places but the numbers
below low-water mark are relatively small compared with the
greater quantity between the tide lines, and for that reason only
the latter class, the tidal flats, will be considered.

Kellogg (4) states that a tenacious sand (fine sand mixed with
a little cementing mud) furnishes the best medium for growth.
Clams will live in nearly every kind of soil provided it is not
shifting sand or soft mud. Even in such instances exceptions
are frequently found, clams often being present where there is a
moderate shift or where the flat is not unduly exposed to storms,
and large clams are occasionally found in extremely soft mud.
However, to insure best growth soil should be free from decay-
ing organic matter such as is frequently present in soft mud.
The soil should be of a firm consistency, not readily affected by
storms and currents, and free from substances injurious to the

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 209

clam. Any soil possessing these qualifications, regardless of the
exact nature of its composition, is suitable for clam growth.

Our classification of soils, after the method of the geological
survey, was made on a purely mechanical basis by measuring the
grains under the microscope and grouping soils according to the
size of the particles. By this table soils were classified into three
main divisions, sand, mud and gravel, with many intervening
combinations. The actual areas of the different kinds of flats in
Massachusetts is approximately 6,269 acres of sand flats, 7,111
of mud, 2,125 of gravel, and 5,580 of eelgrass and mussels, form-
ing a total of 21,085 acres, of which 1,878 afford good clamming
and 3,233 scattered clams.

Sand. — There are two classes of sand, fine and coarse, the
former including a tenacious mixture of mud and sand, and the
latter almost fine gravel. Except for the fine particles which
cement together the larger grains sand flats are usually free of
sediment. The flats of fine sand in the Ipswich Bay region are
swept by river currents, and at times approach in character the
rippled shifting sands of the exposed beaches. The coarse sand
flats of the south side of Cape Cod, which are under the influence
only of the rise and fall of the tide, frequently are covered with
a crust of algae and diatoms which afford stability and protection
against shifting. The clammers in these sections use two different
types of clam hoe; for the fine, compact sand in the Ipswich
Bay section a thin-pronged hoe is used; in the coarse sands of
southern Massachusetts, one which is broad-pronged is employed.
The thin-pronged digger is useless in coarse sand as it slips
through the loosely packed grains, while in the compact sand
a broad-pronged digger necessitates superfluous labor. The type
of shell in sand flats is smooth and homogeneous as contrasted
with the rough gravel or mud clam, and the color is white.

Mud. — In the case of mud flats we find a greater diversifica-
tion of class, ranging from compact clay on one hand to coarse,
soft mud on the other, and of variable composition. This type
of flat is usually situated where there is little current or where
the tidal streams carry down silt and other material from the
land. Thus certain flats in a harbor will be sand and others
mud, the former being swept by strong currents, the latter lying
in more quiet waters. Occasionally two other factors enter into
the formation of mud flats, viz., eelgrass and mussel beds, the
first serving as a lodging place for the deposit of silty material,
which in its decay forms a layer of mud upon a previously hard

210 FISH AND GAME.

flat, while the second collects the silt and deposits it beneath the
layers of mussels. Under changing natural conditions mud flats
are continually being formed and altered, chiefly by the varied
action of currents. In such locations the type of shell present is
similar both to the gravel and to the sand clam; and although
lighter than the former it is heavier, broader and rougher in tex-
ture than the latter, but still not as irregular as is the shell of
the gravel clam.

The quantity of food on mud flats is relatively greater than
on sand flats, in spite of algse and diatomaceous crust, since
diatoms reproduce more quickly on a mud bottom. This fact
is indicated by comparing growth during summer and winter
on sand and mud flats in Plymouth Harbor, where sand flats
gave a greater summer growth and mud flats a greater winter
increase. During the summer the better circulating water over
the sand flats contains a greater quantity of food forms, while
during the winter the measure of food is less and the clams less
active. The mud clam, with a larger food supply at hand, is
enabled to obtain more nourishment in the cold weather.

In addition to smothering clams, soft mud is unsatisfactory
when there is considerable decaying organic material present
which injures the shell and secreting edge of the mantle. The
fine particles clog the gills, and by thus interfering with the
mechanical feeding process eventually starve it or seriously in-
hibit growth. Slime on the surface of the soil prevents the set
of small clams, making a flat virtually unproductive. Yet large
clams have been found by the writer in mud so soft that a clam-
mer would sink ankle deep in it. Clams will invariably grow
when planted on hard mud flats, the rate of growth depending
rather upon circulation of water than upon the character of the
soil.

Gravel. — Gravel flats are less extensive than either sand or
mud flats, but clams are nearly always present in varying abun-
dance, though many apparently superior sand and mud flats are
unproductive. The shells of these clams are often rough and
distorted and lined with coarse growth lines, since gravel and
stones by pressure warp their form. The weight of their shells
is greater than is the case with sand and mud clams, since their
environment necessitates a strong protecting case. While soil
thus exerts an indirect influence upon the shell of the clam,
actual nourishment and lime salts are obtained directly from the
water. All classes of gravel from fine to stony, usually with a

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 211

mixture of mud or sand, are found along the narrow tidal
beaches.

Unproductive Soils. — Between the tide lines are found two
classes of flats, productive and unproductive or barren. Often
these differ markedly, but at other times appear to be alike,
except that one produces clams while the other does not. Even
different parts of a single flat may vary in this respect, as in one
harbor a certain type of flat may furnish good clamming while
in another harbor the same style, similarly situated to all appear-
ances, is unprolific. Usually the boundary line is sharply marked.
Chemically there is little difference except that in some flats more
or less organic matter is present, and analysis of the soils throws
little light upon the subject.

Unproductive flats may be subdivided into two classes, per-
manent and temporary. The latter includes those flats which
for some reason never catch set, but upon which clams will grow
when planted, and those flats which, owing to changing natural
conditions, are temporarily unproductive, although this latter
type may become permanently unproductive if old conditions
do not return. In such cases large beds of clams are suddenly
destroyed, the shells remaining upright in the soil in large
numbers, as in the case in Pine Creek, Plum Island, and on
Greys Flat, Plymouth Harbor. The other type of temporarily
unproductive flats is well adapted to clam culture, and it is a
material object of this report to indicate how thousands of acres
may be reclaimed. The term permanently barren flats includes
a large proportion of the tidal flats of the Commonwealth which
are of three kinds, — those which can never be reclaimed, those
that may be utilized only after considerable expense, and those
which may be made productive at a comparatively slight cost.
Let us therefore consider some types of unproductive flats and
note how they can be utilized.

(1) Eelgrass. — Many flats, e.g., those in Plymouth Harbor,
are overgrown with thick eelgrass and have accumulated heavy
deposits of soft mud, raising the surface above its normal level.
By gradual encroachment of eelgrass, flats once productive have
become barren, and if it were not for continual digging certain
productive flats might be ruined in this way. The presence of
eelgrass is brought about by natural changes in current and tide.
The reclamation of an eelgrass flat, though difficult, may be
brought about by destroying the grass and roots and allowing
the current to carry off muddy deposits. In a certain sense some

212 FISH AND GAME.

eelgrass is beneficial, as it prevents the erosion and makes some
flats inhabitable for clams. Decaying eelgrass in soil, shutting
off of circulation, and the collection of slime and silt seriously
interfere with the growth and life of the clam and render eel-
grass an undesirable feature.

(2) Mussels. — Clams are occasionally found in mussel beds,
but in such instances they are either the young which have been
caught in the tangled byssal threads of the mussels, or a few
large specimens which have been able to survive, despite the
accumulation of mud. When so situated growth is somewhat
impaired, since both species utilize the same microscopic food
forms. The mistaken impression that clams are more abundant
in mussel beds arises from the fact that these localities are not
dug as constantly as are other flats. As a matter of fact, the
actual number of marketable clams in a mussel bed, especially
when there is considerable mud, is rather small.

Small clams are found both in the soil under the mussels and
attached to their byssal strands. The prevalence of young clams
in such a position is easily explained by the fact that the mussel
beds act as spat collectors, both catching and protecting the
larvae as they settle from the water, whereas clams setting upon
an open, unprotected flat are soon washed away. In such in-
stances, the young clams either burrow amid the mussels or in
the near-by mud. However, not only the "set" but also the"-
small clams washed across these beds are caught. In the case
of Wind Flat, Plymouth, the presence of clams in mussel beds,
and their absence elsewhere, may be explained by these facts.

Mussels eventually ruin a clam flat by gradual encroachment.
At first a few small specimens collect on a good flat, and as they
grow, others are caught, with resulting enlargement of the bed.
If conditions are favorable, fine silt soon collects and the bed
extends itself over the surface of the flat, placing over the hard
soil a top layer of soft mud formed in part by accumulated
debris and in part by deposition of mud from the gills of the
mussels. Thus, flats may be rendered practically useless for
clam growth but may be reclaimed by removal of the mussels,
which necessitates considerable labor unless winter currents and
ice come to the aid of the planter.

In the midst of a large mussel bed an experimental clam bed,
comprising 196 square feet, was planted for the purpose of deter-
mining the actual influence exerted by mussels upon the growth
of -clams, both with regard to soil and food, and to obtain a com-

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 213

parison of results and growth with beds on the sand portions of
Wind and Whites flats. The soil utilized was a dark, soft mud,
rich in organic material, deposited by mussels on what was orig-
inally a sand flat swept by an excellent current.

Wind Flat, centrally located in Plymouth Harbor, lies to the
west of Long Beach, and is separated from Whites Flat on the
north by Goose Point Channel. It comprises an area of approxi-
mately 135 acres, of which 45 on the northwest side are covered
with eelgrass and about 30 acres to the southeast are set with
mussels. The dark soil among the mussels and in the eelgrass
is in many places soft and muddy, while the remainder, which
is slightly lower but without clams, is sandy. In 1906, among
the scattering mussels, which shift from year to year with the
ice, were clams of the 1904, 1905 and 1906 sets, the last in
larger numbers.

The bed planted Oct. 27, 1906, was taken up Aug. 16, 1907,
having been in for a period of nine and two-thirds months. The
clams showed a gain in length of 21.02 millimeters for clams 38.5
millimeters in size when planted, which would make the gain in
length in terms of a standard 25-millimeter clam 29 millimeters,
or a gain in volume of 1,019 per cent., hardly as rapid as the
tide and current would indicate. Undoubtedly, rapid growth is
slightly prevented by excessive silt gathered by mussels, the pos-
sible but improbable decrease in the food supply, and formation
of organic acids in the soil, which interfere with shell formation.

(3) Organic Material. — Clams are usually absent in soils
which contain an abundance of organic matter. One reason is
that the slimy surface prevents set; but in many instances clams
when planted in these soils soon perish. Organic acids corrode
their shells and interfere with the shell-forming properties of the
mantle. Such soils indicate a lack of drainage, and clams do not
grow as well in such places as in better drained soils. The lower
layers of such are dark, show insufficient aeration, and in certain
types give forth a hydrogen sulphide odor. In some there is an
abundance of decaying matter, such as disintegrating clams,
dead eelgrass, shells, worms and other material which produce a
foul odor. The conditions which are unfavorable for the growth
of the clam seem favorable for certain worms, creating the im-
pression that worms are the cause of the absence of clams,
whereas underlying conditions are the real cause. In certain
rivers, particularly the Charles, Mystic and Taunton, clam flats
have been ruined in certain localities by accumulations of manu-

214 FISH AND GAME.

facturing wastes, chiefly of the petroleum group, which not only
render clams unpalatable but reduce the surface of the flats to
a state unfit for receiving clam set, and finally in extreme cases
actually destroy adults.

(4) Shifting Sand. — Clams are rarely found on exposed shores.
Shifting sand, the habitat of the sea clam (Madra), does not per-
mit the growth of the soft clam, which is native to the more
sheltered flats and beaches. Kellogg (4) states that it is impos-
sible for clams to live where there is much shifting of the bottom,
and that a somewhat tenacious soil is desirable. He states in his
report: —

Clams are sometimes found in beds of almost pure sand, but in such
cases the water currents disturb the bottom very little. Even when es-
tablished in such localities, however, their condition is precarious, for a
gale or an unusually strong tide may at any time overwhelm them.
i

While shifting sands are as a rule an indication of unproduc-
tivity, set will lodge wherever a suitable opportunity is offered,
as is shown by the following instance. The stretch of exposed
sandy shore, on the eastern side of Buzzards Bay, between Quis-
set Harbor and West Falmouth, is occasionally broken by jutting
rocky promontories which afford a little protection by breaking
the force of the waves. Within this sheltered space clams were
obtained in a stony soil, although the rest of the beach was en-
tirely barren.

Flats of fine sand are more compact and can resist fairly strong
current of water before the surface becomes deeply rippled, while
deeper layers are undisturbed. For this reason adult clams in
this compact soil, with a good food supply, are little -affected.
Nevertheless, such flats are usually barren, because young clams
do not gain a permanent foothold. Quantities of set are occa-
sionally found on slightly rippled flats, but eventually they wash
away. This type of flat responds readily to artificial culture,
provided shifting is not too severe and that large seed is planted,
although there is some risk attached to such selection, since
storms and high running tides are also to be contended with.

The flats of Monomoy Point afforded opportunities for obser-
vation upon the effect of shifting in flats of coarse sand. Clams,
particularly large specimens, will stand a considerable amount of
shifting, as was observed in the advancement of shifting sand
from a new inlet of the ocean over a clam bed on the Powder
Hole Flats. Records were made of the depth of this shift and

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 215

the clams found at various parts at weekly intervals. The clams
withstood it surprisingly well, as they were found living beneath
an added layer of at least 4 inches deep in some cases. Although
such a shift may not at once destroy a bed of large clams, it
stops their growth by interfering with their feeding, as the con-
stant rubbing of sand against the shell causes withdrawal of the
sensitive siphon.

Reclamation of Unproductive Areas. — The important problem
at hand is the development of the waste areas and the barren
flats of the seacoast, while at the same time the yield of the
areas once productive is increased by allowing the fishermen to
reclaim such territories. The means by which this may be ac-
complished at present, although there are undoubtedly many
other available methods, are briefly as follows: —

(1) Natural Changes. — Nature is constantly changing. From
year to year the coast line varies and slight influences frequently
result in great alterations. The shifting of a current may either
make or destroy a clam flat, soft mud flats may become hard,
eelgrass may be swept away, shifting flats may be made firm, or
the reverse may be true.

(2) Planting. — Certain barren areas are in such good condi-
tion that it is necessary merely to plant them with seed clams
to make them productive. This type of flat would produce clams
except for certain peculiarities which do not permit the set to
catch, and unless artificially aided remain barren. Clam culture
is especially advocated for such places, as there are thousands
of acres which if properly handled might become of value to the
fishermen.

(3) Hardening. — Soft mud may be artificially transformed
into a good clam flat. At Newburyport an eelgrass flat with a
surface layer of soft mud was converted into a productive hard
flat by digging. A strong current removed the loosened material,
and a new flat about 1 foot lower than the original was formed.
The surface of a soft flat may also be made firm by covering with
sand or gravel, either through the agency of a storm or manual
labor. Instances of flats being formed in this way by dredging
deposits in Plymouth Harbor and in the Annisquam River at
Gloucester are on record. In these cases the material dredged
from the channel was dumped upon unproductive flats and
formed a firm surface for catching seed clams.

(4) Elevation and Drainage. — A comparison of clam growth
in elevated beds with that in natural flats at North Plymouth

216 FISH AND GAME.

gave valuable as well as interesting results. In the course of
this work three artificially elevated beds, each with a control on
the natural flat, were placed in different locations on the shore
flats, most generally located in soft mud, while a fourth was
placed on Greys Flat. The prepared beds were located in similar
soil, but bounded by boards which raised their surfaces an aver-
age of 10 inches above the level of the surrounding flat. The
soil of these elevated beds soon became firm, apparently owing
to the better drainage secured. The original purpose of this
experiment was to determine the effect of drainage upon growth,
but it was later ascertained that this was simply a minor factor
in a large problem.

The first experiment, beds Nos. Ill and 112, were located in a
shore area of mud and sand, where clams naturally grew abun-
dantly, but slowly, about 50 feet from mean high-water mark,
just at the beginning of a channel leading eastward through eel-
grass-covered flats. Both the elevated bed, No. Ill, and the
control, No. 112, were covered with water about fourteen hours
out of the twenty-four.

The second experiment, beds Nos. 109 and 110, were located
to the south of this channel on flats covered with eelgrass and
soft mud. The control, No. 109, had a surface of soft mud from
4 to 5 inches deep, upon a layer of hard brown mud in which
the clams rested. No natural clams were found in this soil, and.
it was of such a consistency as to permit one to sink ankle deep.
The elevated bed, No. 110, had a surface of hard mud about 10
inches above the level of the flat.

The third experiment, beds Nos. 107 and 108, were situated
about 150 feet from shore on a mixed soil of mud, sand and
rocks, covered with a slimy ooze. In spite of this slime a con-
siderable number of clams grew here naturally. Bed No. 107,
which was raised 12 inches above the flat, was not slimy. The
growth was followed regularly from 1907 to 1910, and showed
appreciable variation. In terms of 100 per cent, for the box
bed, the growth in length for the control bed was for 1907,
51.43 per cent.; 1908, 85.21 per cent.; and 1909, 73.53 per
cent., an average of 70.06 per cent.

The fourth experiment, bed No. 134, was tried on Greys Flat
in soft mud and eelgrass, where there was no natural set. The
growth in the raised box was approximately the same as in ex-
periment No. Ill, while none of the clams in the control bed
survived.

»ai'- * *»<

^V. %

»A"-

* *,i

> ■%v,.'S

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

217

Results showed that the growth in the raised beds was about
twice as fast as in the controls.

Beds.

Gain in Length (Per
Cent.).

Gain in Volume (Per
Cent.).

Box Bed.

Control.

Box Bed.

Control.

Ill and 112

109 and 110,

107 and 108

100
100
100

33.24
54.71
70.06

100
100
100

30.95
41.66
56.89

Average,

100

52.67

100

43.17

Drainage as an individual problem was tested at Monomoy
Point in 1907 with negative results. Four beds were planted
in different parts of the Powder Hole Flat, each consisting of
two parts, one a water-tight butter firkin, sunk to a point level
with the surface of the sand to serve as the undrained portion,
and the other the natural clam flat. Three sizes of clams, 75,
55 and 45 millimeters, were planted in each division, and the
rate of growth in each bed was obtained for six months.

This experiment showed conclusively that there was practically
no difference in growth between the two types of beds, the un-
drained portion giving an increase of 140.7 per cent, and the
drained 136.7 per cent, from May 8 to October 15, for clams
averaging 50 millimeters in length when planted. The slow
growth recorded was due to the long exposure of the flats, which
were scarcely covered three hours out of twenty-four during this
period, and at times were exposed continually for a week or
more during low running tides.

The mere fact that raised beds are better drained and have
harder and more compact soil does not account for the increased
growth. Elevation above the flat is probably an important fac-
tor, since it allows a better circulation of water, particularly on
the eelgrass flats. Also, clams so located are protected from silt,
soft mud and slime, and have more freedom in feeding and waste
less energy in casting off surplus material which might clog their
delicate gills. In experimenting with quahaugs it was found
that raised beds, although continually under water, gave a
greater growth than did those on the surface, a fact to be ex-
plained by the protection afforded the quahaug while feeding.

Whatever explanation might truly be given, growth in an ele-
vated bed is faster than on the natural, soft, undrained flat.

218 FISH AND GAME.

Methods of reclaiming soft flats, especially when covered with
grass, might be based on this principle of raising the level of
certain parts with gravel and sand.

(5) Thatch. — Thatch is present on the higher portions of
many clam flats, varying yearly in amount and location. If
clams are to be found anywhere they will be discovered in thatch
banks, imbedded in the wirelike roots of the plants. Kellogg (3)
considers these areas of inestimable value as refuges for breeding
clams, owing to the difficulty of commercial digging in such
places. In certain harbors, like that at Barnstable, ice tears out
great pieces of marsh turf and the tides sweep them down the
harbor. Some are torn to pieces and wash away, others find
lodgment on the broad surface of tidal flats. Sediment accumu-
lates, grass grows, and gradually a thatch island is formed. Sur-
rounding these islands and often growing over their entire sur-
face, bedded among the roots, are thick sets of clams. Thatch
islands become the natural spat collectors for the small clams,
which later migrate to surrounding flats. * In this way barren
flats are reclaimed naturally as the thatch prevents shifting of
the surface and affords protection to the clams. The warm water
of the thatch pools supplies an abundance of food forms, but on
the other hand the decayed material and scum present are by
no means beneficial. Clams in thatch usually grow slowly, owing
to the difficulty of penetrating the thick mass of roots, lack of
current and long exposure because of high elevation. In this
connection it is interesting to consider the possibilities of reclaim-
ing certain classes of barren flats by judicious planting of thatch,
which gives tenacity to the soil and prevents shifting. Thatch
is useful not only in catching seed but in preventing the washing
away of small clams after they have set. This plan is now being
carried out with apparent success by Mr. Marcus Howes of Barn-
stable on a smooth clam flat swept by a strong current.

Character of the Soil. — The effect soil indirectly exerts upon
the clam by interfering with feeding as well as influencing food
supply is of interest, since the character of the soil determines
the amount of food and sediment that is in suspension in the
water during strong winds. In some cases a great quantity
of material is collected on the surface and when the water
is disturbed it becomes roily and the clam is either forced to
stop feeding or expend its energies in getting rid of these sub-
stances, thus practically starving. This point was illustrated in
a test at Monomoy Point in 1906 by keeping clams in jars of

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 219

sand in the laboratory. The water in them was changed regu-
larly, and one lot received the contents of the tow net with a
great surplus of food, while the other was supplied simply with
salt water. At the end of one month neither lot had grown any,
showing that both from a lack of oxygen to stimulate feeding
and from a surplus of food forms, which acted similarly to roil,
the clams were able to make no growth.

Growth out of the Soil. — Clams were placed in wire baskets
and suspended from a raft, where they continued to grow more
slowly than in their natural environment, thus proving that the
clam gets its food and lime salts from the water and not from
the soil. However, the unprotected nature of the clam renders
this method of growth of little real value, as the mortality is
much higher than with the quahaug, with its close, hard shell,
and a good portion of the clams thus placed were lost. It is
only interesting inasmuch as proving that they will live out of
the sand.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

Restocking Barren Flats. — Two groups of flats come under the
term barren: (1) flats which once produced clams in great num-
bers but now are practically barren, except for small areas
here and there; (2) flats which never have produced clams and
on which, for physical reasons, clams can never grow.

Experimental beds were planted on certain flats in the Essex
River which come within the first group of barren flats. These,
once productive, had been dug out and for some reason had not
seeded naturally. Forty beds were laid out under all kinds of
conditions, with the object of finding a means of making these
productive once more. Results were all that could be hoped for.
Out of a total of forty beds thirty-six were in thriving condition,
in spite of the fact that no attempt was made to choose the best
locations, the object being to test all conditions. Over two-
thirds of the clams were redug, and the increase averaged at
least 10 quarts for every quart planted.

If vast areas of Massachusetts flats, at present idle, are capable
of such rich yield, should such economic waste be allowed? Why
should not the towns, by the expenditure of a little money, re-
stock flats such as these for the benefit of their inhabitants? It
is true that all fla"ts may not be productive in this way, as in
many instances the mere sowing of seed clams will not restock
them; but Massachusetts surely possesses enough flats of the

220 FISH AND GAME.

former nature to yield great profits to her clammers. Where
clam set occurs it is usually present in fabulous quantities. The
transportation of the seed clam is comparatively easy, and plant-
ing requires but little labor when done by sowing, which is the
most practical means. It can readily be seen that all things
taken into consideration the yield in proportion to the labor is
very great.

Brood Grounds. — For the ultimate conservation of the clam
supply in any given locality or harbor it is strongly recommended
that digging be prohibited on certain flats, which should be set
aside for "brood grounds." Small sections, not oyer an acre in
size, should be located at various points and zealously guarded,
since mature clams so protected will furnish sufficient spawn to
seed the other flats. To a limited extent Nature does this by
means of the large clams hidden in thatch banks and below
low-water mark, where they are free from molestation. It is
necessary that man assist Nature in this work of propagation by
guarding such brood grounds.

Size Limit. — Inadequate territory and constantly increasing
demands have led to certain abusive methods. One means par-
ticularly in point is the universal custom of digging small clams
for food. In certain vicinities, where the supply of suitable clams
proves insufficient, people will gladly take "anything with a shell
on," so that it is now no uncommon sight to see clams of little
over one inch in length for sale. This deplorable condition is
fostered by the custom of digging under water, since the fine
mesh of the woven-wire basket used retains even the smallest
clams, which in most cases are saved for market.

No quicker way of destroying the industry than this method
of digging small clams for food could have been devised. One
barrel of these clams produces approximately 10 barrels of mar-
ketable clams if left for one year under favorable circum-
stances. Thus, when a clammer digs 1 barrel of immature
clams, in reality he is destroying 10 barrels.

Because of the inherent difficulties of the problem, local regu-
lations seem powerless to stop this evil. Clammers, while they
know that these methods, if long continued will ultimately have
fatal results, nevertheless seem willing to sacrifice the future sup-
ply upon the altar of present demand.

Perhaps it might prove difficult to enforce laws preventing the
digging of seed clams by individuals for their own use; but there
is pressing need of legislation which would prevent the sale of

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 221

small clams in the public market, and thus deprive the practice
of its worst features.

Closed Seasons. — Closed seasons in themselves have proved a
failure in respect to the clam industry of Massachusetts, and
unless accompanied by cultural methods they accomplish little.
The mere fact that towns close their flats totally or in part for a
definite period does not to any appreciable extent relieve the
situation, inasmuch as when the flats are again opened to the
.public the increased amount of clams which have accumulated
during the closed season are more rapidly marketed by a larger
number of clammers. In but one respect is a closed season a
logical and economical means of increasing the clam supply, and
that is when combined with clam farming. In this way the
market will not be overflooded, more men will not be enticed
into the business for short-time periods, and the situation of the
clammers will be materially improved.

Grants as Spat Collectors. — The chief object of the clam cul-
turist should be to so arrange the location of his grant as to
make it catch the seed clams. The culturist who is able to
select a grant which seeds itself naturally, or to take advantage
of its contour so that he may be enabled to increase the natural
set by artificial means, will have a great advantage over one
forced to pay for the transplantation. If more intensive study
were given this problem, and efforts made to develop the indus-
try along these lines, much would be accomplished toward put-
ting clam farming upon a very remunerative basis.

Improved Methods of Shipment. — Improvements in the methods
of handling and transporting shellfish are much to be desired.
Such injurious practices as "floating," which, although more
prevalent in the scallop and oyster industries, are applicable to
the clam, are to be deplored, mainly because of the unsanitary
conditions under which they are carried on.

Since the advent of cold storage advances in the preservation
of food mollusks have naturally followed, but the product of our
modern plants, though perfectly edible, is noticeably inferior in
food value. Results obtained are generally not nearly as good
as are obtained with fish. Rapid transportation from the pro-
ducer to the consumer is essential, as is also careful packing to
guarantee arrival in perfect condition. With proper facilities in
the form of shipping stations for repacking and icing consign-
ments en route, there is no evident reason why clams should not
be shipped even in warm weather to our western States.

222 FISH AND GAME.

TABLES.

The following tables, which were formulated during the in-
vestigation, are presented for the use of the clam culturist in
determining the productivity of new ground.

The method of procedure in determining the growth on a
prospective grant for a series of years by means of these tables
is as follows: —

(1) The culturist must obtain the growth for a definite period
of not less than two months during the summer by planting a
small experimental bed with clams of a known size. The sim-
plest way is to notch the edges with a file, then the new
growth can readily be measured when they are taken up. The
reason for having the growing period no less than two summer
months is due to the slow growth immediately after transplant-
ing, as described under " Transplanting. " The planter then has
at hand the following data: (a) size planted; (6) gain in length
for a certain known time, e.g., in one instance 40-millimeter
clams grew to 48.92 millimeters, a gain of 8.92 millimeters from
July 1 to September 1.

(2) By means of Table 1 (monthly values) we find that the
annual growth at Monomoy Point is therefore 27.68 millimeters.

(3) Table 2 reduces the gain of a 40-millimeter to that of a
25-millimeter clam, which is used as a uniform standard in the
experiments of this department. By multiplying with the factor
1.428, in this example the result will be 39.53 millimeters.

(4) From Table 3 the gain in volume is obtained by dividing
the water displacement or number per quart of a 64.53-milli-
meter clam by that of a 25-millimeter, which gives 1,763 per
cent., or 17.6 quarts for every quart planted.

(5) By Table 4 the growth on the grant can be calculated to
four and one-half years.

Growth Values of Different Months. — The table is taken from
the monthly measurements of clams from the raft boxes and beds
at Monomoy Point and beds in the Essex River, and the value
of the various months is presented in terms of the gain for a
standard clam of 25 millimeters. Each month is given a number
representing the gain in per cent., the entire year being con-
sidered as 100 per cent.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

223

Table 1.* — Relative Values of Growing Months (Per Cent.).

Monomoy
Point.

Essex River.

January,
February,
March,
April, .
May, .
June, .
July, .
August,
September,
October,
November,
December,

1.88

7.63

12.14

12.76

15.39

15.64

15.29

9.63

4.03

1.88

100.00

2.50
8.33
13.33
18.33
18.33
18.33
15.00
5.83

Size and Growth. — In recording the growth of a large num-
ber of various sized clams under the same conditions, sufficient
data were obtained to formulate a table giving the comparative
annual increase in length for clams from 1 to 90 millimeters in
size. If, for example, a 25-millimeter clam, which is taken as a
standard size in our experiments, gained 25 millimeters, a 50-
millimeter clam would gain 12.5 millimeters, and a 75-milli-
meter clam, 5.8 millimeters in the same time. From these
measurements factors were obtained which, by multiplication,
would transform the growth of any sized clam into terms of
the standard 25-millimeter clam. This table was of great as-
sistance in reducing the experimental data to uniform figures
when it was impossible to obtain the standard size for planting.

Table 2. — Growth Factors of Various Sized Clams in Terms of a Standard

25 Millimeters.

Size in Millimeters.

Factor.

Size in Millimeters.

Factor.

20,

.901

24,

.980

21,

.918

25,

1.000

22,

.935

26,

1.020

23,

.957

27,

1.042

224

FISH AND GAME.

Table 2. — Growth Factors of Various Sized Clams in Terms of a Standard
25 Millimeters — Concluded.

Size in Millimeters.

Factor.

093
118
143
169
197
227
258
290
324
360
399
428
470
515
562
613
667
724
786
852

2.000

174
247
325
410
500
581
667
740

Size in Millimeters.

GO,
51,

62,

03,
04,
05,
66,
07,
OS,
09,
70,
71,
72,
73,
74,
75,
70,
77,
78,
79,
80,
81,

83,
84,

8.5,

87,

90,

Size and Volume. — The mere statement of the gain in length
does not adequately express the actual increase, which should
be stated in terms of volume. In preparing the following table

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

225

the measurements and volume of a large number of clams from
1 to 90 millimeters were taken. Owing to the variation in the
individual clams, several hundred were used to obtain the
volume for each size, except in the cases of the clams below 12
millimeters, which were difficult to obtain. From this table the
gain in volume for any size and growth can be readily deter-
mined.

Table 3. — Table of Clam Volume.

Length in Millimeters.

Number
per Quart.

Length in Millimeters.

Number
per Quart.

249

33,

224

203

35,

185

36,

169

155

143

132

40,

122

10,

113

105

3,680

43,

13,

3,150

91.50

2,680

85.50

2,290

46,

80.50

1,927

47,

76.50

1,645

73.00

1,410

49,

69.75

19,

1,222

50,

66.50

1,046

51, .

63.25

910

60.15

22,

795

53,

57.00

23,

700

54,

54.00

24,

620

55,

51.25

550

48.75

26,

490

57,

46.25

27,

437

58,

43.75

28,

390

59,

41.50

348

60,

39.25

30,

311

61,

37.25 -

278

35.35

226

FISH AND GAME.

Table 3. — Table of Clam Volume — Concluded.

Length in Millimeters.

03,
04,
05,
06,
07,
68,
09,
70,
71,
72,
73,
74,
75,
76,

Number
per Quart.

33.65
32.00
30.45
29.00
27.65
26.35
25.10
23.90
22.75
21.70
20.70
19.70
18.80
17.80

Length in Millimeters.

77,
78,
79,
80,
81,
82,
S3,
84,
85,
SO,
87,

Number
per Quart.

17.10
16.40
15.75
15.15
14.60
14.15
13.80
13.50
13.20
12.90
12.60
12.35
12.10
11.85

Standard Growth. — The growth in millimeters up to four
and one-half years is given for various annual rates of growth,
from 10 to 75 millimeters, of a -standard 25-millimeter clam.
Knowing the annual growth for a 25-millimeter clam, the reader
can determine the size at any period up to four and one-half
years by referring to the other columns.

Table 4. — Clam Growth up to Four and One-half Years in Terms of the
Gain' for a Standard Clam of 25-Millimeter s.

Annual Rate in Millimeters

Size in Millimeters at Various Ages.

FOR A 25-MlLLIMETER CLAM.

Y2 Year.

\y2 Years.

•2M Years.

3H Years.

43^ Years.

42.96

49.55

54.64

11,

44.53

51.20

56.43

46.06

53.00

58.34

47.56

54.69

60.13

49.01

56.28

61.82

50.52

57.86

63.51

51.88

59.27

65.06

53.22

60.80

66.68

54.52

62.11

68.12

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

227

Table 4. — Clam Growth up to Four and One-half Years in Terms of
Gain for a Standard Clam of 25 -Millimeters — Continued.

Annual Rate in Millimeters
for a 25-mlllimeter clam.

Size in Millimeters at Various Ages.

Yl Year. \y2 Years. 2y2 Years. 3^ Years. 4^ Years

29,

30,
31,
32,
33,
34,
35,
30,
37,
88,
39,
40,
41,
42,
43,
44,
45,
40,
47,
48,
4 'J,
50,
51.
52,
5:;.

44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77

55.71
57.00
58.17
59.31
60.41
61.48
62.50
63.05
64.42
65.46
66.47
67.45
68.40
69.39
70.37
71.40
72.42
73.42
74.39
75.34
76.24
77.20
78.10
79.06
80.04
80.98
81.92
82.83
83.75
84.62
85.36
86.62
87.55
88.49

63.39
64.75
66.00
67.26
68.48
69.64
70.74
71.49
72.80
73.88
74.93
75.97
76.98
78.01
79.02
80.05
81.05
82.03
83.05
82.10
85.02
85.99
86.91
87.87
88.85
89.78
90.75
91.71
92.71
93.67
94.81
95.79
96.79
97.77
98.81

69.48
70.90
72.21
73.53
74.66
75.55
77.22
78.08
79.38
80.48
81.68
82.77
83.81
84.90
85.95
87.01
88.04
89.08
90.17
89.54
92.33
93.38
94.40
95.45
96.49
97.50
98.55

228

FISH AND GAME.

Table 4. — Clam Growth up to Four and One-half Years in Terms of the
Gain for a Standard Clam of 25 -Millimeters — Concluded.

Annual Rate in Millimeters

Size in Millimeters at Various Ages.

FOR A 25-MlLLIMETER CLAM.

Y2 Year.

1H Years.

2H Years.

3H Years.

4^ Years.

90.33

91.28

92.20

57 ' .

93.18

58, ......

94.16

95.21

. -

60,

96.25

97.28

62,

98.31

63, ......

99.33

100.35

65,

101.38

67, . / .

100

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 229

BIBLIOGRAPHY.

1. Kellogg, J. L. A Contribution to our Knowledge of the Morphology

of Lamellibranchiate Mollusks. Bulletin United States Fish Com-
mission. 1890.

2. Kellogg, J. L. Observations on the Life History of the Common

Clam, Mya arenaria. Bulletin United States Fish Commission.
1899.

3. Kellogg, J. L. The Clam Problem and Clam Culture. Bulletin

United States Fish Commission. 1900.

4. Kellogg, J. L. Conditions governing the Existence and Growth of

the Soft Clam. United States Fish Commission Report. 1904.

5. Kellogg, J. L. The Clam and Scallop Industries. Bulletin of the

New York State Museum. No. 43, Vol. VIII. 1901.

6. Kellogg, J. L. Shellfish Industries. Henry Holt & Co. 1910.

7. Field, G. W. Utilization of Waste Products and Waste Places.

Part II. The Clam. Bulletin of Rhode Island Agricultural Experi-
mental Station. 1896.-
, 8. Moore, H. F. Oyster Culture, including Notes on Clam Culture.
United States Fish Commission Report. 1897.
9. Ryder, J. The Byssus of the Young of the Common Clam (Mya
arenaria). American Naturalist, XXIII. 1889.

10. Verrill, A. E. Report on the Invertebrata of Vineyard Sound.

United States Fish Commission Report. 1871-72.

11. Gould, A. A. Report on the Invertebrata of Massachusetts. 1870.

12. Ingersoll, E. The Clam Fisheries. United States Fish Commis-

sion and Tenth Census. 1887.

13. Mead, A. D. Observations on the Soft-shell Clam. Rhode Island

Commission of Inland Fisheries. 1900.

14. Mead, A. D. Observations on the Soft-shell Clam. Rhode Island

Commission of Inland Fisheries. 1901.

15. Mead, A. D. Observations on the Soft-shell Clam. Rhode Island

Commission of Inland Fisheries. 1902.

16. Mead, A. D., and Barnes, E. W. Observations on the Soft-shell

Clam. Rhode Island Commission of Inland Fisheries. 1903.

17. Mead, A. D., and Barnes, E. W. Observations on the Soft-shell

Clam. Rhode Island Commission of Inland Fisheries. 1904.

18. Spinney, M. The Clam Fishery. Twenty-ninth Report of the

Commissioner of Sea and Shore Fisheries of Maine. 1905-06.

19. Stafford, J. The Clam Fishery of Passamaquoddy Bay. Thirty-

second Annual Report of Canadian Department of Marine and
Fisheries. 1901.

20. Lombard. The Temperature of the Clam. 1886.

21. Langworthy, C. F. Fish as Food. United States Department of

Agriculture, Farmers' Bulletin 85. 1898.

INDEX TO CLAM REPORT.

Age and spawning,

Anatomy,

Appropriations,

Assistants,

Attachment,

Average growth,

Bait industry, .

Barnes, E. W., .

Benefits of clam culture,

Bibliography,

Boston Harbor,

Breeding season,

Brood grounds, .

Buffum, R. L., .

Buzzards Bay, .

Byssus, ' .

Cape Cod,

Castle Neck,

Clam areas below low-water mark

Clam culture,

Clam digging, .

Clam farm,

Clam production statistics,

Clam set in various localities,

Clam volume,

Clams bored by lunatia,

Closed seasons, .

Cockle, ....

Cole, F. J

Coles Shore,

Comparison of clam, quahaug and scallop,

Conclusion,

Conditions regulating the growth of the clam

Coulter, C. B., .

Courtesies,

Crabs,

Cultivation of clams, .

Current, ....

Damage by cockles, .

Decline, ....

Depletion of Rowley Reef set,

Depth and growth,

Destruction of larvae,

Development of inland markets,

Digestive tract,

Digging, ....

Distribution,

PAGE

106

101-104
96
97

114-120

193, 195
181

207, 229

154-156
229

144, 176
105
220
97
144
115

176-179
120
100

151-173
183

156-164
183
119
225
133
221

131-144

151,

117,

120
199
128

201-219

129

200

201-206

132-134
151
126
207
112
182

103-110

183

99-101

232

INDEX.

Distribution of larvae,

Drainage and elevation

Edgartown,

Eel grass, .

Egg,

Elevation and drainage,

Embryology,

Enemies, .

Essex River,

Experimental beds,

Fertilization,

Field, G. W., .

Fish,

Fishing grounds,

Flats and spawning,

Food carrier,

Food value,

Foot,

Foresides Flat, .

Gates, W. H., .

Gills,

Gloucester,

Glycera, * .

Gould, A. A., .

Grants as spat collectors

Gravel,

Grays Flat,

Growing months,

Growth,

Growth for market,

Growth on sand and mud flats,

Growth of Rowley Reef set,

Growth of cockle,

Growth out of soil,

Growth of old and young

Growth values of different month

Hardening,

Harvesting,

Heart, . .

Hingham,

History, .

Horse-shoe crab,

Howes, M.,

Industry, .

Ingersoll, E.,

Injury,

Introduction,

Ipswich Bay,

Ipswich Bay experiments

Ipswich River, .

Kellogg, J. L., .

Laboratories,

Lane, F. C.,

Langworthy, C. F.,

Legislation,

95, 96, 97

114,

115, 116, 146, 207, 208

109

PAGE
111

215-218
180
211
104
215-218
107-108
128-144
144
186
106
96, 97, 229
130
173-181
106
202
148-151
114, 115

162-164

4-176

119

103, 110
176
137

95, 229
221
210

120, 211
197

186, 219
195
194
125
136
219
198
222
215
162

104, 110
135

181-183

130

122

173-186

95, 99, 229

147

188-190

98, 188

144

214, 229

149

164-173

INDEX.

233

Length of life, .

Lime furnisher, .

Localities of work.

Location of beds,

Lombard,

Lufkins Flat,

Maine clams,

Malformations, .

Man as destroyer.

Mantle,

Market,

Mead, A. D., .

Meat,

Meckelia, .

Merrimac River,

Methods of investigation,

Methods of shipment,

Methods of transplanting,

Monomoy experiments,

Moore, H. F.,

Movements,

Mud,

Muscles, .

Mussels, .

Nantucket,

Narragansett Bay,

Natural changes,

Natural history,

Nereis,

Nervous system,

Northeast sides,

North shore,

Object of report,

Organic material,

Outfit,

Oxygen bearer, .

Oyster drill,

Passive enemies,

Planting, .

Plum Island Sound,

Plymouth experiments,

Plymouth Harbor,

Pollution,

Preparation of grant,

Presentation of report,

Production per square foot,

Price,

Proposed legislation,

Purpose of work,

Quahaug, .

Reclamation of unproductive

Recommendations,

Recording,

Remedy, .

Restocking barren flats,

96, 106, 107, 116, 121

111,

112, 122, 132, 191

PAGE
194

204

188

105, 229
119
185
199
138

102, 110
185

207, 229
149
137

143, 207

186-193
205
124

-193, 214
229

144-147
209
110
212
181

179-180
215

136
104
120
174
93
213
184
203
131
138
160, 187, 215
19, 120, 122, 123, 201
98, 190
120, 190, 191, 211
139, 158
158
94
196
186
168
93
147, 151
215-219
219-221
187
152
219

234

INDEX.

Results of work,

Rowley Reef set,

Ryder, J.,

Salinity,

Sand,

Sanitary agent,

Savery, C. L.,

Scallop,

Seed clam supply,

Selection of ground, .

Set, ....

Set in various localities,

Shell,

Shifting sand, .

Shipment,

Shore line,

Size and growth,

Size and volume,

Size limit,

Soil,

South shore,

Spat collecting, .

Spawning,

Spermatozoon, .

Spinney, M.,

Stafford, J.,

Standard growth,

Starfish, .

Stevenson, J. R.,

Summary,

Summer and winter growth,

Tables,

Taunton River,

Temperature,

Temperature and spawning,

Thatch, ...

Tide,

Transplanting,

Transplanting of Rowley Reef

Transportation of seed,

Unproductive soils,

Variation in growth,

Veliger,

Velum,

Verrill, A. E.,

Vinal, W. G.,

Water,

Waterfowl,

Wellfleet, .

Wheelers Flat,

Whites Flat,

Wind Flat,

Winkle, .

Woods Hole,

Worms,

117. 150

95, 131

PAGE
94

122-128

115, 229
206
209
205
97
151
158
156

120, 205
119

102, 149
214
185
118
223

224-226
220
, 208-219
177
120-122, 159

104-107
105
229

96, 229
226-228

131

97, 123
206
199

222-228
144
206
105
218
207
200
127
160
211
199

108-114
109

135, 229
97

206-208
129
161
120
213

212, 213

131-144
207

136-138

132

ABBREVIATIONS.

a. — aDUs.

act. — anterior adductor muscle.

o. — byssus.

bg. — byssal gland.

es. — excurrent siphon.

f. — foot.

g. — gills.
ht. — heart.

i. — intestine.

is. — incurrent siphon.

I. — liver.

m. — mantle.

mt. — mouth.

nl. — nucleolus.

nu. — ■ nucleus.

o. — otocyst.

pa. — posterior adductor muscle.

r. — retractors of velum.

st. — stomach.

v. — velum.

PLATE I.

Fig. 1. — Mature egg ready for union with male cell. Size 3|y of an inch.

Fig. 2. — Early veliger larva, viewed from the side. The animal arrives at this
stage from seventeen to forty hours after fertilization, according to external condi-
tions. The duration of this stage is probably from five to six days, during which
the animal leads a free swimming life. Size 2| ^ of an inch.

Fig. 3. — Late veliger or prodissoconch. Note change in form of shell, the
flat hinge line having become rounded. This stage marks the end of the embryonic
period.

Fig. 4. — Velum somewhat reduced in size. Posterior to the mouth a small
foot has developed. Two gill filaments may be observed.

Fig. 5. — Velum noticeably smaller. The mouth has extended forward. The
foot has increased in size and shows the otocyst distinctly, while three gill fila-
ments have formed.

Fig. 6. — Young clam just previous to set. The velum has disappeared in the
region of the palps. The foot is relatively large in size, and shows a prominent
byssal gland. The gills now have three or more filaments. The heart is definitely
discernible.

PLATE I.

PLATE II.

Fig. 7. — Young clam attached by the byssus to sand grains. Note the forma-
tion of the excurrent and incurrent siphons and the increased number of gill fila-
ments.

Fig. 8. — A later stage, showing transition to the elongated form of the adult.
Note the relatively large foot used in crawling and burrowing. Border of mantle
now crenated, and siphon more highly developed.

PLATE

G-

%Jr -
sag*

¥■

F-

\~%-%:

F-

PLATE III.

Figs. 9 to 13. — Development of the siphon. Fig. 9 represents an early stage.
There is a filmy, telescopic tube at the excurrent portion, and relatively few tenta-
cles. The succeeding stages indicate the loss in relative size of the telescopic tube,
change in form, and increase in number of tentacles. In Fig. 13 the siphon of a
clam 1 inch in length is shown.

PLATE III.

12 13

DEVELOPMENT OF SIPHON

PLATE IV.

Fig. 14. — Change in form of shell. A series of drawings illustrating the changes
from the early veliger or first shell (No. 1), which is 2^o °^ an mcn m s*ze' t° a clam
approximately y1^ of an inch in length. No. 2 represents the late veliger, just pre-
vious to set, No. 3 the form during the first few days after set, and No. 6 the first
period of elongation.

PLATE [IV.

PLATE V.

Fig. 15. — A comparison of the edible and non-edible parts of the clam, quahaug
and scallop.

Shell
(PerCent.).

Edible

Meat (Per

Cent.).

Non-edible

Meat
(PerCent.).

Clam,

Scallop,

Quahaug,

57,32
49.43
82.15

37.24
17.77
17.85

5.43
32.80

PLATE V.

CLAM

SCALLOP

FOOD VALUE

PLATE VI.

Fig. 16. — The spawning season lasts from the first of June to the first of Sep-
tember in Massachusetts, but in any particular locality the duration usually does
not exceed two months.

Figs. 17 and 18. — The clam does not increase with equal rapidity during the
growing months. There is a difference in winter growth in the waters north and
south of Cape Cod. The relative value of each month at Monomoy Point and Essex
River in terms of the increase in volume for a standard clam is graphically repre-
sented.

Relative Values of the Various Months in Per Cent.

Monomoy
Point.

Essex
River.

January,

1.88

February, .

1.88

March,

1.88

April, .

7.63

2.50

May, .

12 14

8.33

June, .

12.76

13.33

July, .

15 39

18.33

August,

15.64

18.33

September,

15.29

18.33

October,

9.63

15 00

November,

4.03

5.83

December, .

1.88

100.00

PLATE VI.

JMt. FEB. hUR. APR. IW JUNE JULY AU&. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC

SPAWNING MONTHS
16

HH§

JAN. FEB. NKR. APR. MM TUNE JULY "AUG SEPT. OCT. HOV. DEC

RELATIVE VALUE OF GROVJ1UG MONTHS
noNonoY po\nt

^ ^ II

% iH ^

ill

■ ■I

1 I I

■
1

JAN. FEB. tt*R. APR. MM JUNE JULX AUG. SEPT. OCT. NO\J. DEC.

RELATIVE VALUE OF GROWING MONTHS
ESSEX RWER

PLATE VII.

Fig. 19. — As a clam becomes larger the rate of growth both in actual increase
and gain in volume becomes less. The three columns represent the comparative
gain in volume of a 25, 50, 75 and 90 millimeter clam under the same conditions.

Fig. 20. — The four columns represent the volumetric growth for a definite
period of clams exposed to different conditions of tide. Clams high up with long
exposure show slower growth than those situated lower down on the same flat.

Fig. 21. — The four columns represent the growth in volume for clams situated
in good, medium and poor currents, and in still water. Clams situated in a good
circulation of water have a faster growth than in still water.

PLATE VII.

£,5nn.

LOV

50 nn.

T5ttn.

SIZE

AND GROWTH

<\or\n.

TIDE AND GROWTH
20

Good ttEDiuri Poor very Poor

CURRENT AND GROWTH
21

PLATE VIII.

Fig. 22. — Growth of a standard 25-millimeter clam for twelve months under
favorable and unfavorable growing conditions.

Growth (Millimeters).

Favorable
Conditions.

Unfavorable
Conditions.

June 1,

7.28

2.43

July 1,

14.95

4.93

August 1,

24.18

8.06

September 1,

33.53

11.18

October 1, .

42.72

14.24

November 1,

48.51

16.17

December 1,

50.92

16.97

January 1,

52.06

17.35

February 1,

53.20

17.73

March 1,

54.34

18.11

April 1,

55.47

18.49

May 1,

60.00

20.0.0

Fig. 23. — Growth for four years. The growth of the average clam under
favorable and unfavorable conditions is here given for four years, starting with a
clam 25 millimeters in length.

Growth {Millimeters).

Favorable
Conditions.

Unfavorable
Conditions.

Jan. 1, 1905

25.00

Jan. 1, 1906

85.00

45.00

Jan. 1, 1907,

96.25

57.00

Jan. 1, 1908,

105.79

64.75

Jan. 1, 1909,

112.50

70.90

PLATE VIII.

_,^J

IM/Wi JUNE; JULY

AUG.

SFFI

OCT.

NOV.

DFC.

TAH.

ffr

n^Rd

/\pr.

,T\INR

to
55
50
4-5
^0
35
30
&5

||0 y^ '"

— ^-^

. *""

ioo ^ x

-"^

yu ^/

^s'

s^-

An /

ou /

/ '

70 /

o> / - ^

/ ''"

/ ^<'""

fin i y^

DU ] /] ^

/ ^^^

1 «* — — "" ""

*-x" X

™ 4 ^

t + *

_^-~" ■ '~~J^

_j ^

40 4 /

f ^

t -X X

_, 7

J /

?n ' / —

l|2 3 4|5 6|7 8|9|l0|lll? 12 345 6 78 9101! 12 1 23456789 10 II 12 1 234567 8 9 ION 12

1905 1906 1907 1908

110
100
90
80

PLATE IX.

Fig. 24. — The growth of a clam from one-half to three and one-half years old
is shown with corresponding increase in volume. The figures in the clam outlines
(reduced three-sevenths) represent the size; those on the right represent the cor-
responding increase in bushels.

(j>5fm)

PLATE IX.

re — is.
1E*

fcYEAR

2.3 Bo.

"■-*-

1&YEARS

3t.S Bo.

^■\

&&YEARS

VT Bu.

3&Years

Public Document No. 25

FIFTY-SECOND ANNUAL EEPORT

OF THE

= COMMISSIONERS

ImilarirudL

Fisheries and Game

Year ending November 30, 1917.

BOSTON:

WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS,

32 DERNE STREET.

Publication of this Document

approved by the
Supervisor of Administration.

COMMISSIONERS ON FISHERIES AND GAME.

WILLIAM C. ADAMS, Newtonville (Chairman).
GEORGE H. GRAHAM, Springfield.
ARTHUR L. MILLETT, Gloucester.

Secretary.

Miss L. B. RIMBACH.

Chief Deputy Commissioner.

ORRIN C. BOURNE.

Supervisor of Fish and Game Distribution.

W. RAYMOND COLLINS.

Biologist.

DAVID L. BELDING.

Office: Room 321, State House, Boston, Mass.

Telephone: Haymarket 4600.

This report covers the period Jan. 1, 1917, to Nov. 30, 1917.

Hereafter the annual reports of this department will cover the period
of the fiscal year, December 1 to November 30 following.

CONTENTS

Foreword,

Organization,

Proposed changes and additional
Education,

Education of children
Boy Scouts,
Exhibitions,

Sportagrams,
Associations, .
National activities, .

The Northeastern Association of
Birds and game,
Preservation,
Reservations,
Heath hen,
Pheasants,
Ruffed grouse
Woodcock,
Ducks, .
Mallard duck,
Quail,
Deer,

Comparison of deer statistics.
Winter feeding of birds,
Enemies to the birds,

Unnaturalized hunters

Domestic cat,
Vermin, .

Squirrel, .

Weasel,

Skunk,

Fox,

Raccoon, .

Mink,

Rat,

Hawks,

Owl,

Crow,

Blue jay, .

Starling, .

English sparrow
Spraying,
Bird colonies
Dogs,
Fur-bearing animals,

regulations

Fish and Game Commissioners

CONTENTS.

Birds and game — Concluded.

Bird farms and fish hatcheries in general,
Changes in operation,
Distribution, ....
Work at the State game farms, .
Marshfield State Bird Farm,
Sandwich Bird Farm, .
Sutton Game Farm,
Norfolk State Bird Farm, .
Wilbraham Game Farm,
Visit of legislative committee,
Game distribution during the year 1917
Inland fisheries,

Natural abundance,
Decline, .
Artificial fish food,
Fry v. fingerlings,
Artificial pools,
Yellow perch, .
Chinook salmon,

Chinook salmon in Massachusetts lakes,
Long Pond, Plymouth,

Extract from report of Homer W. Hervey,

Extract from report of Dr. W. H. Thayer,

Extract from report of E. L. Bassett,

White perch, .

Life history,

Description,
Habitat,
Food,

Spawning, .
'White perch salvage,
Falmouth, .
Marthas Vineyard,
Newport, .
Equipment,
Method of work,
Artificial culture,

Spawning ponds,
Hatching, .
Nursery ponds,
Stocking, .
Trapping, .
Fyke nets,
Horned pout, .
Salvage, .
Smelt, .

Life history,
Names,
Description,
Habitat,
Spawning,

Value and present condition of smelt fishery,
The problem of restoration,
Methods of restoration,
Fish salvage, .
Screens, ....

CONTENTS.

Inland fisheries — Concluded.

Work at the State fish hatcheries,
Palmer Hatchery,
Sutton Fish Hatchery
Adams Hatchery,
Sandwich Hatcheries,
Rearing stations,

Montague Rearing Station,
Amherst Rearing Station,
Andover Rearing Station,
Fish distribution during the year 1917
Enforcement of laws,
Deputy force, .
Problems,
Annual meetings,
Town wardens,
Federal wardens,
The game warden as an educator
Exhibits,
Posters, .
Licenses,

Recent legislation,
Needed legislation,
Classified court records, 1917
Fish ways, ....
Merrimack River fish ways,
The East Taunton fishway,
Marine fisheries,

Some problems of the war and the fleet,
Figures of the catch,
Gloucester,
Boston,
The views of a leading fish dealer
R6sum6 of the doings of the fleet
One craft stocked $85,000, .
Remarkable mackerel stock,
The season's mackerel catch,
"Good old days" surpassed,
The fishermen's strike,
Demand for fish greatly increased,
A record for one day's fish receipts
The lobster fishery, .

Shad,

Activities in connection with national food regulation and conservation
Fish men at National Food Administration Conference,
Resolutions adopted by fish men,
Deductions and recommendations,
The Fish and Game Commission concurs,
The Governor's proclamation, .
Report to the Governor, .
Board notifies city and town officials,
The grayfish has come to stay,
Recommendations for legislation,
Appendix, ......

Returns from the shore net and pound fisheries for the year 1917
Number of pounds of fish taken in pounds, nets, traps, etc.,
Returns from the lobster fisheries, 1917, ....

Stye (JtommotuDealtl) of itta00acl)U0ett0<

To His Excellency the Governor and the Honorable Council.

The Commissioners on Fisheries and Game respectfully sub-
mit their fifty-second annual report.

FOREWORD.

At this most critical period in the history of our country it
is most appropriate that the Commissioners on Fisheries and
Game once again call attention to the special need of conserva-
tion of the supply of fish and game within the Commonwealth,
and attempt to bring every citizen to a realization, in some
degree at least, of the importance of preserving the wild life
in the State. It is particularly desirable at this time that
their report should describe the special investigations which
have been made along the line of food conservation, and deal
at some length with those species of salt and fresh water fish
which frequent the coast and inland streams. At our very
doors abides a large source of food which heretofore has been
incompletely utilized because of ignorance on the part of the
public as to the nutritive value of sea foods, and because of
inadequate methods of transportation, preserving, handling and
marketing, with the resultant increase in prices. It is self-
evident that unstinted co-operation on the part of the public
is the prime prerequisite.

The development for the public weal of these great natural
assets is the goal toward which every effort is being bent by
your Commissioners.

The accomplishments of the last year have been particularly
noteworthy. An exhaustive study of the alewife fisheries has
been completed and definite plans formulated for their re-
establishment, which will not only prove valuable directly as
a source of revenue to the shore towns, but indirectly will

2 FISH AND GAME.

affect all the fisheries by attracting the larger fish to the
Massachusetts coast.

For the first time definite advances toward regulation of the
smelt fishery have been made by protecting the spawning
beds, catching the spawn and transplanting the eggs, fry and
adult fish to various streams and ponds.

The State fish hatcheries have produced many species of
fish with which to replenish the lakes and streams, namely,
brook trout, rainbow trout, Sebago salmon, Chinook salmon,
large-mouthed black bass, small-mouthed black bass, yellow
perch, white perch and smelts. All told, 20,096,390 fish and
98,750,000 fish eggs were distributed in the waters of the
Commonwealth.

Over 1,000,000 salt-water smelt were hatched and liberated.
Three hundred and seventy-eight thousand fingerling Pacific
salmon (Chinook), 3 to 5 inches long, were planted in the trib-
utaries of the Merrimack River last October in furtherance of
the experiment of establishing the fish in the Atlantic Ocean.

Much attention has been given to the re-establishment of
the fishways in the coastal streams, and, under the super-
vision of this department, a new fishway has been built on
the Taunton River. Many others have been repaired and put
into shape to permit the passage of anadromous fishes. The
matter of rebuilding the fishways on the Merrimack River at
Lowell and Lawrence has been taken up and good progress is
being made.

Your Commissioners have co-operated with the United States
Food Administrator and the fishermen along the coast, and,
in order to facilitate a greater catch in the marine fisheries,
have urged the towns to grant more permits for the taking of
bait fish.

At the State game farms pheasants, mallard ducks, wood
ducks and Bob White quail have been reared, and 4,246 birds
distributed in all sections of the Commonwealth. There have
been 5,863 eggs of game birds sent out for hatching by indi-
viduals. All fish, birds and eggs are furnished upon applica-
tion, and are delivered to applicants free at the nearest rail-
road station. Also 104 white hares have been purchased and
liberated in favorable localities.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 3

During the year past approximately 10 J tons of grain and
elevator sweepings have been supplied by the department to
deputies and others who are interested in feeding and helping
the birds through the severe winter. In addition to this, un-
recorded quantities of barn sweepings and other feeding ma-
terial have been collected and distributed for this purpose.
Many clubs and individual sportsmen gave hearty support and
valuable assistance in this work.

Four new reservations under chapter 410, Acts of 1911, have
been established, adding approximately 7,000 acres of pro-
tected area to the reservations already set aside as sanctuaries
for bird and animal life.

The amount of money received as a result of the activities
of the department, and turned into the general treasury of the
Commonwealth, was 853, 927.23, as follows: for non-resident
hunting licenses, 81,619.85; resident licenses, $47,105.60; alien
licenses, 81,089.60; game tags and sales of forfeited goods,
8339.76; sales of materials at game farms and hatcheries,
83,723.73; proportion of receipts from fisheries in Buzzards Bay
and rent of shanty at Monomoy Point, 848.69. It is safe to
say that if a fishing license bill is passed by the next Legis-
lature it will double the amount of revenue received.

The department now has 30 district deputies who give their
entire time to the work, besides about 40 town wardens (the
number varying as old appointments expire and new ones are
made), and a force of about 150 unpaid deputies, likewise
varying in numbers. During the past year 355 convictions
were secured, in which fines amounting to 89,764 were imposed,
of which 84,740 were paid.

Over 37,000 short lobsters were seized in the shipments
coming to dealers from outside of Massachusetts. These were
liberated along the coast.

Two trout-rearing stations have been built in the western
part of the State, one in Montague and the other in Amherst.
These stations are well located with an abundant supply of
spring water, and should be the means of doubling the out-
put of fingerling brook trout.

Improvements at the State game farm in Wilbraham in-
cluded a large barn 38 by 48 feet, with hatching rooms in the

4 FISH AND GAME.

basement; a cement incubator house; an ice house; and a
four-room bungalow for summer use, making this station one
of the most up-to-date game farms in the country.

The brook-trout hatchery at Adams and the game farm at
Norfolk have been discontinued and the work consolidated at
other stations, with a view to producing more fish and birds
at a smaller cost.

Exhibits of live fish and game at sixteen fairs, including the
large fairs at Worcester, Springfield and Great Barrington,
were a feature of the year's work. This has been a campaign
of education, and has acquainted many people with the work
of this department.

Of far-reaching importance, also, are the steps taken to in-
crease the output of fish from the State hatcheries, and the
efforts made, by salvage, to save many thousands of fish of
various species which otherwise would be wasted. The plans
of your Commissioners for the future are in the direction of
continuing the work along lines already laid down. Results
are accomplished only by a persistent continuance on a given
policy. Rapid progress in the next few years is anticipated,
and your Commissioners expect to be in a position to demon-
strate that Massachusetts can develop in a marked degree the
great natural fish and game assets within her borders.

Organization.

In order to make the annual report coincide with the fiscal
year it has been deemed advisable to make this report cover
the period from Jan. 1, 1917, to Nov. 30, 1917. Hereafter it
will be possible to give in each annual report a complete survey
of the activities of the fiscal year, whereas heretofore reports
have covered parts of two fiscal years.

Under the old order of things it was customary to have
the accounts filed by the deputies and the superintendents of
game farms and fish hatcheries as of the 10th of each month.
Now all accounts are made strictly on the calendar month.
The above plan has been found to be of great advantage in
avoiding the confusion which attended closing up accounts at
the end of the fiscal year, and laying out the financial schedule
at the beginning of the following fiscal year.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 5

In the report for 1916 there were outlined in detail certain
proposed changes in the administration of the department cal-
culated to put the work on a more substantial business basis,
and certain plans for the next fiscal year were stated at some
length. Most of these are now in full operation.

In the main, the general plan of work as outlined in the
previous report was followed during the past fiscal year.

The new system of bookkeeping put into full operation was
found to be entirely satisfactory, and made possible at all
times a comparison of the amount of expenditures which were
being made with the financial program laid out at the begin-
ning of the year. The system by which deputies and super-
intendents are required to obtain authorization for expendi-
tures beyond their allowances made it possible to use the small
reserve fund which had been set aside in a way calculated to
get the most in return and to do those things most needed.
The practical result was that, despite the constantly increasing
prices of all kinds of materials and fish and bird foods, the
uncertainties in the labor market, and the general distraction
of unusual times, the fiscal year was completed without over-
drawing any branch of the appropriations.

One of the largest benefits derived from the new system of
bookkeeping is that it places before each superintendent a
detailed account of the expenditures at his station during the
year past. Each one has now an opportunity, as the year's
work progresses, to study the cost of production, which it is
believed will be of practical value in the effort to realize larger
outputs at a decreasing cost of production. It provides the
superintendent with detailed information as to costs in all
branches of his work, thereby giving him data to make com-
parisons from year to year, to assist in studying economies,
and to give him facts on which to base his annual estimate
of the cost of operating his station for the next fiscal year.

Proposed Changes and Additional Regulations.
The new system of dividing the deputies into two classes, based
on the amount of monthly allowance for traveling expenses, with
a requirement that they shall obtain authorization for all pro-
posed additional expenses, has worked so well that there appears

6 FISH AND GAME.

to be no necessity for making any change in the system. How-
ever, the work of the deputies is being broadened in scope to
take in fields other than that of mere law-enforcement. It has
been found that many of the men are developing special abili-
ties in certain fields of work, and they will be given every
opportunity, consistent with the limited funds available, to
become more proficient. For example, one man has shown
unusual ingenuity in the designing of fishways and in handling
the problem of the migration of anadromous fish; another has
taken hold of the development of the salt-water smelt work
along lines which prior to the past year were never attempted;
another has shown ability in the laying out and completing of
rearing stations; another in outlining and carrying through a
comprehensive plan of developing the lobster work. And so it
might be possible to enumerate a number of fields of activity
in which the men show a desire to specialize, in addition to
the straight law-enforcement work. The Board is encouraging
its men to be not only officers in the enforcement of the laws,
but likewise students of problems involved in developing all
the possibilities of the districts in which they are located.
Thus it is believed they will play an increasingly valuable part
in the general development work being carried on by the de-
partment.

At the hatcheries and game farms during the past year the
policy outlined in the previous report has been followed,
namely, of handling the finances of each station as based on a
schedule of estimates. Superintendents were not required to
qonfine their expenditures to the several items estimated on in
each month's schedule. The Board considered that it would
be very difficult for a superintendent, in the financial schedule
made up in detail, month for month, for the entire fiscal year,
to figure out with absolute certainty how much of each item
in that schedule he would require for the entire fiscal year.
They were given a certain amount of leeway, permitting them
to shift their plan of purchases as far as individual items in the
schedule were concerned, so long as they kept inside the
figure which was allowed for each month's operating expenses.
This was done on the theory that every superintendent would
return to the treasury any unexpended balances at the end

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 7

of the month. As a matter of fact, experience showed that
while the superintendents acted in good faith, there were, with
a few exceptions, no balances returned.

With this fact in mind, and with the intention of scruti-
nizing even more closely the financial activities of the super-
intendents, the following plan for the next fiscal year has been
laid out : —

Each superintendent's schedule of estimates for running his
station during the coming fiscal year will be carefully figured
over by the central office, to determine what sums are abso-
lutely necessary for the operation of his plant. These items
in the main will represent labor; fish or bird food, as the case
may be; feed for such stock as is maintained (horses and cows
at the bird farms); certain traveling expenses; telephone, etc.
When these are determined, all the rest of the items for which
he has made estimates will be stricken out. He will then be
notified of the amount which the central office has allotted
him, for each month of the fiscal year, for these bare neces-
sities. He will then be required to observe the rules and regu-
lations now in force, — that no additional expenditures shall
I be incurred unless prior thereto he shall have received written
authorization from the central office.

In order to take care of the items which will be stricken
out of the estimates, the following plan will be adopted : —

Items which call for such accessories as fish cans, seines,
|| aerators, books, etc., will be covered by a special form of
[I' requisition. Before any such items of equipment can be pur-
chased, superintendents will be required to file a requisition
with the central office, which must be approved by the central
office before the purchases are made.

In reference to those items for building and repair work
which include lumber, cement, hardware, etc., superintendents
will be required to follow a new plan, thus : —

Early in the fiscal year each superintendent will be furnished
with blank forms, three sheets to a set. The first sheet, blue
in color, will ask for a description of the item of repair, re-
placement or new construction work which the superintendent
proposes to do. On the second sheet (white) the superintend-
ent will be required to give a sketch or plan showing the pro-

8 FISH AND GAME.

posed work. On the third sheet (yellow) the superintendent!
will give an estimate of the cost of the proposed work. On
this sheet he will also state how much of the labor needed
will be supplied by his own men, and how much of the ma-
terials to be used are at the time on hand.

All of the work will be divided into separate "jobs," and
in the upper right-hand corner of the sheets spaces will be
provided for the job number, the date when received at the
central office, and when authorized, if ever. At the beginning
of the fiscal year the superintendents will file plans for the
jobs which in their opinion will be required at their stations
during the entire year, retaining copies. When these sheets
have been received from all the stations they will be bound,
and thus data on all work contemplated for the fiscal year will
be in the central office in a compact and clean-cut form.

With these estimates before them the Commissioners will
consider each job on its merits, and, out of any reserve fund
which may have been set aside over and above the cost of
actual necessities for the stations, they will determine which
jobs will be authorized. The superintendents will be notified
and the estimated amounts of these jobs will be charged up
against the reserve fund. As fast as a superintendent incurs
bills on a job he will endorse thereon the number of the job
for which incurred. The back of the descriptive sheet will
bear a form for recording the items • of expenditures, which
will be entered as fast as bills are received. The bills will
then be handled and paid on the same system as has previously
obtained, each station being charged in the analyzed account
book with the amount of money spent for certain classes of
materials.

By the above plan the central office will know exactly what
work is to be done at the various stations; the Commissioners
will have had an opportunity to determine in advance whether
the funds of the department will permit of the expenditures;
the work will proceed on the clean-cut basis of description,
plan and estimate; and the accounts will be kept in such
shape that it can be seen at a glance how closely the super-
intendent is keeping to his estimated cost of the job.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 9

The property book will show what materials are on hand
at the several stations, and all such will be utilized before
making additional purchases. The objective is a system which
will keep the Commissioners in close touch with all financial
transactions without developing needless red tape or duplica-
tion of effort.

10 FISH AND GAME.

EDUCATION.

To-day your Commissioners are only too well aware of the
necessity of educating the public to the proper methods of
utilizing the fish and game assets of the Commonwealth. Al-
ready the passing of some of the most valuable forms of wild
life have been witnessed, and it is the duty of this Board to
exert every possible effort to preserve for future generations
a just portion of the privileges now enjoyed. The Commis-
sioners realize that publicity is the most essential factor in
accomplishing this result, and that the public must be impressed
with the necessity of this work, since in the final analysis
public opinion is the force behind the enactment and proper
enforcement of all protective laws. Various means for dis-
seminating information have been tried, and the following
methods bid fair to be most successful in furthering this im-
portant activity.

Education of Children.
The most effective way of guaranteeing a permanent supply
of fish and game is by instilling into the minds of the boys
and girls (who are to be the men and women of the future)
the lessons which it is so difficult to teach mature sportsmen.
The problem will be completely solved only when natural
history, including fish and game protection, is taught among
required subjects in the curriculum of the elementary schools.
At this age the mind is most receptive to instruction, and the
lessons learned at this time will exert the most permanent and
powerful control in the later life of each one. The true ob-
jective is the complete development of all the ways in which
our wild-life forms may be enjoyed between the extremes of
observing them solely for the pleasure derived from their ap-
pearance and action in their free state, and the ardent pur-
suit, taking and utilization as food. There is plenty of room
for all "parties in interest." Each should be encouraged to
understand and respect the other's point of view. One of the
earliest lessons should be self-restraint and temperateness in
the time and amount of taking for sport and utilization as
food.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 11

Boy Scouts.

As a new department of the work, during the past year
co-operation has been started with the Boy Scouts of Massa-
chusetts. In this field the Commission has had the approval
of the Greater Boston Council. While the work thus far has
not advanced beyond the formative stage, it may be stated
that the aim is to educate the Scouts to a rather thorough
knowledge of the various forms of bird and animal life, to-
gether with the necessity and methods of conserving these.
Exhibits, illustrated lectures, and such other methods as appear
effective, will be employed.

But benefits to be derived by the State would most likely
be along the following lines : —

1. Intelligent appreciation of the work the Commission is
trying to do, which is always a help toward better efforts.

2. Assistance to the district deputies in times of special
emergency. Patrolling certain streams or ponds as requested.

3. Reporting violations of the fish and game laws which come
to their notice.

4. Winter feeding of birds, the erection of shelters and the
planting of food supplies for the winters to come.

The future only will reveal the extent to which this work
may be carried on with mutual benefit. Field days for Boy
Scouts, held at State hatcheries or game farms, to which those
only are invited who have attained a certain grade on fish
and game work, would prove invaluable.

The services of the lecturers of the Commission are available
without expense in the vicinity of Boston, or by special ar-
rangement in other parts of the State, the only requirement
being that an audience of at least thirty boys shall be guar-
anteed.

Suitably situated summer camps may be easily established
with the co-operation of interested Scout masters, where part
of the day can be devoted to courses of study under the guid-
ance of a representative from the Commission. A two-week
course would enable scores of boys to take advantage of such a
camp and become real amateur fish and game conservationists.
There is a constantly growing demand for experienced bird

12 FISH AND GAME.

and fish culturists, and for men in the warden service -who
have a broad knowledge of the subject. The best men are
those who have grown up in the work. Many Scouts may
eventually go on into the regular work in this and other States.

Exhibitions.

The popularity of the educational exhibitions of fish and
game at agricultural fairs is shown by the number of requests
for exhibits received annually. During the past year these
became so numerous that all could not be granted. How
much these exhibitions are appreciated is shown by the fact
that several associations have erected permanent cages and
pens to house them, and the Housatonic Agricultural Society,
at an expense of $2,000, has even constructed a special building.

These exhibits consist of live specimens of the fish raised
at the fish hatcheries, and of the common food fishes native
to the Commonwealth; also of live specimens of the game
birds reared at the bird farms. For several years numbers of
fancy pheasants, wild turkeys, rare specimens of ducks and
geese and hybrid trout have been exhibited. These have been
all eliminated in order to center the public interest on only
those birds and fish which are being reared for restocking
purposes. The general scheme of the exhibits has been as
follows : —

1. As the central part of the exhibit, an information bureau
where any person wishing detailed information can be received
and attended to apart from the crowd; where a register can
be kept for recording the names of such visitors; and where
literature can be given out.

2. Maps showing the fish hatcheries, game reservations, for-
ests, streams and lakes (especially those covering the locality
where the fair is held), so that visitors may point out the
particular stream or cover in which they are interested and
receive intelligent advice in regard to it.

3. A variety of exhibits illustrating different phases of fish
and game work, including the development of the egg and
the growth of the fish, the nesting and hatching of game birds,
the development of the young, and methods of combating their

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 13

enemies. Where practical, the above features are shown in
natural groups.

4. Models and plans showing methods and apparatus used
at the hatcheries and game farms.

5. Photographs supplementing the above features, and also
showing methods of improving and conducting sanctuaries and
reservations.

6. Placards showing the extent and benefits of the Com-
mission's work, inviting co-operation on the part of interested
persons, and furnishing information in attractive form calcu-
lated to invite further inquiry.

7. Charts developing any of the above features which might
thus be shown to better advantage.

8. Identification cards attached to the various displays,
giving, in addition to the name, a statement of general infor-
mation in concise and attractive form.

9. A collection of nests of various birds carefully arranged
in rustic cases, showing how the birds make them, and the
measures adopted to protect the eggs and young.

10. Specimens in formalin, illustrating the development of
the brook trout and chinook salmon; specimens of young
shad; food upon which young fish and birds are fed; method
of developing the meat fly for game-bird food; pictures of
fish, including the process of stripping. The skin of a 52-inch
water adder, which contained 120 2-inch trout when killed in
a trout-rearing pool, is mentioned as one feature shown to
illustrate the large number of enemies of both fish and game.

It may be said of this special exhibit that it reaches many
people to whom the live fish and birds do not appeal, and is
certainly of sufficient importance and general interest to merit
further development. The purpose is not to provide a "free
show," but, by a popular presentation, to lay before the people
practical ways of taking a hand in the work; to encourage
them to utilize the small ponds and streams in the more in-
tensive growing of food supplies or to raise a few game birds
for sale; and to appreciate the problems involved in main-
taining and increasing the natural supply. Suggestions like
the following, displayed at these exhibitions, set many people
to thinking to good purpose.

14 FISH AND GAME.

Sportagrams.

Train yourself to observe conditions when passing through the woods.
There is always something new to learn. Be sure this Commission will
always be pleased to have a report of your observations. ,

Feed the birds during the severe winter weather. Directions and a
supply of grain will be gladly given upon request.

Aid in every possible way to prevent forest fires. The woods are in-
valuable as watersheds, and their preservation a necessity for increasing
wild life.

Be a real sportsman if you hunt or fish. There is more honor in giving
a square deal than in getting the limit.

Report all violations of fish and game laws to the regular district
deputy commissioner, or to the Fish and Game Commission at the State
House, Boston, Mass. All reports are considered strictly confidential.

Teachers, cultivate among school children and others a better knowl-
edge of the habits of birds and animals.

Help to popularize the sport by showing a proper respect for the rights
of property owners.

Help to restock the streams which you fish, and show the riparian
owners that you are doing something besides "skinning" the brooks.

Don't take small fish when angling. Give them a chance to grow up.
YOU had one.

Don't try for the largest number. Try for the largest fish.

Associations.
It is a great pleasure to recognize the support which the
department has received during the year from the sportsmen's
associations in the State. Many of these associations have
given the Commission valuable suggestions. Some have volun-
teered to do constructive work in their districts which could
have been done by the department only at a large expense;
some have outdone their previous performances in the feeding
of birds in the winter; others have built bird shelters; others,
through their fish and game distribution committees, have more
fully organized their machinery to care for the stock turned
over by the Commonwealth, so that the plants might be made
under the most favorable conditions; some have carried on an
increasing campaign of education to bring the sportsmen and

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 15

the landowners into a closer understanding, resulting in a greater
consideration for the rights of the owners of the property over
whose lands they fish and hunt. Since, as has been stated
over and over again, the fish and game laws and protective
measures are no stronger than the public sentiment back of
them, the efforts of the associations in developing this public
sentiment have been of inestimable value to the cause.

National Activities.
The attention of your Commissioners has not been confined
entirely to State affairs. They have taken an active part in
the various national conferences on the problems concerning
fish and game which have become of great moment. By co-
operating with other national and State officials, by visits of
inspection, and by active official work in numerous organiza-
tions, they have acquired new and broader ideas for the de-
velopment, not only of the resources of Massachusetts, but
also of the vast fish and game assets of the United States.
The Commissioners are members of and hold important official
positions in some of the following organizations: —

1. American Fisheries Society, with membership in the com-
mittee on relations with national and state governments. All
three Commissioners attended the meeting Aug. 29 to 31, 1917,
at St. Paul, Minn. At this meeting a member of the Board
was elected treasurer of the society.

2. National Association of Game and Fish Commissioners.
The 1917 meeting, held at St. Paul, Minn., August 27 to 29,
was attended by all the Commissioners.

3. National Association of Shellfish Commissioners. The July
meeting, at Providence, R. L, was attended by the Commis-
sioners and the biologist.

4. Northeastern Association of Fish and Game Commis-
sioners, of which one member of the Board is president.

5. A member of the Board has been appointed on the
Advisory Committee to the Department of Agriculture on the
Migratory Bird Law.

6. His Excellency the Governor honored this Commission by
selecting one of its members to represent the Commonwealth

10 FISH AND GAME.

at the Food Fisheries Conference with the National Food
Administration at Washington, D. C, Sept. 24 to 26, 1917.

A complete report of the meeting between the Food Fish-
eries Conference and the Food Administration will be found
in another part of this report.

The Northeastern Association of Fish and Game Commissioners.

Among the noteworthy events of the past year was the first
meeting and conference of the Northeastern Association of Fish
and Game Commissioners, held at the Copley Plaza Hotel on
February 17. It was attended by members of the fish and
game commissions of the New England States and New York.
At the first conference various problems requiring the co-
operation of these States were discussed. Considerable atten-
tion was devoted to the regulation of the lobster fishery, and
by mutual consent a size limit of 4| inches, carapace meas-
urement (equivalent to 10-inch total length), was decided upon
as the most acceptable legal limit for all the coastal States.
The Commissioners agreed to use their influence in their re-
spective States to secure the passage of such a measure during
the coming year.

In addition to a consideration of the systematizing of cleri-
cal work and law enforcement, the subject of the anadromous
food fishes received a thorough discussion, which resulted in
the passage of the following resolution : —

Whereas, The numbers of the salmon, the shad, the striped bass and
other valuable anadromous food fishes have become so depleted that
extermination is seriously threatened ; and

Whereas, The depletion of these fishes is largely due to the fact that
they are intercepted during their annual migration to their spawning
grounds by the use of pound nets and other fishing devices set in waters
over which the individual States have no control, and as a result of which
attempts to replenish the waters by resorting to their artificial propagation
are nullified; be it

Resolved, That the commissioners of all of the New England States and
of the State of New York here in convention assembled, strongly approve
of the Federal control of all anadromous fishes, and commend to the
attention of the representatives in Congress the careful consideration of
this question; that they urge that earnest efforts be put forth by these
representatives to the end that Congress enact a law taking over the

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 17

control of all such anadromous fishes on the Atlantic coast; and that a
copy of this resolution be sent to every member of Congress from the
States here represented, and to the United States Commissioner of
Fisheries.

A second conference was held in Providence, R. L, on
July 26 and 27, 1917, at which additional work was laid out.

18 FISH AND GAME.

BIRDS AND GAME.

The general public is coming to realize more and more the
existing danger to wild life and the rapidly increasing impor-
tance of maintaining the natural supply of birds, game and
fur-bearing animals. To-day the words " conservation, " "propa-
gation" and "protection," which have been glibly used by many
in the past, have taken on a new meaning. These words must
be translated into more positive action. They stand for self-
denial, closer study of supply and demand, and the restraint
of those impulses which would shortly deplete our waters and
covers in order to relieve a present though not acute need.

Back of protective laws must be a healthy public sentiment,
prompting every person to take the minimum rather than the
maximum, and only under conditions which will permit of
using all for food. If the supply is to keep pace with the
demand, every bird or fish taken from the covers and streams
must be replaced with one or more of the same species. The
existing wild stock must be given greater freedom from natural
enemies in order to do its full share of reproduction. It is
strikingly evident that in order to perpetuate the supply, and
at the same time afford recreation and food, artificial propa-
gation, both public and private, must be more extensively
undertaken. The State hatcheries and game farms are annually
increasing the quantity and quality of output; nevertheless,
more extensive stocking will be required to meet the demands
of the future.

Preservation.
There are three general means of preserving wild life: —
1. By enforcing observance of the laws. In the main the
existing laws cover the subject well. Many of them embody the
most advanced position taken by any State. Others show that
this Commonwealth has been the pioneer in thought and action
on the more important policies. The enforcement of these laws
requires more than the activities of the present deputy force.
Each man covers a district of approximately 415 square miles,
with a monthly allowance for traveling expenses ranging from

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 19

$25 to $31, depending on the character of the country he must
traverse. It is manifestly impossible for one man to thoroughly
cover such a large territory. The enforcement of the game
laws depends essentially upon the attitude of the community.
Without public sympathy and understanding no law can be
adequately enforced. When the public at large, and especially
those persons who hunt and fish, wake up to the fact that the
laws are not intended as shackles, but rather as guides to the
proper way in and extent to which wild life may be taken,
and do as a rule reflect a serious effort, on the part of those
having most accurate knowledge, to lay out the safe course to
follow, then, and only then, will the game laws of Massachu-
setts achieve their purpose.

2. Preserving birds and animals by providing large areas
where favorable breeding conditions exist and protecting them
from shooting and their natural enemies. On these reserva-
tions they must have shelter and sufficient food during the
severe winter weather.

3. Artificial propagation and distribution, either by private
individuals or by the State. The private game farm is useful
in two ways, — it furnishes birds and game for food, thus
satisfying a public demand, and the birds which escape tend
to increase the wild supply.

It was but a few years ago that large sections of Massachu-
setts were practically sanctuaries for game. Many such locali-
ties on Cape Cod and in Berkshire, Franklin and Hampshire
counties, were inaccessible to the average hunter, and the game
was unmolested; but to-day good highways traverse all these
regions, and the automobile takes the hunters swiftly from one
cover to another. New trolley lines, too, have been built,
such as the road from Huntington to Lee, through the heart
of the game section of Berkshire County.

There is an army of over 60,000 licensed hunters, in addition
to the large number of men who are privileged to hunt un-
licensed on their own land, all patroling the covers for some
kind of game.

The question that confronts us now is, how long will the
game last? Are we looking out for the future generations, or
simply for ourselves? Many plans have been considered to

20 FISH AND GAME.

require each hunter to make an annual return of the game
killed by him, but none has been devised sufficiently simple
and effective to be workable with the present force and finances.

Reservations.

There are two main types, — the private and the State
reservation. The typical private reservation comprises estates
which are stocked by the owner and upon which hunting is
forbidden. Unfortunately, in most instances these estates are
too small to be of any great benefit.

Under chapter 362, Acts of 1909, all parks, commons and
land held in trust for public use are given the status of State
reservations on which hunting is prohibited. The State insti-
tution grounds, hospitals and other public lands coming under
this act comprise approximately 28,321 acres on which bird
and animal life is protected.

Likewise, under chapter 178, Acts of 1902, and other special
acts, an additional area of 16,357 acres has been utilized as
reservations and State game farms.

Under chapter 410, Acts of 1911, the establishment of reser-
vations by the State is provided for. Upon the petition of
all the landowners the property embraced in several adjoining
estates may be closed for a period of from three to five years.
To insure the success of the reservation the area should be
comparatively large (from 1,500 to 2,000 or more acres), with
well-defined outer boundaries, such as highways, water courses
or railroads. The initiative in this work comes from public-
spirited citizens, not from the Commission. Once closed, no
hunting whatever is permitted during the prescribed period,
either by the public or by the property owners, with the excep-
tion that the Commission may authorize persons to hunt and
trap vermin.

Results in this type of reservation have proved less successful
than was originally expected. It is difficult to secure the con-
sent of all the landowners within a given tract to the terms
of closure, and the Commissioners cannot accept any tract which
includes the land of a person who refuses to join in the peti-
tion. The Commissioners have rather limited control over the
land, and there is not that permanency of tenure which makes

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 21

possible the laying out of those schemes for development which
are necessary to secure the most effective results. Neverthe-
less, they are better than nothing, and are serving a useful
purpose in bridging over the time when the State will estab-
lish permanent reservations.

Under this act 18,475 acres have been set apart. During
the year past the following reservations have been newly
established: —

Acres.

Lynnfield Reservation, Lynnfield and Peabody, .... 750

Taunton Reservation, Taunton, 2,749

Mansfield-Foxborough Reservation, Mansfield and Foxborough, . 1,800

Bare Hill Reservation, Harvard, 1,740

The Commissioners are of the opinion that the true solution
is to be found in permanent reservations owned by the State,
of sufficient size to warrant the employment of a superintend-
ent who will protect against poachers, kill predatory vermin,
plant grain, and construct shelters where the birds may be
fed during the severe winter weather; in other words, make
ideal natural conditions for the wild stock. In addition to the
State game farms and hatcheries a reasonable number of these
State-owned reservations should be established in most counties.

Along the same line the possibility of establishing State-
owned reservations for hunting is to be considered.

Heath Hen.
About the close of 1916 the Board voted to make the ex-
periment of planting colonies of heath hen upon the mainland.
This was in line with the policy agreed upon at a conference,
held April 21, 1916, at the office of the Commission, which was
attended by T. Gilbert Pearson, secretary of the National
Association of Audubon Societies, E. H. Forbush, State Orni-
thologist, Winthrop W. Packard, secretary of the Massachu-
setts Audubon Society, Dr. George W. Field, Dr. F. W. Rowley,
William Day, superintendent of the reservation, and others.
This conference was called for the purpose of considering meas-
ures for the further protection of this bird. Those present at
the meeting agreed that substantially the following steps should
be taken: —

22 FISH AND GAME.

1. To consider transplanting colonies to the mainland.

2. To cultivate corn, sunflowers and clover to insure green
food during the summer and seeds and grain through the winter.

3. To take measures to protect the birds against danger
from fire.

4. To protect against vermin, and patrol against violations.

The New York Conservation Commission expressed a de-
sire to have a substantial number of birds with which to
restock Long Island, N. Y. (a once famous range of these
birds). The superintendent of the reservation during the month
of December, 1916, trapped and shipped to the New York
commission 18 birds.

Dr. John C. Phillips, Wenham, Mass., received 8 birds for
experiment in breeding the birds in captivity, in closer quarters
than were planned by the New York Conservation Commission.

In spite of the fact that those who received the birds were
well qualified to conduct such experiments and made elaborate
preparations to insure the success of the trials, the results were
uniformly unsatisfactory, since in every case the birds failed
to mate.

An account of these experiments may be of interest.

Hon. Marshall McLean of the Conservation Commission of
New York reported on Dec. 21, 1917: —

It is "with the utmost regret that I have to write you that our heath
hen experiment has been a total failure. The last of the birds died about
three weeks ago. Investigations of the carcasses failed to disclose any
particular disease so far as the records before me show. I cannot tell
you how great a disappointment this has been to all the members of the
commission.

A more detailed report from Mr. Harry T. Rogers, superin-
tendent of the game farms for the Conservation Commission,
states that 18 heath hens (11 cocks and 7 hens) were received.
A 3-acre enclosure was ready for them, with natural conditions
much like those on the reservation from which they came.
The birds were wing-clipped and each placed in a small breed-
ing pen within this enclosure for about two weeks. When they
had become acquainted with their new surroundings they were
allowed to escape into the large enclosure.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT -T- No. 25. 23

Though pole traps were set for hawks and owls, 7 heath hens
were lost through these birds.

About March 1 the heath hen cocks showed signs of mating,
going through the usual maneuvers. They did not pair off
with the females, but all kept together. The cock birds did
not seem inclined to fight, the hens showed no signs of nesting,
nor did they lay any eggs so far as could be ascertained.

The birds were fed a balanced ration of wheat, kaffir corn,
buckwheat, barley, cracked corn and sunflower seeds, and grains
were planted and left standing in the enclosure. Wild berries
and insects were also available, though the birds did not eat
the latter to any extent.

About July 1 it was noticed that some of the birds looked
droopy. Shortly after this they began to die, one about every
ten days, until the remaining 11 were dead. Examination
showed them to be very thin, almost nothing but bones and
feathers. All died with a disease that game breeders term
"going light." Any one who has raised game birds to any
extent is familiar with this disease, which is tuberculosis of
the bowels. In the opinion of the game keeper who had charge
of the Long Island colony there was no reason for their failure
to breed, as they were surrounded with what was considered
very favorable conditions.

Dr. Phillips reports: —

To start with I had three heath hens and five males. I lost one of the
females in a most peculiar way. The bird got her head through the wire
and her entire head was bitten off by a dog. ... I mated the pairs in
large separate breeding pens in a retired spot, the pens being about 20 by
20 feet and covered. The surplus males were of course excluded. The
males of the mated pairs did not "boom" at all during the mating season.
Prairie chickens I had before boomed continuously for several weeks, so
that I immediately suspected something was not right. One of the spare
males was killed in a fight, and upon dissection I found that the sex
organs were extremely small, although this was the height of the breeding
season. I afterwards examined two others (males, I think) and found
exactly the same condition. I shipped the remaining pairs down to
Mr. Joshua Crane of No Man's Land some time about early July. . . .

No report has been received as to how the birds have fared
on No Man's Land.

24 FISH AND GAME.

Superintendent Day stated that he believed a surplus of
cocks was necessary, and that the hens should be permitted to
choose their own mates.

During the year consultations, both in person and by letter,
have been held with persons interested in the birds, not alone
in Massachusetts but all over the country, keeping them in-
formed of conditions and getting their views and advice. Keen
interest in this colony is displayed by persons as far off as
California. There has been especially close co-operation in this
work between the department and State Ornithologist Forbush,
the State Forester's department, the National Association of
Audubon Societies and the Massachusetts Audubon Society.
All those consulted at various times have concurred in the
opinion that the proper protective measures to be followed are
those laid down at the conference, and the Commissioners have
used every effort to carry out this program as far as possible
with the means available.

The work accomplished may be summed up thus : —

1. Distributions. — Account has already been given.

2. Feed. — Three acres of corn were planted and left standing
for feed, and 1J acres of sunflowers, — more, in the superin-
tendent's opinion, than the birds could use. Alfalfa was also
left uncut.

3. Fire. — The State Forester's department was consulted as
to the best means of protecting against fire. During the year
that department, with the co-operation of towns on the island,
erected a fire tower on the reservation where, during the danger
season, some one is constantly on watch to detect fires.

4. Vermin. — A vigorous warfare has been kept up against
vermin, and the superintendent reports: —

Twelve cats were shot; 145 rats trapped; 45 marsh hawks, 4 gos-
hawks, 10 red-tails and 8 rough-legs shot. All these hawks had bird
life in their stomachs, with the exception that 2 marsh hawks had mice
and a red-tail had 2 small snakes.

In addition, following the recommendation of the State
Ornithologist, a man has been placed on the reservation whose
instructions are to devote his entire time to the heath hen,

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 25

with particular emphasis on the destruction of vermin and
patrol work. This man has no other duties in the way of law
enforcement to distract his attention from the task in hand.

The State Ornithologist has kept closely in touch with con-
ditions, and in the course of the year reported his findings
thus: —

On April 18, 1917, in a two-day examination covering about
25 miles on foot and in automobile, he was able to locate only
70 birds. Not satisfied, on April 24 he covered 40 miles.
During the two trips he was able to account for 126 birds,
among which he observed males to be in excess of females.
He estimates 50 pairs on the island, against 800 a year ago.
Causes: the great fire which destroyed food and exposed them
to enemies, killed females on the nest, resulting in excess males,
and destroyed vegetation and insects, depriving birds of food
and shelter from enemies.

On Sept. 28, 1917, he reported that the heath hens were
fewer in number than at any time within the last nine years.
He was able to find but two birds. In his opinion the birds
are about down to the point where they were when the Com-
mission first took hold of the work. He suggested that the
deputy on the island needs to give his entire attention to the
heath hen, excluding all other law enforcement work. He ex-
pressed the opinion that if the birds are properly cared for
they may still increase.

It is probable that the number of heath hens on the island is
greater than the above figures would indicate, for in the course
of the year employees on the reservation have seen flocks num-
bering from 37 to 50 birds.

On Sept. 30, 1917, Mr. William Day, who has covered the
double position of superintendent of the reservation and dis-
trict deputy, resigned to undertake other work. Pending the
appointment of his successor, Deputy Elisha T. Ellis was
assigned to the reservation, devoting his entire time to the
heath hen work. Mr. James A. Peck was selected to succeed
Mr. Day, his term of service to commence Dec. 1, 1917.

FISH AND GAME.

Pheasants.

During the pheasant season for 1917 every county in the
State was open except Dukes, Nantucket and Barnstable.

The restrictions that were placed on the hunters were a bag
limit of two in any one day and six in the season, with a
proviso that all birds killed must be reported to the Com-
missioners.

Summary of the reports received is here given.

Pheasants shot in Open Season of 1917, November 1 to 80.

County.

Cocks.

Hens.

Total.

Berkshire

Bristol,

147

245

Essex,

302

197

499

Franklin

Hampden,

118

166

Hampshire,

Middlesex

117

195

522

281

803

Norfolk,

179

101

280

Plymouth,

116

182

Suffolk

Worcester,

184

114

298

Total

1,753

1,019

2,772

From reports received since the season closed it is evident
that a good many hunters failed to make the required return.
It is but a small matter to comply with this part of the law,
and gunners are informed that the department will try to
enforce this provision during the next open season. Sportsmen
who have had an opportunity during the past four years to
shoot pheasants are loud in their praise of them as game birds
of the highest type. From all sections of the State come
requests for the liberation of more pheasants. Unquestionably
the pheasant has come to stay, and the State will continue to
liberate increasing numbers each year from the game farms.

During the past year large numbers of pheasants' eggs have
been distributed to farmers and others who have facilities for
hatching and rearing the young birds. Printed instructions are
sent with each shipment of eggs, and all possible information
is furnished. In some cases the recipients were quite successful
in raising the pheasants, while others were less fortunate.

It is the policy of the Commissioners to encourage private
individuals to go into the work of raising pheasants. At the

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 27

present time this work has become an established business, and
there is a ready market for all the pheasants that can be raised,
either for brood stock or for the market.

Licenses and tags for dealers who wish to rear these birds
and sell them for food are issued by the Commission.

There is a demand for young men as game breeders, and
unquestionably it will steadily increase in all sections of the
country.

Ruffed Grouse.

When the season closed in November, 1916, it was the opinion
of hunters and deputies alike in every section that the ruffed
grouse were rapidly increasing, and that a substantial number
had been left in the covers to breed. At a convention held in
Springfield in January of the present year, which was attended
by a large number of prominent sportsmen from Worcester,
Springfield, Boston and other sections, it was voted to ask the
Legislature to change the date of the hunting season for these
birds, making it from November 1 to December 1. It was the
opinion of these men that grouse were coming back fast, and
that old-time conditions would soon prevail. This expectation,
however, was not realized. Few broods of young birds were
noticed during the summer, and when the open season came
birds were scarce and nearly every one killed was an old bird.

The Commissioners have been to considerable pains to get at
the facts from all sections of this as well as from neighboring
States, and have reports from reliable sportsmen, wardens,
guides and others who know what the exact conditions
are. From information gained from these persons and our
own observation your Commissioners attribute much of the
scarcity of ruffed grouse to the poor breeding season in the
spring, coupled with the fact that during the past two years
there has been a great flight of goshawks in all parts of the
State. It is fully realized that many other factors enter into
the destruction of the grouse, such as cats, foxes, owls, skunks,
weasels and the illegal hunter, but these are always present, and
for that reason the unusual conditions are attributed to the
causes named.

It has been learned that this condition is not local, but that
it prevails in all the New England States, New York and the

28 FISH AND GAME.

States farther west. What the future will be no one knows.
What is the best policy to pursue to save the ruffed grouse
from extermination is the question that is occupying the minds
of many sportsmen to-day. It must be remembered, however,
that it is a well-known fact that similar reductions in the num-
ber of grouse have in the past occurred about once in every
seven to ten years.

Woodcock.
Reports show that woodcock bred fairly well in Massa-
chusetts. There is much cover in this State admirably adapted
as breeding grounds for the woodcock, though this area and the
feeding grounds are becoming more and more restricted owing
to drainage of wet lands. Fall reports indicated about the
usual number of birds in the covers, both native-bred and flight
birds. The change of the season to the month of November
(which opened the season in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and
Hampshire counties October 20) undoubtedly deprived sports-
men in eastern Massachusetts of a part of their sport; but they
were still given a reasonable opportunity to shoot the flight
birds which came through between the first and middle of
November. However, it is a grave question whether or not the
season on woodcock throughout the United States should be
closed for a few years. The whole subject comes within the scope
of the Federal migratory bird law, and undoubtedly the Federal
authorities will take some action on the woodcock question
within the next year.

Ducks.
Black ducks and wood ducks are reported as increasing in all
sections of the State, and have nested along the shores and on
the inland lakes and ponds. Years ago it was a common sight
to see large flocks of these ducks in all parts of Massachusetts,
and they are surely coming back, due in a large measure to
the protection given them by the migratory bird law. At all
seasons of the year, from all localities along the coast, come
stories of large flocks of ducks. Many persons who were
sceptical as to the effect of the Federal law have now come to
realize its value and are loud in its praise. At the game farm
at Sandwich 22 wood ducks were raised this year.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 29

Mallard Duck.

The mallard duck still presents a problem in the breeding of
game birds. The desired end is the production of a duck of
habits sufficiently wild to insure breeding in the open when
liberated. It is a question whether the pure wild mallards,
though bred for several generations, will lay enough eggs to
justify the expenditure of the money required to breed them.
It is likewise a question whether a crossing of the wild and
semi-wild types will produce the desired bird. To-day a large
number of the ducks have become quite tame before being dis-
tributed, and grow tamer after liberation. This is due largely
to the way the birds are handled by the persons receiving them,
who, finding them beautiful and interesting, too often pet and
overfeed them, with the result that they will more and more
come to recognize a feeding hour and place instead of wandering
off to become real wild ducks.

The Commissioners are alive to the situation and to the type
of bird required if this work is to be a complete success. If
a satisfactory bird cannot be produced, the breeding of them
will probably be discontinued entirely. Xo doubt the present
semi-wild mallard, so called (which originally came from the
pure wild stock), could on reservations and shooting preserves
be handled by expert keepers so that they would be sufficiently
wild for sporting purposes; that is to say, would be good
flyers and could be "driven" to the gun. This of course is
impracticable in any system of State-wide distribution to the
rank and file of applicants, and as a result a wilder duck must
be developed. The plan of putting out more and more flocks
of the semi-wild birds on the various State reservations will be
continued in order to observe whether these birds, when left
alone and compelled to shift for themselves, will rear broods
sufficiently wild so that they will not fall an easy prey to the

hunters and vermin.

•

Quail.
The spring of 1917 was a very poor breeding season for quail.
When the birds were nesting the weather was cold and rainy,
and without doubt many yqung birds in the early broods per-

30 FISH AND GAME.

ished; but good broods came from the second hatch, and when
the shooting season opened, November 1, the quail were quite
plentiful on Cape Cod and along the southern boundary of the
State.

Essex county has already been closed to quail shooting for
two years, and the Legislature of 1917 closed Hampden and
Middlesex counties likewise for a period of five years. Just
what the effect of this action will be it is hard to say. Most
of the quail that are destroyed are killed by the deep snows
and heavy crust of severe winters, and not by the gunners,
as is generally supposed.

With a few good breeding seasons the department feels con-
fident that in such sections as provide the proper environment
the quail will be plentiful again.

It was not possible to carry out the proposed experiment at
Marshfield in trapping up wild quail, holding them long enough
to take a clutch or two of eggs, and liberating the birds in
time to permit raising a brood in the open, owing to inability
to secure a sufficient number of wild birds to make the experi-
ment. However, the plan will be continued during the coming
season. It is believed that if this method can be successfully
worked year after year it will go a long way toward solving
the quail problem. As it is, most of the early-hatched birds
perish through the cold and wet of the early breeding season,
and the greater part of the birds which survive are of second
or third broods. If a reasonable number of birds can be
caught up in a given locality, a certain number of eggs col-
lected, and the birds liberated on the arrival of the favorable
breeding season, it should result in saving a large number of
the young which would otherwise be destroyed, and not affect
the number of birds raised in the open.

In other reports the statement has been made that vermin
and the rigorous winters are the great menaces to the quail.
Every year a number of applications for quail are received
from the northern and western parts of the State. Some ship-
ments have been made into these regions, more for experi-
mental purposes, but so far the results have not been satis-
factory. It is true that quail in years gone by have been
numerous in southern Berkshire, with a substantial sprinkling

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 31

of them in such counties as Franklin and Hampshire, but until
a thoroughly organized campaign for winter feeding is in full
swing, and the birds which may be left in the fall are accu-
rately located and carefully cared for during the long winters
of deep snow, it is doubtful whether in these localities the
quail will ever be increased in such numbers as will justify the
effort and the expense. It is with reluctance that the Com-
missioners make such a statement, for the reason that they
would like to be able to establish this game bird in every part
of the State. Just as the pheasants seem to gradually work
toward the swamp land and the sections of tall grass along
the sluggish waters where they find the maximum protection,
so the quail seem to prefer a country of bull briers, scrub oak
and pine, and localities of dense vegetation where they can
obtain the best possible shelter. To what extent the birds
will gradually change by reason of greater care and protection
during the winter remains to be seen, but there is no such
organized effort to-day as insures much artificial assistance to
them.

Deer.

Reports received from all sections indicate that the deer are
increasing in Massachusetts. The open season on deer for 1917
was changed from November to December. As this report is
made only to Nov. 30, 1917, statistics of the 1917 season will
appear in the next report, which will begin with Dec. 1, 1917.

During the severe winter weather when snows are deep it
is no uncommon thing to receive reports of 12 to 20 deer seen
in one herd.

The method of killing with a shotgun (which the law re-
quires) seems to be the right thing for a state as thickly
populated as Massachusetts. Trolley lines and highways run
in every direction, and any other method would without doubt
result in many accidents. The small number of accidents
which have occurred since the killing of deer has been allowed
proves that the method is correct.

The amount paid in 1917 by the State for damages by wild
deer was 810,125.21.

FISH AND GAME.

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PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 33

Winter Feeding of Birds.

During the past winter the Commission has furnished grain
and chaff, to the value of S600, to numerous persons throughout
the State to feed the wild birds. The amount was thus limited,
and the people who put out the grain immediately, without
waiting until the time when it was needed, were unable to
obtain second allotments. Persons receiving grain for distri-
bution should bear in mind that it must be put out only dur-
ing the severe storms of the winter, when it will do the most
good, and that it is a great mistake to distribute this grain
prodigally the moment it is received. The idea is to help the
birds keep alive in those annual crises. To insure this alone
in all parts of the State will require a far greater sum than
the Commission has ever expended. Plans for the coming
winter contemplate the collection of a supply of waste grain
to be held in readiness to put out as soon as the snow comes.
The amount of grain will necessarily be restricted owing to
limited funds and to the increase in price. For this reason
persons are requested to use it sparingly, and to put it out
only when the birds are actually in great need. Reports from
those who are doing this work independent of the department
will be welcomed. A record of such persons is gradually being
built up in an effort to organize the forces all over the State.

Farmers are encouraged to leave shrubs and grain along the
fences for the birds to feed on during the fall and winter. By
planting grain at the cost of a few dollars in places acces-
sible to the birds, and leaving the crop unharvested, farmers
can do much toward saving many birds. The sportsmen can
show no greater appreciation of the opportunity to hunt on
these lands than by compensating the farmers for this work.

The building of winter feeding stations, which should be
located in places protected from natural enemies and from
weather conditions, is urged. A most satisfactory way is to
construct, after the snow has been cleared away to the bare
ground, a lean-to of boughs or trees, which should so cover
the ground that a fairly good-sized area will be left free from
snow. Food such as grain, hay, chaff, barn sweepings, straw
and grit may be put in the cleared space. Plenty of room

34 FISH AND GAME.

should be given so that the birds may have easy exit if attacked
by predatory animals. Small shelters may be made by piling
brush against fences, being sure to leave openings at either end.
There is still another line which might be developed at little
cost, but to great advantage. There has been much talk for
a number of years of planting "food-bearing shrubs and trees"
for the birds, but very little of this talk has been put into
practical operation. It has been noticed that in portions of
Massachusetts and New Hampshire, locally known as the
abandoned farm country, there are numbers of old apple trees,
and that partridges especially feed very heavily on the fruit.
Many of these trees are old and dying, and but few young trees
are coming along to take their places. There are, moreover, but
few trees, widely scattered. This suggests the idea that there
is no logical reason why apple or other trees which retain their
seeds or fruit through a large portion of the winter could not
be planted in practically every likely bird spot in New England.
Most of these covers to-day are grown up to worthless vege-
tation of one kind or another.

Enemies to the Birds.
The enemies to the birds seem to be almost numberless, but
three now receiving special attention may be enumerated as
follows: (1) the pot hunter and unnaturalized hunter who has
not learned the lesson of the value of bird protection; (2) the
domestic hunting cat; and (3) the various predatory vermin.

Unnaturalized Hunters.
The offender who gives most trouble to the deputies is the
foreign-born person, particularly the Italian immigrant, who,
either wilfully or in ignorance of the laws protecting the birds,
seeks to apply here the methods of the chase to which he has
been accustomed in his own country. The laws of Massachu-
setts now forbid all aliens, excepting those who own taxable
property of at least $500 value, owning, having in possession
or using a rifle or shotgun within the Commonwealth. As a
result the pursuit of wild life is carried on assiduously by these
men in such ways as trapping with horsehair nooses; liming
trees; the use of string and spring traps such as the "area;"

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 35

and other methods in addition to the use of firearms. In the
annual report for 1916 a photograph was shown of the con-
fiscated guns which had been taken from persons under the
alien law (chapter 240, General Acts of 1915). Many addi-
tional guns have been taken up during the past year.

Your Commissioners have no special grievance against the
alien hunters. Many of them will develop into good citizens;
but it is felt that, until they have assimilated American ideals,
and until they appreciate the importance of protecting wild
life, they should be held in check. They must assume the
obligations of citizenship and must take advantage of the
opportunity to adjust their old ideas to new conditions.

Domestic Cat.

Mr. Charles A. Wilson in the u Conservationist" asks this
pertinent question: "Shall we have cats in uncontrolled num-
bers, or shall we have crops?" Upon analysis the question
resolves itself into whether we shall have cats, or the birds
without which agriculture would prove a failure. It is for
this reason that the uncontrolled hunting house cat should be
systematically and effectively kept in subjection.

The damage caused by cats is much greater than is ordi-
narily believed. Large numbers of wild house cats roam the
woods and fields in their search for prey. Rarely can one
traverse a few miles of country road without noticing stray
cats prowling through the fields. Many of these lead a wholly
independent existence; others, insufficiently fed and cared for
at home, are partially dependent for food upon their own
hunting powers. Their number is constantly being augmented
by an excess production for which homes cannot be supplied.
Particularly in the summer colonies along the seashore the
uncontrolled cat is at its worst. At times cats may abandon
good homes and lead a free-living existence during the summer,
but the great proportion of stray cats are those which have
been left behind by the summer cottagers on their return to
the cities in the fall. These animals, left to secure their own
living, readily resume the wild, bloodthirsty habits of their
ancestors in preying upon birds and other wild forms. On
Marthas Vineyard, especially, stray cats abound, and on the

36 FISH AND GAME.

heath hen reservation continual warfare has been maintained
by the superintendent.

Mr. Edward Howe Forbush, the State Ornithologist of Massa-
chusetts, cites several instances where the bird population has
been destroyed by cats on small islands. At Monomoy Point
on Cape Cod a colony of least terns was nearly exterminated
by cats from the fish shanties. On Muskeget Island a large
colony of breeding gulls and terns, estimated at 45,000 birds,
was seriously threatened by cats. The situation on Muskeget
has been improved by the enactment of chapter 40, General
Acts of 1917, passed on recommendation of this Board, which
forbids any person, under penalty of a heavy fine, to take or
cause to be taken to this island any cat, or to have a live cat
in possession or at large on the island.

The Massachusetts Fish and Game Commission is making an
energetic plea to the fishermen, cottagers and other people to
consider well the serious danger resulting from the importation
and subsequent abandonment of cats. Throughout the country
there have been movements toward suppression of this danger-
ous enemy of bird life. Various methods in the form of mod-
erate license fees, coupled with effective measures of restraint
and elimination of stray animals, have been proposed in Massa-
chusetts, but as far as legislative measures are concerned no
action has been taken, and the cat is allowed to pursue un-
molested its nefarious course of destruction. The situation is
well summarized by Mr. Edward Howe Forbush in a special
report upon "The Domestic Cat." 1

The evils connected with the unrestricted liberty of the cat can be
abated only by reducing the number of cats to a minimum, limiting
breeding, destroying superfluous kittens at birth, restraining or confining
cats kept as pets and as ratters (particularly at night and during the
breeding season of the birds), quarantining cats in cases of infectious
diseases, and destroying all stray and feral cats, wherever they may be
found.

Vermin.
Superintendents of the State game farms have for years
waged warfare against the various forms of vermin which
interfere seriously with the artificial propagation of game birds.

1 Economic Biology Bulletin, No. 2, Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 37

Where a large number of birds are concentrated in a small
area, predatory vermin find easy opportunity for destructive
work if constant vigilance is not maintained.

Vermin are those forms of animal and bird life which, be-
cause of their predatory nature, serve as a natural check upon
the increase of game and insectivorous birds, and tend, under
abnormal conditions, to multiply beyond the balance of nature.
They primarily include the smaller mammals and birds of prey.

Vermin may be grouped into four classes: (1) wild mammals,
such as squirrels, weasels, skunks, foxes, raccoons, muskrats and
mink; (2) semi-domestic mammals, such as rats, cats and
ferrets; (3) predatory birds, those belonging to the hawk and
owl families, including the sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper's hawk,
red-shouldered hawk, red-tailed hawk, goshawk, barred owl,
great horned owl and snowy owl; and (4) destructive birds of
various types, such as the crow, English sparrow, starling and
blue jay.

The destructiveness of these natural enemies is much greater
than is ordinarily realized. There is no closed season for these
hunters, who operate three hundred and sixty-five days (and
many nights) in the year. The relative amount of damage by
the various classes of vermin is difficult to estimate, as it
varies with abundance and locality. Perhaps under natural
conditions the predatory birds are the chief offenders, whereas
on the small reservations it is rats, cats and weasels which are
the important enemies. The fourth class, destructive birds,
though more or less of a nuisance, do little damage to the
adult birds, but destroy the eggs or young.

The bounty system favoring the destruction of designated
species is time-honored, but in the light of present-day knowl-
edge its inefficiency and harmfulness are strikingly manifest.
Experience has demonstrated that in nearly every instance
where bounties, particularly upon predatory birds, have been
offered, all birds of that class, beneficial as well as harmful,
have been taken. Constant vigilance is necessary to prevent
extensive fraud in claiming bounties, not to mention the ex-
pense contingent to satisfying claims.

38 FISH AND GAME.

Squirrel.

Of the two species, the red is a greater nuisance and more
destructive than the larger and better-mannered gray. Their
activities are for the most part limited to destroying eggs.
It is a question whether the damage is not more than offset
by the hunting they afford. If they become too numerous or
acquire bad habits they should be thinned out, but otherwise
left alone.

Weasel.

Weasels are undoubtedly the worst menace, for their pelts
are of little value as fur, and they are not taken by the trapper.
To-day very little is being done to keep this animal in check,
and doubtless it will require greater attention in the near
future, and ways will need to be devised to reduce its numbers.

Skunk.
To birds and chickens the skunk is an ever-present source
of danger, as its work is most constant. All skunks on or
near any game preserve should be eliminated.

Fox.
This animal cannot be given a "clean bill of health," but its
usefulness as a destroyer of wild mice and moles is greatly in
its favor. The value of the pelt amounts to a bounty on the
animal's head. This, coupled with the large number of fox
hunters, will insure keeping the numbers in bounds.

Raccoon.
Raccoons prove a source of considerable danger to the young
birds and eggs, and are especially difficult to control owing to
the fact that they are capable of climbing rather high fences.

Mink.
Mink are destructive, bloodthirsty creatures which destroy
merely for the love of it. They are caught along the brooks
by setting steel traps under the water near the side of the
stream, baited with an apple or meat on a stick, so arranged
that the animal is obliged to pass over the trap.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 39

Rat.
The general idea is that rats are confined to thickly settled
communities and live only in houses and outbuildings. How-
ever, it is a fact that larger numbers of them roam the country-
side. They show great adaptability to surroundings, and soon
become at home in the open. They are particularly destruc-
tive to eggs and young birds.

Hawks.

The sharp-shinned, red-shouldered, red-tailed, and the Cooper's
hawk, particularly destructive to bird life, should be absolutely
barred from reservations. The rough-leg and marsh hawks,
which are usually condemned indiscriminately, should not be
destroyed unless they are known to be more harmful than
beneficial. The goshawk, a winter visitor in the State, is the
most deadly of all, and should be killed on sight. Other
species of hawks should be protected, as they do considerable
good and seldom trouble the birds. The one exception is the
marsh hawk on Marthas Vineyard. Here the land is so closely
covered with a dense growth of scrub oak and other brush
that mice are difficult to capture, and thus these birds have
been compelled to turn to more easily captured prey, — the
heath hen. In one instance the nest of a marsh hawk con-
tained the remains of one flicker and eleven heath hen chicks.

Some States have enacted laws placing bounties on hawks and
owls because these birds as a class bear the reputation of
robbing hen coops. The killing of hundreds of birds has fol-
lowed without regard for their habits and value, with the re-
sult that in a comparatively short space of time these localities
have been overrun with mice and other vermin. It was found
by investigation that a majority of the hawks, with the excep-
tion of the above-mentioned species, do more good than harm,
and that their detrimental influence on game birds is slight as
compared with the immense amount of good accruing to the
agricultural interests.

The inroads of the Cooper's and the sharp-shinned hawk
caused a considerable loss at the East Sandwich Game Farm.
Two methods of offsetting their attacks have been pursued:

40 FISH AND GAME.

(1) with shotgun, necessitating continual watchfulness on the
part of the hunter; and (2) with traps placed on poles situ-
ated near the enclosures. It is customary for hawks and owls
to alight on an object before swooping down upon their prey,
and by placing traps with jaws wound with cloth on high
roosting places it has been possible to capture a number of
these predatory birds.

Owl.
The barred owl, great horned owl and snowy owl are to be
classed among the injurious birds. Screech owls should be pro-
tected at all times.

Crow.
Crows are mischievous villains, but their general extermi-
nation is not recommended. As destroyers of eggs of pheasants
and other birds they do considerable damage.

Blue Jay.
The blue jay is a mischievous bird, and, like the crow, de-
structive to eggs, although probably to a lesser extent.

Starling.
The starling, introduced into New York State a few years
ago, is rapidly increasing, and is gradually spreading over
Massachusetts. This bird bids fair to become as great a pest
as the English sparrow, and possibly more destructive, espe-
cially to the song and insectivorous birds.

English Sparrow.
The European house or English sparrow, which is now firmly
established in this country, mobs the native birds, and breaks
up their nests and eggs. Because of its filth and destructive
habits it has been styled an avian rat. Systematic campaigns
in various sections of the country have already given proof
that this pest may be held in subjection in the same manner
as rats and mice. A campaign is not only justified but highly
necessary if crops are to be protected and native birds en-
couraged. It is possible that this species may be utilized as
food, as in Europe.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 41

Spraying.
Numerous reports have been received concerning the death
of birds by poison from the spraying of trees. In the campaign
against the gypsy and brown-tail moth and other insect pests
there has been a wholesale spraying of fruit and other trees
by the State and by individuals. Arsenate of lead, a deadly
poison, has been most commonly used. Unquestionably birds
have died from eating fruits and berries covered with this spray,
but probably in a much less number than is commonly sup-
posed. The chief trouble arises from the fact that people are
in the habit of spraying at the wrong time of year, when the
damage is greatest to the birds and the spraying of least bene-
fit to the trees. State Forester Frank W. Rane recommends
that for the protection of the birds and to achieve best re-
sults the spraying by individual citizens should be done when
vegetation has developed sufficiently to hold the poison (vary-
ing somewhat with the locality and season), and when insects
are small, the idea being to spray as early in the season as
possible after vegetation has started.

Bird Colonies.
The Commission has been investigating the colonies of birds
along the coast, particularly the breeding places of the terns.
The condition of the tern colonies, especially the rare least
tern, has shown no improvement during the year, indicating
the need of more stringent protection. The most famous of
the tern breeding places are Weepecket Islands and Penikese
Island in Buzzards Bay; Muskeget Island; the south shore
of Marthas Vineyard near Katama Bay; and Monomoy Beach
at Chatham. These colonies have suffered severely from the
inroads of cats and skunks. The colony at Monomoy has
received especially serious damage. The Commissioners' esti-
mates for next year ask for an appropriation to protect these
colonies by patrols who, prior to the breeding season, will rid
the localities of vermin before the birds arrive, and then guard
them from vermin and from human interference. The maxi-
mum opportunity will be afforded the birds to propagate in
favorable surroundings.

42 FISH AND GAME.

Dogs.

The dog question has taken on a more hopeful appearance.
The problem of the self-hunting dog will always be present.
While the difficulty of keeping dogs continually tied, when
their natural instinct and craving is for the woods and fields,
is fully appreciated, nevertheless, for the sake of the breeding
of ground-nesting birds the cruising of dogs during the closed
seasons should be checked in so far as possible. Moreover,
there is a great effort being made to revive the sheep-growing
interest in the Commonwealth. While perhaps the damages
by dogs may be overstated at times as the reason for the de-
cline of the industry, it is a fact that dogs do much damage, —
usually the cur-dog, having collie or bulldog blood in him.
The nation is at war. One of the ways to win that war is by
the production of food. Thousands of acres of land in this
State can produce sheep where none are raised to-day. If it
is necessary to put some restrictions on all dogs in order to
control the bad ones, it is believed that the reasonableness of
it will be apparent.

The Legislature of 1917 enacted chapter 102, Resolves of
1917, whereby in the interests of sheep raising in Massachu-
setts a commission was appointed to make a thorough investi-
gation of the dog problem and formulate the necessary recom-
mendations for a new dog law. This commission was composed
of Wilfrid Wheeler, Secretary of the State Board of Agriculture;
William C. Adams, Chairman of the Fish and Game Commis-
sion; Arthur Seagrave, Assistant Attorney-General, and Judge
Sanborn G. Tenney of Williamstown. This commission is to
report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature of
1918.

Fur-bearing Animals.

Among the fur-bearing animals indigenous to Massachusetts,
which are of value for their pelts, may be mentioned the
raccoon, mink, skunk, muskrat and fox. Of these the muskrat
perhaps has been too much underrated, and therefore it has
not received all the protection to which by right it is entitled.
By adequate protection and artificial propagation a valuable
industry may be established.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 43

Bird Farms and Fish Hatcheries in General.
The opinion is more or less general that the rearing of fish
and game birds is a comparatively easy matter. Just the oppo-
site is true. Few occupations call for more patience, perse-
verance and closer attention to detail, and few have more
latent possibilities of failure. A sudden change in temperature
may destroy a great quantity of eggs or young fish. A storm
or a heavy rain may kill a large number of young birds in the
field. More than once have the superintendents seen many
days of hard work and care come to naught in a brief time
through causes entirely beyond their control.

Changes in Operation.
In the past the breeding of several species of fish or game
birds has been carried on at each station. Likewise two or
more stations have been producing like species of fish and
game. Your Commissioners have come to the conclusion that
wherever possible the breeding of a certain species should be
consolidated in that station most adapted to the work, and
that so far as practicable the superintendents should specialize
in breeding a particular species. Many economies are likely to
result. This plan has been put into operation as set forth in
the reports on the several stations. Further changes will be
considered, the object being to bring each plant which the
State now owns up to the highest point of efficiency before
establishing others.

Distribution.
When the stock is ready for distribution new conditions
arise. To-day most of it is distributed on applications filed
throughout the year. Lists are made up at the central
office covering the names and shipping addresses of the appli-
cants. These are sent to the stations, and at the proper time
the distribution starts. Believing that the public should have
more advance information as to the conditions under which
stock may be received, all application blanks have this year
been redrafted and standardized. Heretofore one form was
used for a large number of species. Now there is a form for

44 FISH AND GAME.

each, carrying the appropriate information. The Commission-
ers do not make definite promises to any one to ship stock.
It is impossible to know in advance how much will be available.
Very often at the last minute cancellation of orders already
given becomes necessary. It is desired that the public become
fully acquainted with these problems, that they may appreciate
how many conditions may arise to defeat the desire of the
Commissioners to supply each applicant.

Stock is delivered to the applicants at the railroad stations,
they to assume the expense of liberating or planting it. While
it is aimed to have a deputy oversee the final step, that is
many times impossible. Very full instructions as to planting
are given in a pamphlet sent in advance of shipment.

The ideal method would be to do away with individual appli-
cations entirely, and for the department to distribute the stock
in those waters and places best adapted to it, all work to be
done by a corps of trained assistants. The cost, however,
would be prohibitive, considering the sum now available for
this branch of the work.

Work at the State Game Farms.

Marsh field State Bird Farm. — Until last fall this farm was
operated at two locations. The stock of adult semi-wild mal-
lard ducks was maintained on an area of bog land owned by
Superintendent Sherman at a distance of one mile from the
station proper. Here the birds were wintered and kept during
the breeding season. While these birds were given a certain
amount of freedom, they were wing-clipped and kept under
sufficient restraint to enable the superintendent to collect the
eggs. Under these conditions the mallard is a more or less
promiscuous layer, very often dropping its eggs in the water,
with the result that vigilance is required to insure the col-
lection of all the eggs daily, and to see that they are kept in
proper condition.

The main part of the bird farm is located near the Marsh-
field railroad station on a tract of about 50 acres. On March
1, 1917, a lease of this land was taken by the Commissioners
for a period of three years with an option of purchase. This
was preliminary to consolidating the two branches of the work

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 45

on this tract. At this farm a large duck yard was built, ex-
tending nearly the full length of the tract and parallel with
the railroad track, in order to take in a large portion of the
meadow land. A never-failing brook runs through the meadow,
and by partially damming it up a sufficient amount of water
is obtained to give the ducks all they require. A shed 40 by
16 feet, open to the south, was provided to house the ducks
in the very cold weather. The floor was covered with a foot
of straw and a bath provided for the ducks, where they would
have sufficient water during the coldest season. In this pen
was confined the flock of wild mallards acquired in the early
winter, — all wild, trapped birds shipped from Louisiana.
Every effort was made to give them as favorable conditions
as would be possible through the winter. The birds were kept
in this same large enclosure throughout the spring, and though
every effort was made to put them in a good laying condition,
no eggs were taken from the flock. While the result was dis-
appointing, the experiment confirmed the opinions of various
breeders that these wild ducks will not breed in captivity the
first year. During the summer and fall they were kept in the
large pen with access to the house if they desired it, but it
was found that they stayed outdoors altogether after the
weather began to break up.

Owing to the late and very cold season the flock of semi-
wild mallards did not lay the usual number of eggs, with the
result that the whole year's breeding operations may be de-
scribed as unsatisfactory. After the flock had practically
finished laying, a number of ducks were allowed to locate
their own nests in the meadows, and several of them success-
fully raised small broods.

One of the difficulties in breeding pheasants and quail, and
a very great part of the expense of production, lies in the fact
that hens must be used entirely to incubate the eggs. There-
fore it is necessary to have for this purpose in the spring a
large flock of hens at each station. Plans were laid in the fall
to hatch at Marshfield a large number of chicks, mostly barred
Plymouth Rock, white Plymouth Rock and Rhode Island Red,
and force the growth in the brood house. In order to further
this project, and to provide additional facilities for rearing the

46 FISH AND GAME.

ducks (which will be mentioned later), a cooling house 200 by
15 feet, divided into 20 pens 10 by 15 feet, one to hold the
heater, was constructed. This house is built in sections so
that it can be relocated if at any time it should be considered
advisable. It has a board floor, plenty of windows and a small
heating system which enables the superintendent to keep the
house warm or cold, as he desires. Here a large number of
chickens were raised during the winter, and a substantial
number of them were sent to the stations breeding pheasants.
In addition, a very substantial amount of stock undesirable
for hatching operations was sold. Owing to the rapidly in-
creasing cost of grain it was decided not to repeat the opera-
tion this fall, but to try the experiment of renting setting hens
when needed. The house, therefore, will be used during the
coming winter to care for the entire stock of ducks, both wild
and semi-wild, so that they may be in prime condition to lay
next spring.

As part of the plan of consolidation the section of the farm
heretofore located on Superintendent Sherman's land has been
abandoned, the wire fences taken down and transferred to the
main yards, and all the semi-wild stock transferred to the
main plant. This reduces the time hitherto lost in traveling
back and forth, in the handling of supplies, and gives the super-
intendent opportunity for closer supervision. In view of the
excessive cost of grain the flock has been reduced to 450 birds,
— 200 wild and 250 semi-wild mallards. Duck rearing has been
discontinued at all the other stations (with the exception of
wood ducks and black ducks at the Sandwich Bird Farm),
and all the work consolidated in this farm.

Considerable improvement was made in the grounds around
the buildings, a walk and flowerbeds being laid out, and a
substantial amount of grading done.

Sandwich Bird Farm. — The Sandwich Bird Farm was origi-
nally situated on a bowl-shaped piece of land. In the bottom
of the bowl some farming was done, and the pens were located
in a heavy growth of red cedars and pitch pines around the
sides of the bowl. The pens were so built as to take in most
of the standing trees.

The rim of this tract was through level country, part of

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 47

which was cultivated in a growth of buckwheat, and on the
rest of it were scattered coops. On this level stretch most of
the hatching boxes were located, as well as the small pens
containing the hens with broods of young quail.

Realizing that the existing conditions at this farm could be
much improved upon, it was decided in the fall of 1916 to
seek a new location, and in the spring of 1917 the bird farm
was removed to a comparatively level stretch of country about
one-half mile from its former location, containing from 85 to
100 acres, open for the most part, with groups of trees, as well
as a complete fringe of thickets, shrubs and trees bordering
the springy swamp land of the brackish marshes. These
marshes, through which runs a brook or tide creek fed by
springs from the adjacent swamp land, border fully one-half
the upland of the entire bird farm. The swamp land gives
ideal rearing places for wood ducks, and the adjoining fringe
of thickets offers the best of inducements for the young quail
as they come to maturity. On the westerly side of the farm,
and partially enclosed by it, is a fine pond of clear water con-
taining 15 or 20 acres, with two wooded swamps connected
with it, all of which goes toward making ideal conditions for
ducks and quail.

The soil as a whole would be called poor, although certain
sections with judicious use of fertilizing material will grow any
crop, and the poorer portions will raise fine crops of buckwheat.

This open pasture land, with the small shrubs and bushes
scattered more or less throughout the whole area, taken in
connection with the several strips and areas of buckwheat,
makes the conditions for young quail nearly perfect.

The quail breeding coops have been located on open land
in rows, now so situated that the superintendent can survey
most of his station at a glance, and is better equipped to fight
vermin. The idea of relying on the natural growth of vege-
tation as a protection to young birds has given way to some
extent to the plan of growing this cover. The result is that
tracts of the new farm are being cultivated and planted to
timothy, clover, buckwheat and corn. In addition, the natural
groups of bayberry and blueberry bushes were utilized, and for
controlling the young quail and bantams for the first week a

48 FISH AND GAME.

wire netting (half-inch mesh) a foot and a half wide was staked
out on the ground to make a pen about 30 feet in diameter.
These pens were so arranged as to take in the clumps of
bushes, and each bantam hen with a flock of young quail was
placed in such an enclosure. Later this wire enclosure was
removed, and the boxes containing the setting hens were
placed on or near the cultivated areas and the young birds
were allowed to work around through it. By cultivating the
protective vegetation the ground will be sweeter, the vegeta-
tion can be made of the most desirable kind, and it will serve
two purposes, — protection and a supply of grain.

Most of the farm is upland which makes off to the salt
marsh on the northerly and easterly side. On the edge of the
marsh the springs above mentioned are being collected into
open spaces for duck pens. These pens make ideal breeding
places for the wood duck. It is also a most favorable location
for continuing experiments in breeding the pure wild black
duck.

The work at this bird farm has always been considered ex-
perimental, for the reason that it has not as yet been demon-
strated that young quail can be raised with the same degree
of ease as young pheasants. It is difficult enough to raise
large numbers of young pheasants, but even greater is the
problem with the quail. It is with great satisfaction that your
Commissioners say that the losses in the past year have been
due not so much to infertile eggs or failure to rear a good
percentage of the young, as to losses of the adult stock due to
the inroads of vermin and other causes. It is surprising how
many casualties due to most unexpected causes can take place
in the brood stock of a bird farm.

One time a great horned owl found an entrance in the top
of a large wire-covered winter yard, where a tree swaying in
the wind had opened up a small space between the wire and
the tree trunk. Through this hole he came at will, and be-
fore it was known, he had killed two-thirds of the flock.

Another time a common small screech owl (protected by
law for its desire to destroy only mice, insects and other small
animals) entered one night through the top mesh (2-inch) and
killed five adult quail, eating only the head and neck. There

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 49

he was sitting in the morning, blinking at the mischief he had
done.

Once fifteen quail had been placed temporarily in a low
down run. The next morning a Cooper's hawk had succeeded
in killing ten of them by reaching through the 1-inch meshes
on the sides and top, catching them as they struck against
the wire.

One season in July, as the quail were laying in good shape,
a family of weasels suddenly showed up, and the next morning
over twenty laying birds were found dead, and about as many
more the next night. The six weasels were all shot or killed
inside of three days; and so it goes.

Below is given a record of the vermin destroyed at the farm
in 1917. At first glance one might say, "Not much of a score,"
but when it is considered that certain of the most ferocious
ones are killing something every day or night of the year, it
changes matters. They know no closed season or bag limit.
It is safe to say that the seven great horned owls in the course
of a year, allowing one feed per night, would destroy over
2,500 game birds or animals, including muskrats, skunks and
ducks. The 26 Cooper's hawks would destroy in a year over
10,000 birds ranging from a partridge down to a bird the size
of a robin. The goshawks are specially fond of grouse. It
is safe to say that if these hawks, owls, weasels, rats and
black snakes had been allowed to live it would make a yearly
loss of 25,000 birds ranging from the size of a duck to the
smaller birds.

This year the station suffered from an attack by a colony
of weasels, and when the work of extermination was finished,
seven had been killed. This colony of weasels, which appeared
to be one family, although fully grown, was seen one day
traveling together along the springy margin of the marsh in
close proximity to some wood and black ducklings, and not
very far from the coops of breeding quail. Every available
trap was set and a dozen new ones were bought besides.
Considerable anxiety was felt for several days until they be-
gan to get into the traps, and until all had been caught. This
was the only bunch that came together and was destroyed
before they did any damage, so far as is known. The weasel

50 FISH AND GAME.

is probably the most persistent and deadliest foe to the quail
farm. More has been said in regard to this animal as vermin
in another part of this report. He is a most deadly enemy,
the most difficult to handle, and appears to be on the increase.
With the relocation of the farm in more open country, with
the resulting better opportunities for fighting such causes of
destruction, there will be a decreasing death rate from such
causes. Hawks and owls are also great offenders. In the
course of a year a surprising number are killed off. Records
for the year 1917 show the following: —
A total of 54 hawks and owls, including —

2 red-tailed hawks.

1 broad-winged hawk

1 red-shouldered hawk.

1 rough-legged hawk.

2 goshawks.

7 great horned owls.

26 Cooper's hawks.

5 short-eared owls.

1 marsh hawk.

1 screech owl.

7 sharp-shinned hawks.

The following animals were also taken : —

13 skunks.

31 chipmunks.

26 weasels.

2 red squirrels.

99 rats.

8 black snakes.

In the breeding of quail much the same methods as here-
tofore are being followed. In winter the adults are kept in
large open pens with heaps of brush for shelter, not so much
against the rigors of winter as to afford them seclusion which
they much desire. In the breeding season they are kept in
smaller pens, one pair to each pen. The eggs are collected
regularly, each being marked with the date of taking and the
number of the pen. They are hatched under bantam hens,
which have been found to make the best mothers. x\t a very
early age the young birds are placed in the open with the
bantam hen in the sheltered places heretofore described, aim-
ing to give them as much freedom as possible while still keeping
them under reasonable control. In view of the fact that the
birds are liberated when a little more than half grown, it is
impossible to clip them. This need of considerable range and
the lack of clipping often makes them hard to handle, but

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 51

rapid progress is being made in the plan of giving them con-
siderable liberty and of trapping them up when it is desired
to make shipments.

The breeding of the wood duck is a most interesting phase
of the work, and results were better this season than hereto-
fore in spite of the fact that the transfer of the bird farm
interfered with several pairs. From 44 that hatched 22 were
raised. If a sufficient number of these birds can be raised to
justify the expense of production, the Commission will have a
valuable bird for propagation purposes. The wood duck at
one time bred in this State in large numbers, and a substantial
number still breed here each year. The drainage of the swamps
for cranberry bogs and other reclamation purposes, and the
rapidity with which ponds have been built up with summer
camps, have all combined to restrict the breeding area of the
birds. However, there is still a large area over which they
might breed if the numbers could be substantially increased.
The object is not only to study the production of the birds
under artificial conditions, but to see to what extent those
so reared may be distributed in favorable localities. So far
as is known these ducks would all migrate during the winter.
But it may well be that some of the artificially propagated
birds may be induced to winter in specially favorable localities,
where special artificial conditions such as open water and
shelter are maintained.

The breeding of black ducks has been conducted on a limited
scale. This work has consisted mainly in keeping a number of
pairs of the pure wild stock clipped and in substantial sized
pens where they have plenty of water and seclusion. The
transfer to the new location (where most favorable spots are
available for this work) was made too late last spring to con-
struct the pens which are desirable for them. This work was
started the past fall, and by another breeding season should
be sufficiently completed to make available a full and practical
test.

Sutton Game Farm. — No substantial changes in the station
were made in the past year except to enlarge some of the
brood pens. During the early spring considerable work was
carried on in blasting out the numerous stumps which stud

52 FISH AND GAME.

the main part of the station. The removal of these has done
much to improve the general appearance. With it considerable
grading was done. The pheasants and ducks were reared in
the usual localities.

In line with their belief that the activities at the various
stations should be consolidated, and that each species of bird
should be reared on that range most adapted to it, the Com-
missioners are considering the removal of the bird-rearing
activities from the Sutton Game Farm and discontinuing the
breeding of game birds at this station. The land is so broken
up and the colonies of young birds of necessity so scattered
that the results of the work have not been considered suffi-
cient to justify the continued expense. It is planned to ship
the mallards to the Marshfield Bird Farm and the pheasants
to the Wilbraham Game Farm, thus furthering the plan of
consolidation. The facilities for rearing ducks are very lim-
ited, and it is believed that unless all of the game birds handled
can be produced at the stations on a comparatively large scale,
the department will not be practicing those economies which
are necessary in order to justify the work from a business
point of view.

Norfolk State Bird Farm. — The position of the Board rela-
tive to the mallard duck has been stated in the general dis-
cussion of game. Late in the past summer, after viewing the
situation carefully, it was concluded that until a more satis-
factory type of bird could be produced it would be advisable
to limit the breeding of the mallards to one station. The
most complete equipment for the purpose was located at the
Marshfield station. Another factor was the rapidly increasing
cost of feed. The ducks are heavy feeders, and it was felt
that the existing price of grain represented another strong
argument in favor of the consolidation. In line with this it
was deemed advisable to suspend the operations at the Norfolk
State Bird Farm. The young birds produced were distributed,
and likewise the adult stock. The poultry was shipped to the
Sutton Game Farm and the general equipment stored in the
camp occupied by the superintendent. The entire tract of land
formerly occupied by the bird farm, together with other parts of
the hospital grounds, offers an attractive site for a bird reser-

l^Ei *

Old barns at Wilbraham Game Farm, on the place when the property was purchased by the State.

New barn at Wilbraham Game Farm, constructed in 1917. Shows also the new cement
incubator house.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 53

vation, and in the future it is planned to liberate a substantial
number of birds each year in this locality. The marshes fur-
nish an admirable breeding range for ducks, and should be a
good place to continue experiments as to whether the semi-
wild birds will produce still wilder offspring when breeding on
such a natural range.

Wilbraham Game Farm. — The past year at the Wilbraham
Game Farm has been one of notable progress. The comple-
tion and use of a new concrete incubator house; the construc-
tion of a new type of rearing-coop; a new ice house built as
an extension to the carriage house; the moving and remodel-
ing of the former shop into a bungalow; and the erection of
a large modern barn are among the improvements that have
made this station an up-to-date game farm.

It has been learned that in order to secure the best results
the young pheasants must be reared on cultivated land, and
as rapidly as possible the land has been gotten under culti-
vation. About 10 acres were plowed and planted this year,
giving now about 40 acres of cultivated land.

The question of labor was quite a problem during the sum-
mer, and this, coupled with the cold wet weather in May,
and the extremely dry spell during July and August, was an
important factor in reducing the output. Much of the time
of the regular employees had to be given to work on the im-
provements, but in spite of this fact the season was the best
since the station was established, in 1912. Ringneck pheasants
and mallard ducks were the only kinds of birds propagated.

The ducks began to lay about the middle of March, before
the snow and ice had disappeared. The pheasants began lay-
ing April 6. Three thousand three hundred and seventy
eggs were distributed to applicants throughout the State. The
young pheasants, as soon as ready for the rearing fields, were
placed in the new coops, which proved a great success. The
high cost of grain has added a considerable amount to the
expense of production.

The new barn replaces the two old ones which were on the
property when the State acquired it. This building is located
some distance from the house, and is 38 by 48 feet in size,
having a high basement with cement floor and walls. The

54 FISH AND GAME.

basement is large enough to take care of 600 to 800 nesting
boxes when arranged in tiers of four deep, making it possible
to hatch large quantities of eggs at one time. The main floor
contains a harness room, a box stall, stalls for horses and a
cow, and a storage place for farm tools. The hay loft is of
such a size as to permit of holding enough hay to supply all
needs of the station. Above this is another compartment
which will admirably serve the purpose of a storage place for
extra coops and articles used about the farm during the breed-
ing season. It is expected with all its convenient features to
add greatly to the efficiency of the station.

During the last winter the employees made up about sixty
of the new style rearing coops, and they proved to be the best
ever used. They are 4 feet long, 2 feet wide, 18 inches high
in front, and 15 inches in the rear, with a cleat fastened on
each end to facilitate handling. A movable partition in the
center separates the mother hen from the chicks when the
young birds are first placed in the rearing field. Later this
is removed to give the hen more room at the time the young
birds are allowed to run out into the field.

A considerable number of young birds were killed by hawks,
particularly the marsh hawk, and by skunks, but the loss
from rats has been reduced to a minimum. A persistent war
is continually waged against all kinds of vermin.

Visit of Legislative Committee. — Last spring for the first
time in many years the legislative committee on fisheries and
game secured an order to travel, and visited the State game
farm at Wilbraham and the fish hatchery at Palmer.

They spent the entire day at these two stations, examining
the improvements that have been made during the past few
years, and going over the plans for further extension of the
work.

The following were the members of the committee who made
the inspection: Senator Charles S. Smith of Lincoln, chairman;
Senator Charles W. Eldridge of Somerville; Representative
Merrill E. Streeter of Springfield; Representative James M.
Lyle of Gloucester; Representative Benjamin G. Collins of
Edgartown; Representative G. Oscar Russell of Worcester;
Representative George Penshorn of Boston; Representative

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 55

George W. Bowman of Springfield; Representative John H.
Parker of Marlborough and Messenger S. H. Tower of Hanover.
The Commission also had the pleasure, on some of its trips
of inspection to the plants under its direction, of having with
it some of the members of the Legislature who gained con-
siderable insight into the methods employed by the Commis-
sion, and the condition of the various properties owned by
the State under its management.

FISH AND GAME.

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PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. * 57

INLAND FISHERIES.

Natural Abundance.

Massachusetts possesses many beautiful lakes, ponds and
streams capable of producing an abundance of food and game
fish, and in most cases but a few of the many thousand acres
of waterways are producing anywhere near their maximum or
even normal possibilities. Therefore it is important, both in
the interests of sport and as a source of food supply, that these
latent assets should be developed for the benefit of the public.

In colonial days, when a relatively small population was
scattered along the seacoast, leaving the inland waters in their
primitive uncontaminated condition, the abundance of both
salt and fresh water fish was far in excess of the needs of the
colonists, thus giving rise to the fallacy which has been zeal-
ously handed down to the present generation, that "nature
will always provide an abundance of fish." Even in this era of
conservation this mistaken idea is still deeply rooted, especially
among the marine fishermen of the shore towns, and can be
corrected only by the lesson taught by complete exhaustion of
the natural supply, or by the education of that part of the
general public unbiased by special opportunities for personal
gain.

Decline.

With the advance of civilization great changes have been
made in our waterways. Many times the balance of nature
has been overthrown and a new equilibrium established. With
the increase in population the coastal streams were first in-
vaded; cities were established on the larger rivers, and various
manufacturing industries were likewise scattered along the
smaller streams. In order to supply water power numerous
dams were constructed, in most instances unprovided with
suitable fishways, thus preventing the passage of fish such as
the salmon, shad, striped bass, alewife, smelt and white perch
up the coastal streams to their spawning grounds. In this way
not only has the supply of these fish been depleted, but the sea
fisheries have been indirectly affected by the destruction of a
food supply which attracted the larger commercial fish to these

58 FISH AND GAME.

shores. Manufacturing wastes and sewage, particularly in
central Massachusetts, have totally ruined many streams, and
have seriously reduced or destroyed the supply of fish in others
by rendering the water unfit for fish life. Numerous legislative
measures were enacted in the past, but the decline steadily
continued, since these laws were either inadequate, or, as was
more often the case, not enforced. Likewise, overfishing has
played its part, and in Massachusetts has accelerated the
general decline which has been so marked in the Merrimack,
Charles, Taunton and Connecticut rivers.

Artificial Fish Food.

The importance of an abundance of fish food has long been
recognized by the Commissioners on Fisheries and Game, who
have foreseen the uselessness of stocking the inland waters of
the State with the larger species of fish unless suitable means of
providing food are at hand. Primarily the productivity of any
body of water depends upon the abundance of the microscopic
floating life (plankton), for the reason that the small fish are
dependent upon this food for their sustenance, and their pro-
duction depends directly upon the abundance of the micro-
scopic forms in the water. In turn, the larger fish prey upon
the small fish, and an abundance of the latter is necessary for
the existence of the former. Therefore, in stocking any pond
with the larger predaceous fish, it becomes necessary to see that
the pond is supplied with suitable small fish in such abundance
as to provide sufficient food for the larger species. In certain
ponds small fishes, chiefly shiners and minnows, are sufficiently
abundant to furnish the larger fish with food, but in others
there is a scarcity of these small species. It is proved beyond
a reasonable doubt that a greater volume of fish life can be
supported in a limited body of water supplied with an abun-
dance of food than in a larger area of water poorly supplied with
food forms. For this reason the problem of supplying a suit-
able artificial food for the larger fish is fully as important as the
proper selection of the waters for stocking.

The Commissioners have selected smelt as the most adaptable
fish for furnishing an artificial food supply to the larger ponds.
So far results of experimental stocking have been especially
gratifying in the case of the landlocked smelt.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 59

Fry v. Fingerlings.
Though the convictions of experts differ widely, your Com-
missioners are of the opinion that wherever possible, fish should
be reared to the fingerling size before being planted. The term
"fry" includes those small fish which either still carry the
yolk sac or have but recently absorbed it, while fingerlings are
those ranging from 1J inches up to yearling size. Fish in both
stages are now distributed by the Commission, fingerlings being
reared to the utmost capacity of the hatcheries. The fry
which are put out are in the nature of a by-product in the
rearing of fingerlings, since a greater number of eggs are hatched
than the hatcheries have capacity to rear. The main argu-
ments in favor of fry planting are the comparatively slight
expense, the greater numbers which may be liberated, and the
fact that the instinct of self-preservation is acquired at an early
age. The existing prejudice against fry has resulted from
improper methods of planting, or lack of judgment in the
selection of waters. The great advantage of fingerling plant-
ing consists wholly in their being of sufficient size to better
protect themselves against their natural enemies.

Artificial Pools.
An excellent method for the protection of brook trout fry is
by building a series of artificial pools in a stream by means of
small dams of loose rocks, boards or logs placed a short distance
apart. This insures a good water supply during the dry
season, protects them from the larger fish, to a certain extent
prevents the fry from being swept away by spring freshets,
and provides a larger area for food supply. Similar pools may
be formed on the larger streams by excavating suitable basins
on shaded, wooded banks near the streams, and pumping
water through them. If sufficiently large, these pools will
provide enough natural food for a large number of fry.

Yellow Perch.
Not being able as formerly to secure yellow perch spawn
from the Federal government, your Commissioners decided to
procure their own eggs if possible. After several locations had

60 FISH AND GAME.

been examined, a field station was established on the Ludlow
Reservoir (one of Springfield's water supplies). The eggs se-
cured were hatched at the Palmer Hatchery, and 16,000,000
fry distributed to applicants in different sections of the State
a few days after being hatched. It is believed that the future
supply of yellow perch eggs can be taken from this field
station.

Your Commissioners consider the yellow perch one of the best
food fishes, since they make a rapid growth and are a splendid
pan fish. The striking value of this class of fishes is brought
home with added emphasis at a time when the food question
has become so acute in this country. The yellow perch and
other allied species will more than "do their bit" in helping to
relieve the pressing demand for food.

Chinook Salmon.

Experiments with the Chinook salmon have been carried still
farther during the last year, both in regard to establishing these
fish in the Merrimack River and in stocking the inland lakes.

Last fall 600,000 Chinook salmon eggs were received from
the Oregon Fish and Game Commission, all of which were
hatched at the Palmer Hatchery with the exception of 24,000,
which were sent to the Sandwich Fish Hatcheries.

All of the young fry from these eggs proved strong and
healthy. When lJ/£ inches long they were sent to the rearing
station at Andover, where they were placed in the small brook
which furnishes water for the rearing station, instead of in the
wooden pools as was done the previous year. The fish were
liberated in the brook instead of the pools because the process
of raising the water at the station had flooded the cellars of
adjacent houses; and to avoid incurring liability for damages,
or going to great expense in construction work, it was decided
to try this plan. It proved a fairly satisfactory way, but there
are reasons why it is not ideal, chief among them being the
fact that the water cannot be controlled, and after a severe
storm the young fish are subject to strong currents. Likewise
it is impossible to clean the bottom of the surplus food that
collects there, but the rains must be depended on to swell the
stream and carry it out.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 61

The fish were fed twice a day on finely ground liver and
allowed to go up and down the brook at will. A screen placed
at the dam below the rearing station prevented their escape.

Feeding of the fish was stopped about September 1, and they
were allowed to go down stream when directed by natural
instinct. At that time most of the young salmon were from
3 to 4 inches long, and should have been well able to care for
themselves when starting on their journey to the ocean.
During the season 192,000 fry and 196,000 fingerling salmon
were shipped to the Andover Rearing Station from Palmer.

It is .needless to say that this experiment which your Com-
missioners are conducting in trying to establish these Pacific
salmon in New England is being carefully watched by fish
culturists in all sections of the country. As stated before, it is
known that shad and striped bass were taken from New Eng-
land to stock the rivers of the Pacific coast, and that many
other species of fish have been transplanted into foreign waters.
Your Commissioners see no reason why this experiment will not
be successful, and are determined to give it a thorough trial.
If it succeeds it will mean a great deal to New England; but,
on the other hand, if it fails it will not have cost much, and
your Board will at least deserve credit for having tried* to
increase the food supply.

Chinook Salmon in Massachusetts Lakes.

With a view to ascertaining which of the State waters are
suited for the Chinook salmon, certain ponds have been lib-
erally stocked for three successive years. A few fish have been
caught in the following lakes: Big Alum Pond in Sturbridge,
Onota Lake in Pittsfield, Cliff Pond in Brewster, Quinsigamond
in Worcester, and Long Pond in Plymouth.

A very authentic record is on file of the fish taken in
Plymouth as to weight, size and the contents of their stomachs.
The foregoing cannot fail to interest all anglers and fish
culturists.

Long Pond, Plymouth.

One thousand fingerling Chinook salmon were liberated in
this pond Oct. 28, 1915, at a season when the bass (which are
quite plentiful here) had stopped feeding. This pond covers

62 FISH AND GAME.

240 acres and has a maximum depth of 93 feet. It has sandy,
gravelly shores with very little grass or weeds along them. The
pond is well stocked with landlocked smelts, which have a
splendid spawning ground in the swift-running streams that
enter this pond from Upper Long Pond, a few hundred feet
above. There is no outlet to Long Pond. These smelts
furnish food for the Chinooks, and from information received
from persons who live near the pond they spawn in large
numbers each spring soon after the ice goes out.

On May 23 Mr. James Clark of Plymouth caught a salmon
in Long Pond and brought it to the office of the Fish and
Game Commission. It weighed 5| pounds, and was identified
as a Chinook salmon. This fish was not more than twenty
months old from the time it was planted as a fingerling.

There are records of sixty fish caught during the season
ranging in weight from 2\ to 7 pounds. The largest were
caught by the following persons: Wm. Collingwood, 6 J
pounds; George Squires, 6 \ pounds; James Clark, 5 J
pounds; J. W. Davidson, 5 J pounds; and Edward Bassett,
7 pounds. Eight salmon were taken July 27. Almost all of
these fish were taken by trolling, either on the surface or deep,
some with live and some with artificial bait.

There are practically no pickerel in this pond, but large
numbers of white perch and small-mouthed bass. On certain
days the fishermen have seen numbers of the salmon in schools
feeding on smelts which were near the surface, where the
salmon could be readily observed.

A careful record is being kept of the fish that are caught as
to size, condition of stomachs and the fish in general, with the
idea of learning everything possible as to their habits when
confined entirely to fresh water. Several anglers testify as to
the fighting qualities of these fish, and could see little difference
from the Atlantic salmon. Every specimen caught has been
in splendid condition.

Permits to take salmon in Long Pond, Plymouth, for scien-
tific purposes, were granted to the following persons: Homer W.
Hervey, Esq., New Bedford, Mass.; Dr. W. H. Thayer, New
Bedford, Mass.; and Ernest L. Bassett, Esq., Bournedale, Mass.

Extracts from their reports follow.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

Extract from Report of Homer W. Hervey.
The following table gives, in reference to each fish, the day when
caught, weight in pounds, length from tip of snout to tip of tail in inches,
and the greatest girth in inches.

Number.

Date.

Weight.

Length.

Girth.

10,

11.

12,

13.

October 14, .
October 14, .
October 14, .
October 27, .
October 27, .
October 27, .
October 27, .
October 27, .
October 27, .
October 28, .
October 28, .
November 3,
November 11,

3
4

23M

27%

2VA

9H
13

10H

12H

ISH

15M

12H

These fish were all of the genus Oncorhynchus or Pacific salmon. They
were all of the Chinook species except No. 7. No. 7 was quite different
from all the other fish in appearance. It had shining golden sides with
intense black x-shaped spots, and its eyes seemed smaller than in the
others. I counted fourteen rays in the anal fin and ten in the dorsal fin.
The pyloric cseca were about sixty-five to seventy, and the branchiostegals
were fourteen. This does not agree with the description given by Jordan
and Evermann of the Chinook salmon, but does agree with that of the
"Silver" salmon, which I consider this fish to be.

Coloration. — All the fish had black or very dark green backs, and
their sides varied in color from a light brassy bronze to a dark copper
when taken from the water. After being left over night, however, all
turned to a bright silvery hue, closely resembling the Sebago salmon I
caught last spring. All the fish were well spotted with black spots.

Contents of the Stomach. — The stomach of No. 5 was empty. No. 2
contained the remains of three minnows, species of which could not be
determined. No. 8 contained two half-digested smelt. No. 10 contained
five small smelt. No. 12 contained two small smelt. The stomach of
No. 9 contained a ball about 1 inch in diameter of green oak leaves and
nothing else. The stomachs of Nos. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12 and 13 were full
of shrimp.

64 FISH AND GAME.

Jaws. — Jaws in fish Nos. 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 13 were not hooked,
but both jaws of Nos. 2, 6, 9 and 12 were slightly hooked, leaving an
opening on the side of the mouth when the jaws were brought together
of about one-fourth of an inch.

Organs of Reproduction. — These organs were wholly wanting in No. 1
and No. 10. They were slightly developed in Nos. 4, 5 and 6. They
were well developed in Nos. 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13, the organs being
white in color and between 4 and 5 inches long and 1 inch in diameter
and having the consistency of liver. I examined these carefully with the
aid of a magnifying glass, and also made sections, but could discover no
signs of either milt or roe. In Nos. 2, 6, 9 and 12 I found a well-developed
duct or vas deferens from each organ, and classify these four fish as males.
The rest of the fish were females, I think.

Gameness. — All the fish taken showed game qualities of a high degree.
All made high leaps out of the water, and several made complete somer-
saults in the air. Under water they showed two or three maneuvers
new to me. On the average all required four minutes for each pound in
weight to land, using a 10-ounce fly rod.

Conclusions. — Taking into consideration the dates when caught and
the conditions observed and the weight of the different fish, I think it is
safe to say that the salmon will not spawn in this pond until the early
spring, if at all. This means that the open season for this pond can
safely be extended until November 1 to give the public the opportunity
to fish during September and October, the two best months of the year
for lake fishing.

Extract from a Letter of Homer W. Hervey.

I started out to fish by trolling in the approved fashion. I spent
several days at it by an effort of will, as I have very little use for trolling
as a sport. I tried smelt, preserved minnows, and a number of artificial
baits, but had no success, although the pond was fairly alive with salmon,
breaking, not in play but for food. I then determined to try out a theory
that had gradually developed in my mind during the summer. I had
examined the pond quite carefully, and having selected a place which
seemed to fit in with my ideas I anchored my boat and went fishing with
live shrimp. I used a regular fly outfit, but substituted in place of the
fly. No. 6 hook baited with a single shrimp. This I cast as far as I could
from the boat, and let the hook sink very gradually a few feet under the
surface. Fishing this way I was very successful and have taken 13
salmon ranging from 2\ to 1\ pounds in weight. It requires some
little knack to get out the line without losing the shrimp, and this method
of fishing is not so far inferior to fly fishing itself.

On October 27, in two hours (from 12 o'clock to 2 p.m.) I caught 6
salmon. I realized that this was the day of days, and not likely to ever
happen again, but with my sixth fish I woke up to the fact that I had
caught more than either sport or science required, and so took down my

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 65

rod and went back to camp. I then made a rule that on each week-end
trip I would limit myself to two salmon. I may add I had no tempta-
tion to break that rule since, and have hardly been able to live up to
one-half my contract.

I do not think I have caught enough Chinook salmon to say whether
they are more gamey than the Sebago, but they certainly gave me great
sport and showed two or three maneuvers that were new to me. They
had a way of coming just to the surface of the water and then spinning
around in a circle as though on an axis apparently shaking their heads
and whole body at the same time, sending a peculiar sensation along
the rod into the hand, which is decidedly unique in my experience. Several
of them came out of the water abreast of the boat, where I had a good
opportunity to measure the height of their leap against the side of a
bank, and I think I am safe in saying that in several instances I saw at
least 2 and possibly 2\ feet between the fish and the surface of the water.
In three separate cases the fish made a complete somersault in the air.
The largest fish, weighing 7| pounds, took me exactly thirty minutes to
land, and I estimate that it required about four minutes for each pound
in weight to land each fish.

To live up to my permit I thought it necessary to leave well enough
alone, and so I did not use a fly. The fish seemed very hungry, and
rose freely to floating leaves and other small objects on the water.

In two instances they took the shrimp as it struck the water. I think
they will take a suitable fly well, and next year anticipate great sport
fishing that way.

Extract from Report of Dr. W. H. Thayer.
In October I caught one female salmon (Chinook) weighing 5| pounds;
caught this fish trolling with a preserved smelt laced on a single hook;
fish caught about 100 feet from shore in about 20 feet of water. At this
time (about noon) there was no wind blowing, water was perfectly calm
and there were many fish swirling on the surface. ... I have seen and
caught many salmon in Maine and Canada, and I believe that I have
seen salmon in this pond weighing over 10 pounds, though none this
large have been taken. . . . The surface fish seem to me to be playing,
not feeding. I have seen no small fish (salmon) this year. In May I
saw two weighing about 3 pounds each; since then none weighing less
than 5 pounds. The fish strike hard at the troll and fight as hard as any
Sebago salmon I have ever landed. ... To sum up, I believe the salmon
are not for the present going to spawn, though I do think it a future pos-
sibility; that they are more easily taken than the Sebago salmon through
being less erratic feeders; that they are a game fish in these waters,
perhaps superior to all others; that they grow very fast; that they are
found mostly over gravel bottom; that there is a slight current in the
pond from some underground or water source, and the fish to some degree
follow this current; that their flesh, while inferior to the Sebago salmon,
is very fine; and that the fish, under wise legislation, are a success.

66 FISH AND GAME.

Extract from Report of E. L. Bassett.
I have caught 7 salmon, 3 weighing 7 pounds, 1 weighing 6 pounds,
1 weighing 5 pounds and 11 ounces (the one I sent you), one weighing
4| pounds, and 1 weighing 3 pounds. The 7-pound salmon measures
26 inches in length and 18 inches girth in widest part. . . . During
October salmon were near the surface morning and night, jumping for
flies and playing, and they could be seen in any part of the pond, but
after November 1 they stopped coming to the surface and did not take
the bait very readily. . . . The salmon I caught were near the top of
the water, and one 7-pound salmon was extremely gamey, took about
thirty minutes to tire him out, and then I rowed ashore and pulled him
up on the same. They were fine eating.

White Perch.
The white perch is both a game and an excellent pan fish,
and for all classes of fishermen is perhaps the most satisfactory
pond fish. Your Commissioners feel that in stocking the ponds
with this species they are contributing a large share toward
increasing the value of the inland waters in the production of
food fish. The white perch multiplies fairly rapidly, is readily
taken with hook and line, and, all in all, is a most satisfactory
article of diet. If satisfactory methods can be evolved for
rearing this fish from the egg it will be of inestimable benefit.

Life History.

Description. — The white perch (Morone americana) is found
in both fresh and salt water, and is frequently taken in large
numbers in tidal creeks. It has a moderately bluish body,
convex back and medium-sized mouth; head about one-third
the total length, exclusive of the tail; upper parts grayish
green in color, and the sides silvery. The young have pale
longitudinal streaks. The average size of the adult white
perch is about 9 inches, and its weight one-half pound or less,
although numerous specimens measuring 14 inches and weigh-
ing 2 pounds are taken. In seining operations in Falmouth it
is not unusual to obtain from the brackish water ponds several
hundred perch weighing between 2 and 3 pounds. The largest
specimen in 1916 weighed 5 pounds and 4 ounces.

Habitat. — The white perch is a lover of brackish water, and
mav be found in tidal creeks in vast numbers associated with

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 67

mummichaugs, silversides and eels. It is now being regularly
introduced into ponds and streams throughout this State.
This species is found from Nova Scotia to South Carolina, and
is most frequently met with in brackish water, up which it
passes with the ale wives to spawn.

Food. — It feeds chiefly on small fishes and Crustacea, con-
gregates in large schools, and is one of the freest biters among
fishes. Shrimp is one of the most attractive baits, though
worms, sturgeon eggs, minnows and strips of silvery skin cut
from other fish are at times equally effective.

Spawning. — The fish spawn in the early spring, passing for
this purpose from the salt water to the brackish or fresh. The
eggs are very adhesive, and on this account are difficult to
hatch artificially. With water at 58° or 60° F. the eggs hatch
out in six days. Work in the artificial hatching of the eggs
has so far not progressed beyond the experimental stage, and
no definite, practicable method has as yet been devised.

White Perch Salvage.

Adult white perch have been the subject of fish salvage for
the past ten years in Massachusetts. At first they were taken
from the brackish water ponds on Marthas Vineyard, and later,
owing to the difficulties of transportation, from similar ponds
at Falmouth. Most recently seining has been carried on at the
Water Works Pond at Newport, in company with the Rhode
Island Commission on Inland Fisheries. The increase in the
number of white perch so obtained can be seen by a com-
parison of past years. In 1913, the last year in which the
perch were taken from Tashmoo Lake on Marthas Vineyard,
15,500, the most ever secured up to that time, were shipped.
In 1915, 105,000 were distributed among the inland ponds;
in 1916 only 60,000; and in 1917, 77,100 (19,600 from Falmouth
and 57,500 from Newport). The fish are taken in two seasons,
— in the spring for a period of about ten weeks, from April 1
to June 20, and in the fall from October 1 to December 1.

The Falmouth ponds having been drawn upon during the
past four years, it is now the part of wisdom to allow these
nursery ponds to rest for a period of three years, which would
necessitate returning to the Vineyard ponds for further stock.

68 FISH AND GAME.

To avoid any danger of seriously depleting these ponds, we
are considering the possibility of forming nursery ponds in
various parts of the State. This might be accomplished by
stocking certain suitable ponds with approximately 10,000
white perch each year, allowing the fish to propagate exten-
sively under careful protection. Thence perch for transplanting
to ponds in surrounding districts could be easily obtained,
materially decreasing the cost of transportation. For this pur-
pose comparatively shallow ponds with good bottom for seining
are recommended.

Falmouth. — Fish are taken in the town of Falmouth from
Oyster and Salt Ponds, two large shallow, natural nursery
basins of brackish water which are separated from Vineyard
Sound by a sandy beach and connected during the spring by
narrow inlets, up which the alewives and the white perch run.
During the greater part of the year these openings are closed.

Marthas Vineyard. — On Marthas Vineyard fish have been
taken mainly from Tashmoo Lake, but there are several sources
of supply which have proved equally satisfactory. The great
difficulty with regard to the Vineyard ponds lies in the fact that
all shipments must be made before 5 o'clock in the morning
in order to make proper railroad connections.

Newport. — The Newport Water Works Reservoir, which in
1917 was jointly utilized by the Massachusetts and Rhode
Island Fish and Game Commissions, covers an area of about
90 acres. Originally it was a small natural body of water
about 2 acres in area, known as Gardner's Pond, surrounded
by marshland, but connected with the ocean by a small run-
way through Third Beach. It was artificially raised to its
present level to form the present Water Works Pond. Con-
ditions are now such that no fish can run up from the salt
water, but the original supply of perch had so increased that
large numbers can be obtained for stocking purposes. The
perch were from 4 to 5 inches long, and considerably smaller
than the Falmouth fish, which averaged 3 to the pound.
Massachusetts furnished the gear and the services of two
deputies experienced in the work to direct operations, and the
Rhode Island Commission two additional men. Rhode Island
received one-third of the fish, Massachusetts two-thirds.

Making the haul.

Bunting in.

Bunt staked.

Sorting fish for shipment.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 69

Equipment. — The equipment for the white perch work of
the past year consisted of an auto trailer 7 feet long and 3§
feet wide, capable of carrying 24 large cans, gear and a 14-
foot skiff. The netting gear consisted of three sweep seines,
110, 80 and 65 fathoms in length, respectively, and six holding-
pockets measuring 8 by 4| by 3 feet, with a central partition.
The pockets when staked out in the ponds were capable of
holding 12 cans of fish.

Method of Work. — The operations, which consisted of (1)
seining, (2) pocketing, (3) counting, canning and shipping,
required the services of four men. In addition, it was found
necessary, to insure proper delivery, to have a messenger travel
with the shipment of fish.

1. The seine was operated after the usual manner, by placing
it so that one end was attached to the shore and the other
in the stern of the skiff, which was rowed in a semicircle from
the shore. The seine was then hauled in equally from both
ends, and on its approach to the shore was gathered so that
the enclosed fish could not escape over at the surface, or be-
neath the lead line on the bottom. The nature of the bottom
largely determined the amount of labor in hauling the seine.
Grassy bottoms, particularly when dead grass was present,
made it especially hard, and at times necessitated pitching
the grass out of the seine before the operation could be
completed. Successful seining in a depth of over 10 feet has
proved to be impossible. The strain of hauling the seine was
made somewhat easier by the adoption of a pulling harness,
which consisted of barrel staves attached with rope rigging to
the backs of the men, so arranged that the pull upon the same
by several persons was uniform.

2. After the fish are seined they are placed in the pockets,
where they are held about seventy-two hours before being
shipped. This interval affords them ample chance to rest and
become accustomed to confinement. Incidentally the weak fish
die out, leaving only the strong for shipment.

The main difficulty in holding fish in pockets is the forma-
tion of fungus in from four to eight days, the rapidity of de-
velopment depending upon the temperature of the water.
Between 60° and 65° F. it forms quickly, while at 50° F. or

70 FISH AND GAME.

below, from eight to ten days are necessary. White perch are
especially susceptible to fungus, particularly when handled or
bruised in any way, giving the spores a chance to attack places
of local injury to the skin from handling or dip nets. The
most effective cure for this disease is a salt bath. In brackish
water ponds, where the wild fish are taken, the amount of
fungus is very slight, not over one-tenth of 1 per cent. In
Newport Reservoir the average proved considerably higher, and
the fish did not have the hardy, plump appearance of the
bronze-colored fish from the brackish water ponds. The fish
in large pockets are no less immune than those held in small,
as was demonstrated by an experiment where one-fourth of an
acre was screened. This fact is explained by the tendency of
white perch, no matter how large the enclosure, to crowd to-
gether at one end, where they are likely to injure each other
sufficiently to make them susceptible to the inroads of fungus.
3. Fish are taken from the pockets, counted and placed in
the cans, 250 4-inch fish, or 70 of the 6 to 8 inch fish allowed
to each can. In this way 3,000 of the 4-inch fish, or 840 of
the larger fish, may be handled per day for one shipment of
12 cans. The cans are so iced that the temperature is kept
from 50° to 56° F., and the water has to be well aerated con-
stantly. A messenger takes the fish on the train in the baggage
car, through the courtesy of the railroad, and they are de-
livered to the applicants who have been notified in advance
by the deputy having charge of the white perch salvage work.
In planting the fish care should be taken to see that the tem-
perature of the water in the pond and that in the can are
uniform before the fish are liberated.

Artificial Culture.
Experiments made in the artificial stripping and fertilization
of the white perch have so far proved unsuccessful. The great
difficulty has been in obtaining ripe fish. In attempts which
have been made to hold spawning perch in enclosures in
Oyster Pond on Marthas Vineyard, practically all of the fish
succumbed to fungus before the eggs became ripe, and it has
proved practically impossible to obtain any quantity of ferti-
lized eggs.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 71

The experimental work in the artificial propagation of the
white perch has been conducted by the department in two
operations, as follows : —

1. The holding of the spawning fish in pounds until ready
to spawn, and stripping them.

2. The hatching of the eggs at the Palmer Hatchery.
Spawning Ponds. — On April 24 a dam was constructed

across one end of Deep Bottom Cove of the Great Tisbury Pond
to provide a small pond for holding the white perch until ready
to spawn. This dam was equipped with a flume to give a
free circulation to the pond, and a boat was used for trans-
ferring fish from the nets to the spawning pond in good con-
dition. On April 30 about 1,000 adult white perch were put
into the pond for breeding purposes. On May 25 the fish
were seined and 4 ripe females obtained, 2 of which spawned
while held overnight, indicating that these fish do not hold
their spawn long when ready to get rid of it. At this time
the salt water began to back up into the enclosed pond where
the fish were held. On May 30 the fish were again seined and
3 ripe fish obtained. Conditions appeared promising and the
outlook most favorable for a fine lot of eggs, but the fish did
not ripen, and the eggs taken at this time were transferred
to the Palmer Hatchery. On June 3 no ripe fish were found,
and those in the pond were not in good condition as the beach
had opened, letting the salt water run out of the pond. The
fish at this time showed no signs of spawning, and as all the
ripe fish obtained were taken from the salt water, it perhaps
indicates that white perch will not always spawn if confined
for any length of time in fresh water. On June 14 all the
white perch were liberated from the small spawning pond into
the large pond.

The catches of the fishermen in the nets were also examined
for ripe fish, but owing to the small number of fish caught
in the nets none could be obtained.

In future work it will be advisable to build a fence across
one end of Deep Bottom Cove to hold the fish in salt water
during the entire spawning season. Such a fence can be built
so that the small shiners can enter the pond for the perch to
feed on, and give a free circulation of water. In this way it

72 FISH AND GAME.

will be possible for the fish to thrive and the eggs to be ob-
tained from the fish as they ripen.

Hatching. — The handling and care of the eggs is one of the j
hardest propositions that a fish culturist has to contend with.
The eggs are adhesive, and as soon as taken they form in
masses which it is almost impossible to separate, and once
this has happened it is necessary to put the eggs through a
screen, which often results in injury. However, by the use of
a scrim (cloth) screen the eggs can be separated and properly
prepared for hatching in jars. The few eggs that were obtained
were hatched out in exceptionally good condition.

Nursery Ponds. — The control of certain ponds as nurseries
for white perch is highly desirable. The salt-water ponds at
Falmouth, especially Salt Pond, are ideal for this purpose.
First, they are located near a railroad, and at the same time
afford a convenient place for the workers to stay. Secondly,
the water is not deep, so that the ponds can be seined without
great difficulty. Thirdly, it is brackish water which better
protects the fish in the pockets against fungus, and the perch
get more food, breed better and appear stronger, larger and
more vigorous than in fresh-water ponds. Fourthly, Salt Pond,
Falmouth, gives a catch of almost wholly white perch without
the numerous red perch and shiners of other ponds. By
screening the stream at Salt Pond, which is about 200 feet
long and 3 feet wide, a large number of breeding perch could
be transplanted from near-by ponds, and unquestionably in a
short time appreciable results would be shown.

Stocking.
The method of stocking employed up to the present time
with white perch has been that of diffuse general distribution,
and results have been sought from small shipments distributed
over a great many ponds. From an experimental standpoint
intensive rather than extensive methods of stocking are recom-
mended. By stocking each year about 10 ponds through the
State with 10,000 white perch each, and closing them for a
period of three years to all fishing, appreciable results should
be obtained. Each year 10 new ponds could be added to the
list, and in five years there would be excellent perch fishing
in about 50 ponds.

bM:

Various forms of fish traps confiscated by deputies.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 73

Trapping.
The deputies who have been in charge of the white perch
work will attempt during the coming year to obtain the fish
in the nursery ponds by means of small fish traps rather than
seines. If successful this should prove an ideal method, for
the trap will work continually, and eliminate the undesirable
handling of the fish in the seines. The proposed traps will
have a leader of 1-inch mesh from 50 to 75 feet in length,
and a "heart" of J-inch mesh 20 by 30 feet. Fish will be held
in pockets as heretofore, and there will be no other change in
the present methods of handling.

Fyke Nets.
Large fyke nets, like traps, may be used successfully in
perch salvage. In addition to the "wings" they should have
a leader which would guide fish into the body of the net.

Horned Pout.

The horned pout is a valuable food fish, and should be
protected by reasonable laws restricting the catch and the
season. Its capture should not be allowed before June 20.
The hours in which they may be captured in the early morning
or late at night coincide remarkably with the hours of leisure
of the working man, who can thus have the sport of fishing
and provide food for his family without financial loss. Verily,
the horned pout is a poor man's fish.

For this reason the horned pout has been taken as an
example of our valuable fresh-water food fishes. This fish is
readily transported owing to its hardy nature, can be taken
in fairly large quantities, and readily adapts itself to its new
environment.

Salvage.
Salvage work has been extended to the horned pout, known
also as the common catfish, bull pout, bullhead, and minister.
In carrying on the work of transplanting, a trap similar to a
wire eel pot was devised and used with much success by one
of the deputies engaged in the work. This trap is cylindrical,

74 FISH AND GAME.

4 feet long and 2 feet in diameter. At the large end of the cone
the opening measures 12 inches, and at the small end, 2 inches.
Each wire cone extends into the trap a distance of 12 inches,
the space between the outer end of the cone and the outer
edge of the trap being 6 inches. The opening at the top is
for the purpose of removing the captured fish.

The quantity taken with this style of trap depends upon
the time of year, how well the fish come to bait, and the num-
ber and size of the traps used. During warm weather it is
necessary to tend them every two or three days, or the fish
thus confined may die in the warm water. At times traps
have been pulled and found to contain not a single fish, while,
on the other hand, the other extreme is occasionally reached,
as many as 710 having been taken in one trap at a hauling.
A small piece of lean beef, so suspended as to be readily seen,
proves the best bait, although a piece of fish works very well.
Unless very hungry few will venture near irrespective of the
kind of bait used.

The location of traps for best results depends also upon
season. Inshore, in from 3 to 5 feet of water, during May
and June, proved best, while later, from July to November,
more fish could be taken in deeper water or in the channel.
In a pond of 15 acres or over traps were placed in close prox-
imity, while in the case of very small ponds scattering them
about proved to be as effective. Leaving a few fish in a trap
each time proved a lure to others. One means of securing
practically all of the fish in a small pond was by the use of
a netting fence stretched entirely across in a zigzag fashion,
with two apices, at each of which a trap was set. In traveling
in either direction the fish were bound to strike the net and
thus be led into the trap.

Smelt.
Among the fish which frequent tidal streams to spawn the
smelt is valuable not only as human food, but, when land-
locked in inland ponds, furnishes important food for the larger
fishes. Owing to the depletion in Massachusetts waters of this
very valuable fishery, your Commissioners have laid plans to
protect the spawning grounds, and to discover the best means

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 75

of increasing the number of fish by natural and artificial
hatching. "Work has been carried on simultaneously on the
salt water, the fresh-water ponds and at the Palmer Hatchery.
While the work is as yet in the experimental stage, results
have been so promising that it is thought best at this time to
present a preliminary report.

A brief sketch of the life and habits of the smelt is given
as a basis for a better understanding of the work later described.

Life History.

Names. — The smelt (small fishes frequenting the coasts of
Europe and northern America, sometimes ascending the rivers)
are delicate in flesh and considered valuable as food. The
common North American species is most generally known as
"smelt," although at Port Henry, N. Y., it is called the "ice
fish." According to Bean another fish, Notropis hudsonius, a
fresh-water minnow known as the "spawn eater," is some-
times called a "smelt."

Description. — The smelt is a small slender fish, the adult
averaging about 7 inches and even attaining the maximum
length of 1 foot. The long pointed head with projecting lower
jaw carries a tongue armed with several fang-like teeth. The
back is greenish in color, and a broad silvery band passes
along the sides.

Habitat. — Along the Atlantic coast the smelt is found from
Labrador to Virginia, although essentially a cold-water species.
In the spring it ascends the coastal streams to spawn, and is
most frequently observed in the first stages of cold weather
in the various Massachusetts harbors.

The smelt has also become landlocked in various fresh-water
ponds in the New England States. Although smaller in size
it thrives almost as well as in the salt water. In recent years
the range of the landlocked variety has been widely extended
by the artificial introduction of fertilized eggs into the inland
ponds of Massachusetts.

Spawning. — In Boston Harbor spawning is during March
and April, the exact time depending upon the temperature.
In the fresh-water lakes, as Onota Lake, Pittsfield, the season,
lasting seven days, varies with the time the ice leaves the lake,

76 FISH AND GAME.

since the fish start running up the brooks about ten days after
the ice has gone. The fish lie around the mouth of the spawn-
ing brook two to three days before starting their run, which
occurs at night, the fish returning to the lake at daybreak.
During the first three nights the large ones pass up, then for
a few nights the medium sized, and finally the small ones,
evidently yearlings. So many fish run up Parker Brook from
Onota Lake that they actually force each other out of the water
on the grass and gravel sides of the stream. The spawn is
deposited, one layer of eggs upon another, to a depth of about
2 inches, which inevitably results in millions of eggs being
annually lost under natural conditions. When so covered the
bed of the brook has the appearance of one large yellow
sheet.

A similar condition is found on the natural spawning beds
of the salt-water species. At Weir River, Hingham, in 1917,
the smelts were depositing spawn on the river bottom at the
rate of a quarter of an inch each night when there was a good
run. Eggs would be found in layers from 1 to 2 inches in
depth, and in eddies, even from 4 to 6 inches. Under such
circumstances the top layer only is exposed to the running
water and properly fertilized, the remainder being wasted. The
eggs are adhesive and attach readily to stones, gravel or other
suitable objects. They measure one-twentieth of an inch in
diameter, and count 496,000 to the fluid quart. The eggs
hatch out in the fresh water, and the young fish later return
to the salt water. At Weir River high course tides, flooding
the lower spawning grounds, occasionally kill quantities of eggs
by the action of the salt water.

Value and Present Condition of Smelt Fishery.
The smelt is highly prized as an article of diet. It is also
considered of value as a bait, and has proved a most satis-
factory and ideal food for the fishes of the inland lakes. The
smelt fishery of Massachusetts, while never achieving a com-
mercial importance like that of the New Brunswick fishery (an
important winter fishery, carried on through the ice, and the
product shipped frozen to market), is now of value to the
recreational fisherman, and does represent a substantial food

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 77

supply. The commercial possibilities should be the primary
reason for its development, for conditions can be made favor-
able to restoring the once abundant supply.

The stocking of the fresh-water ponds with them as a fish
food is now of great importance. Moreover, the rapid increase
in the smelt thus established in fresh water encourages us to
believe that in time some of them may be taken for food.

Exact statistics of the decline of the smelt fishery in Massa-
chusetts are probably not of much importance, but in former
days quantities of smelt could be taken during the proper
season. In the gradual reduction of the spawning beds the
smelt as well as the other anadromous fishes became scarce on
the Massachusetts coast. At the present time there are two
spawning localities in Boston Harbor, — Weir River at Hing-
ham, and the tributary streams to the Weymouth Fore and
Back rivers. Here and in other localities their grounds have
been restricted by dams and pollution. At Weir River there
was formerly opportunity for the smelt to pass up the stream
for several miles, whereas now they are limited to a stretch
of about 120 feet. The pollution of other streams entering
Boston Harbor has doubtless driven an excess of smelt to
Weir River, which is comparatively free from foreign material.
The oversupply of smelt for these limited areas explains why
the eggs are deposited in such thick layers that the greater
part perish.

This year, to ascertain the magnitude of the smelt fishery
and just what value it has as an asset of the Commonwealth,
an investigation was conducted which resulted in some sur-
prising revelations. On one Sunday morning along the coast
at and adjacent to Hough's Neck no less than 2,326 persons
fishing for smelt were actually counted, leaving out of con-
sideration the number who were out during the very early
morning. In notebooks which were placed at every pier and
yacht club for the purpose of registration as a part of the gen-
eral census, 144 persons reported their catch to be 1,095 dozens.
Computed roughly, this averages more than 90 fish apiece, or
6J pounds figured at the rate of 14 fish to the pound. Con-
tinuing on this same basis the 2,326 persons observed in the
act of fishing on this morning might easily have taken about

78 FISH AND GAME.

15,119 pounds, or 7| tons, of smelt, with an approximate
value of no less than $3,023.80. But even this is not the full
money value, for in addition to actual market value these fish
surely must be considered as of some worth from the view-
point of providing recreation. As a very conservative esti-
mate let it be considered that the sporting value to the fisher-
men of catching these fish averaged 10 cents per hour, and
each person stayed out for three hours. This gives a total
of 6,978 hours with a value of $697.80 to be added to the
actual market value of the fish of $3,023.80. Such presenta-
tion of facts would seem to be about the best possible argu-
ment which may be advanced in favor of the Commission's
comparatively new-born activity of artificial propagation of
smelt with which to rehabilitate such coastal streams as still
remain suitable.

The Problem of Restoration,

In general a fishway is not a practical contrivance for smelt.
At Weir River smelt were observed to shoot some very sharp
falls. If the fish could get over the first dam they could reach
extensive spawning grounds. However, the return over the
dam would probably injure these delicate fish, and therefore
it would be necessary to screen the spillway.

The real problem confronting the Fish and Game Commission
is that of providing a spawning ground equal, as far as pos-
sible, to that which the smelt enjoyed before the day of dams
and pollution, and to institute methods of saving a large per
cent, of the spawn wasted at present in such places as Weir
River. To remove the pollution from the streams entering
Boston Harbor will require considerable time, and probably
never will be accomplished if present conditions are any cri-
terion. The enlargement of the spawning grounds by removal
of dams or installation of suitable fishways is likewise a work
of years. The immediate relief of the smelt problem which
will save this species from commercial extinction in Boston
Harbor consists in saving the natural waste of surplus smelt
eggs by artificially enlarging the spawning grounds to accom-
modate the number of smelt which frequent them.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 79

Methods of Restoration.
The general plan of work was laid out in four divisions: —

1. At Weir River, Hingham, as regards methods of saving
the great quantities of natural spawn annually wasted, and of
catching and holding a part of the adult fishes.

2. Ascertaining the most effective methods of handling and
shipping the eggs and adults for the stocking of fresh-water
ponds and tidal streams.

3. Observations on the spawning habits of the landlocked
smelt, and the collection of eggs at Onota Lake, Pittsfield.

4. Artificial stripping and fertilization of the eggs, and the
hatching of them in batteries at the Palmer Hatchery.

The year's work aimed to realize four definite objectives.
A detailed account of results in each is given.

1. Protection of the adult smelt, especially on the spawning
grounds during the breeding season, by the rigid enforcement of
effective laws.

Since 1911 the control of the smelt fisheries of Weymouth
and Braintree has been vested in the towns (chapter 306,
Acts of 1911), but nothing has ever been done by the local
authorities, and the spawning grounds have never received
adequate protection, despite the fact that the Commission has
each year given a greater or lesser amount of attention to these
brooks, depending on the number of men who could be spared
from other work. This year the Commissioners determined to
assume the responsibility of bettering conditions, seeing the
towns would not act. When the fish began to run in the
spring a sufficient force of deputies was detailed to patrol
the Weir and WTeymouth rivers, day and night, during the
spawning season, and the illegal taking of fish was stopped.
When the citizens were informed of the purposes of the Com-
mission as to patrol and propagation they immediately gave
it their hearty support.

2. Restocking depleted coastal streams by transplanting spawn-
ing adults and fertilized eggs.

The transplanting of the adult smelt from Weir River was
attempted, but the brood fish proved too delicate to warrant
it as a routine practice. The smelt were placed in small cars
in the stream until the time of shipment. If injured by

80 FISH AND GAME.

handling, even in the slightest degree, the injured part would
become covered with fungus, and the fish would soon die.
Likewise fish injured in transit or during the canning process
would either die en route, or shortly after reaching the desti-
nation. However, successful shipments were made by train to
Byfield, Rockport, Kingston, and by automobile to Brockton,
in the regular shipping cans.

Observations having shown that great numbers of eggs de-
posited under normal conditions were lost either through smoth-
ering or accident, the following effort was made to improve on
the natural process. Pieces of coarse burlap, tacked on wooden
frames and anchored on the bottom of the stream, made an
artificial bed over which the spawning fish had to pass. Large
numbers of eggs were deposited on these improvised beds, which
were left in water long enough to harden, and then rolled
up, packed in baskets of wet moss, and shipped. The re-
ceivers staked them out in quick water in the brooks to hatch;
62,750,000 eggs were thus distributed.

3. Stocking inland ponds with smelt to furnish food for the
predaceous fish. In this work both eggs and adults from the salt
water and from certain fresh-water ponds, where the landlocked
smelt have become numerous, are utilized.

The method of handling the adult smelt work at Onota Lake
is as follows. The fish, netted as they ran up stream, were
kept in a box 6 by 2\ by \\ feet in size, to which they were
carried in pails from the point of netting, a distance of 400
yards. From this box the cans for transportation were filled.
During the past four years about 60,000 adult smelt have been
transplanted from Onota Lake to other ponds.

If the eggs are allowed to remain in the tributary brooks
of Onota Lake, millions are lost owing to the depth of the
layers. When the eggs have attained the eyed stage they are
ready to be transplanted. They are gathered by slipping the
hand under the bottom layer, both good and bad eggs being
placed in a basket lined with burlap which first had been
soaked to hold moisture. The eggs are then ready for trans-
portation and can be shipped for comparatively long distances.
This year approximately 36,000,000 eyed eggs were shipped
from Onota Lake. After the eggs have been placed in the

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 81

baskets a strong odor is noticeable which would give one un-
familiar with this work the impression that the eggs had
spoiled, but this is not the case, since if examined microscopi-
cally the eggs are found in good condition.

4. Perfecting methods of artificial stripping, fertilization and
hatching.

Smelt can be stripped in the same manner as trout, but
the fish do not survive the process, as they are sensitive to
handling. The eggs are readily fertilized, but owing to their
adhesive nature (they adhere to everything except glass) it was
found necessary to strip only a few fish of each sex at a time,
and to continually stir the mixture in water for an hour or
more, and afterwards at frequent intervals, until it was placed in
hatching jars in which the churn of the battery accomplished
the same result.

About eighteen days are required to hatch smelt by this
process, but by the use of warmer water this may perhaps be
reduced to fourteen days. With a hatchery at Weir River
three lots of eggs could be hatched during the season. A
portable building could be located on the bank of the stream,
and water from the pond above could be piped with sufficient
pressure to serve for hatching. Electricity and other con-
veniences, such as city water, could be obtained near by. In
regard to space and equipment it is estimated that 400 smelt
can be hatched per jar, and that by placing the jars four high
a 50-foot row would accommodate 400 jars and yield 160,000
fish.

Another method, which was less successful, was to take the
eyed eggs from the fresh-water streams and hatch them in a
trout-hatching trough with running water.

Fish Salvage.
This subject has been discussed to some extent in connection
with the account of work on the white perch. Fish salvage is
the prevention of natural waste, such as the rescue of stranded
fish from streams in times of overflow or drought, and transfer
from overstocked ponds to more suitable waters in which the
natural supply of fish is low. It will play an important part
in the future activities of the Commission. Plans are now

82 FISH AND GAME.

under way for extending the work of fish salvage to private
waters, reservoirs and ponds where public fishing is prohibited,
in order to place the fish in waters open to the public.

By this means thousands of adult fish may be annually
provided for public waters in addition to the output of the
hatcheries. Although once a mere side issue, fish salvage has
become of equal importance to the other branches of fish cul-
tural work. During the past ten years with the white perch,
and more recently with the horned pout, the Commission has
worked out some efficient methods of fish salvage.

Satisfactory work can be accomplished only by trained men
provided with necessary equipment. Its proper performance
will require the services of two crews of five men each, who
can devote to it their entire time for several months each year.
One crew would be assigned to the salvage of white perch from
the brackish ponds near the coast, and the other to distributing
various species of fish from pond to pond, according to the
needs of the different localities. Each crew should be equipped
with an automobile truck carrying the requisite apparatus.

With the necessary equipment and men the possibilities for
the extension of the work of fish salvage are alluring. The
double crew of highly trained men with the additional equip-
ment can accomplish efficiently twice the amount of work that
is being done at the present time. Greater stress can be placed
upon the work in the fresh-water ponds with species other than
white perch, as the entire time of the extra crew can be de-
voted to such fish as bass and horned pout. It can be readily
realized that millions of fish, both young and adult, can be
preserved by extending work along this line.

In addition to rescuing fish from overflowed and dried-up
streams, or where pollution has suddenly become too great to
allow of their existence, the work of transferring fish from
water supplies and other ponds in which the public are not
allowed to fish is perhaps the most important part of fish
salvage. Massachusetts has within its bounds approximately
175 ponds used as reservoirs, and several hundred artificial
ponds in which public fishing for one reason or another is not
permitted. For this reason, wherever fish can be economically
and satisfactorily removed from these ponds and placed in

fc&

, . \

j 1

•r.-*^.

jfepsSS

-.•y »J—

*• -

■'* wll

net-;

H— • — •y>~\ ■

r- I *

"~:"JP?1

1 f

^tt^a^i'f^iMHEH

Outlet of Big Pond, Otis. Showing abutments and frame, ready for screen.

Screen at the outlet of Big Pond, Otis. Showing screen placed in position.

Screen at the outlet of Big Pond, Otis. Showing rear view of screen and abut-
ments.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 83

waters which are open to public fishing it should be done.
In this way the water supplies and private ponds can be re-
lieved of their surplus fish, to the benefit of the public waters.

Screens.

Much money has been wasted in the past by stocking the
lakes of IVlassachusetts with migratory species of fish -such as
Si.lmon, rainbow trout and white perch without first placing
screens at the outlets. It is the nature of these fish to seek
the salt water when they arrive at a certain age, and if they
have a free passage they will drift down the streams never to
return. This has proved to be the case with many fish that
have been planted in the State waters.

Several instances are known where white perch have been
taken in streams below the lakes in which they were liberated,
when none had ever been caught in the lake. The same is
true of black bass. It has been impossible to get results from
planting any species of salmon in lakes that have free outlets.
If there were no dams the fish might come back to some
extent, but if salmon fishing is to be established in our lakes
it will be much better to have the outlets screened and thus
keep the fish landlocked.

During the past year representatives from this department
have advised persons, interested in having screens installed,
as to how the work should be done, going so far as to plan
the kind best suited for the particular place. Among the
sites thus investigated were Lake Attitash in the town of
Amesbury, where a screen is being installed by Ralph S. Bauer,
Esq., at his own expense, and at the outlet of Big Pond, Otis,
where one has been installed by the Westfield Camping Club,
of which James F. McPhee, Esq., is president. The outlet to
this lake is only 10 feet wide, and does not have a very swift
current. Abutments were built of rock and cement, and a
frame of 8 by 8 inch oak timbers made for the iron screen to
rest on. This screen was 10 by 6 feet, built in three sections
to insure easy handling. When in place it rests upon the frame,
which has a slant of 45 degrees. This pitch allows the screen
to be easily raked whenever it gets clogged up with debris,
such as grass and leaves.

84 FISH AND GAME.

It would seem advisable for the work of installing all screens
to be in the hands of the Commissioners, with a fund provided
for this purpose. As it is now this work if done at all, must
be undertaken by individuals.

The iron screen that was placed at Stringer Dam in Lake
Quinsigamond has caused so much trouble each year, by
getting clogged up with leaves and other refuse during the fall,
that it was thought best to remove the same and have it in-
stalled at the lower dam near the mill at North Grafton.

Work at the State Fish Hatcheries.
Palmer Hatchery.

The working plan of all the hatcheries is to so systematize
the various operations that there will be no periods of idleness.
This can be effected only in those hatcheries having facilities
to raise several kinds of fish. During the winter the hatch
house contained salmon and trout eggs; in the spring the
batteries hatched perch and smelt eggs; and during the sum-
mer the bass were bred in the open ponds.

The two new bass ponds built last season were used for the
first time, and although not well covered with vegetation they
were of considerable help in furnishing a place to hold the young
fish.

As early as possible the pond system should be extended on
both sides of the stream to give more room for rearing the
fish to fingerlings, also to furnish ponds for breeding other fish,
such as crappie, blue-gill, sunfish and bullheads. There is
water enough not utilized to-day to supply a number of addi-
tional ponds.

The 600,000 Chinook salmon eggs were shipped from the
Oregon Fish and Game Commission, and came by express
packed in cases of 100,000 eggs each. It took six days to
cross the continent, and they were in splendid condition when
received in November, 1916. The fry from these eggs proved
to be strong and healthy, and when they were ready to ship,
a large portion were transferred to the rearing station at
Andover for liberation in the Merrimack River.

Fifty thousand brook trout eggs were taken from wild trout

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 85

in the hatchery stream and hatched out, the fry being sent
to the Sandwich Hatcheries as an addition to the brood stock.

In former years the supply of perch spawn has been re-
ceived from the United States Bureau of Fisheries. This year
they gave notice that it would be impossible to furnish any.
On receipt of this information a supply was located in this
State, which is referred to in the article on yellow perch.
Sixteen million fry were distributed.

Very little was done this year in the way of improvements
at the station, except to grade the grounds and build a gravel
road around the hatchery buildings and ice house, mostly by
the regular employees at intervals during the summer.

The superintendent and his assistant were obliged to be
away for a considerable time in looking after the work at other
places. The superintendent had charge of building the rearing
stations at Montague and Amherst, besides investigating other
propositions which occupied a considerable amount of his time.

This station is being developed as fast as funds can be
secured to do it, and as experience shows that it is safe to
branch out further in certain directions.

Sutton Fish Hatchery.

No changes of importance were made in the station during
the past year except to carry on the work of clearing out use-
less equipment and of gradually working over the grounds,
bringing them into a better physical condition. Trout eggs
were hatched in both of the hatcheries with the usual degree
of success.

Early in the spring experiments were started to see whether
it would be practicable to ship the early hatched fry from the
Sandwich Hatcheries to this station, to be reared here and
distributed in the western part of the State, the idea being to
apply the rearing station principle to this hatchery. A sub-
stantial number of the Sandwich fish were sent to Sutton and
placed in pools opposite similar pools containing the Sutton
fish. Efforts were made to have the fish from each station
receive the same quality and quantity of water and the same
food. By reason of being hatched earlier, the Sandwich fish
made more rapid progress and appeared to take kindly to the

86 FISH AND GAME.

experience. These experiments were made with a view to
further consolidation of the work in line with that described
in connection with the Sandwich Hatcheries. The plan during
the coming year is to do away with the hatching of fish at
the Sutton station, and to distribute the stock of adult trout
heretofore maintained there. Both of the hatchery buildings
are poorly constructed, and one especially is very old. It
is planned to turn the hatchery into a rearing station, that
is to say, the old hatchery buildings will be torn down, the
bird-rearing equipment will be removed, and the grounds will
be cleaned up and laid out in an attractive manner.

As funds become available it is planned to build such addi-
tional rearing pools as can be constructed, in order to fully
utilize for rearing purposes all the available water. Each spring
a sufficient number of fry will be sent from the Sandwich
Hatcheries to fill the requirements of the station, and the fish
will be reared here, to be distributed in that part of the State
within easy carrying distance of the station. Such a change
your Commissioners believe will result in a very substantial
financial saving, and at the same time make it possible to in-
crease the annual output of fingerlings from this station.

Adams Hatchery.
During the past three years experiments have been made
with the water available at this station to determine if it were
possible to raise a large number of fingerling brook trout. A
stream which flows near the hatchery building was leased, and
the water brought over to the hatchery grounds and mixed
with the spring water which supplied the nursery ponds, in an
attempt to secure as much water as possible for the hatchery
work. This plan, followed for three years, has shown such
meager results that the Commissioners have discontinued this
hatchery.

Sandwich Hatcheries.
The work at these stations throughout the year has followed
very closely the lines of preceding years. Owing to the lack
of funds no reconstruction work or new work has been at-
tempted. The house held under lease at the East Sandwich

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 87

branch was altered to a slight extent and some of the rooms
repapered to permit housing two of the assistants and their
families', whereas heretofore but one assistant had occupied the
premises. It is found that much better results are obtained
from employees if they are comfortably located near the sta-
tions. From this house one can see the entire hatchery
grounds, thus making it possible at all times to keep the plant
under observation.

A great deal of work must be done at the East Sandwich
branch within the next few years to replace the present pools
which are simply earth-bottomed pools walled with heavy
planks. The planks are gradually rotting out, it is very diffi-
cult to keep the pools tight, and it is remarkable to see how
many small trout will wedge into the smallest hole and suffo-
cate. The small wooden nursery pools, into which are placed
a large number of the fry when first taken out of the hatchery,
are in an even worse state of repair, requiring constant work
to keep them reasonably tight, and some may have to be
abandoned during the coming year on this account. Some
progress has been made in cleaning up both stations, grading,
clearing out underbrush and putting the grounds in more
attractive condition.

The principal attention has been given to more intensive
development of the plant as it now stands. With this in mind
a new type of hatching trough is under investigation, the same
being, in brief, a large deep trough in which may be arranged
a number of trays, one on top of the other, each containing a
substantial number of eggs, and so arranged that the water
may flow through all the trays, thus making it possible to
hatch a large number of eggs in the present hatchery building
and with the same water supply. In addition to this, other
arrangements are being tried, such as a second series of hatch-
ing troughs under the present set.

Your Commissioners believe that the Sandwich plant is the
one at which to hatch all of the brook trout eggs taken. Owing
to the temperature of the water the eggs can be hatched much
earlier than at any other station. It is with this in mind that
attempts are being made to double up the hatching arrange-
ments as above indicated, in order to develop every possible

88 FISH AND GAME.

economy at the plant. If the present experiments prove a
success the outlook is hopeful that during another year all of
the brook trout eggs can be hatched in the present hatchery
building.

This is also the logical place to keep the entire brood stock
of adult trout. It is highly beneficial for the fish to have
access to salt water from time to time, and this is rendered
possible by the fact that the stream at the East Sandwich
station (where the adult fish are kept) connects with the ocean,
the tide coming up to the hatchery grounds. By liberating a
limited number from time to time in this brook the fish can
run to salt water. The most of them return, and it is a simple
matter to recapture them. With the adult stock maintained
at the East Sandwich branch, and all the brook trout eggs
hatched at the Sandwich station, the program of general con-
solidation will be furthered. Your Commissioners hope that
some time the real hatchery building of this plant can be
established at the East Sandwich station. There the water can
be utilized in varying degrees from the pond, which is the
main water supply. It is a small but deep pond, and by taking
the water from the bottom in one set of pipes, and from the
top in another, the hatching of the eggs can be regulated much
more successfully than at present in the hatchery building at
the Sandwich station. The only hatching building to-day is a
small plant at the Sandwich station where artesian water is
used. This water is so warm that the fish hatch very early,
comparatively speaking, and often it is a problem to know
how to take care of the excess number of fry when the fish
have grown to the size when thinning out is imperative. When
the fry are ready to be distributed from this station the streams
in the middle and western part of the State are often so frozen
up that it is impossible to satisfactorily distribute the fry. It
is a pleasure to be able to say that with the establishment of
the rearing stations described in another part of this report
it is hoped during the coming year to care for all the stock
of fry without being obliged to make premature distributions.

The object in view is to consolidate at the Sandwich Hatcheries
all the hatching and the first steps in the rearing of the annual
supply of brook trout. From there the fish will be sent when

Montague Rearing Station in operation.

Montague Rearing Station. Intake pipe and raceway below the dam.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 89

small to the rearing stations established in various parts of
the State. It will be necessary to operate the rearing stations
only during a portion of the year, thus doing away with the
upkeep and expenses of large hatchery plants.

The work of hatching landlocked salmon was continued with
a substantial output from 100,000 eggs received from the Maine
commission. These fish, however, grow very slowly, and it is
a question whether they should be distributed before they are
at least a year old. The Commissioners have great faith in
holding the fish until they attain a substantial size and are
thus better able to care for themselves.

The firm from which rainbow trout eggs had been ordered
was unable to supply them, with the result that late in the
spring 75,000 fry were purchased from the Plymouth Rock
Trout Company. These were distributed in nearly equal num-
bers to the Sandwich, Sutton and Palmer hatcheries. The fish
made a fair growth at Sandwich and a substantial number
were liberated.

Rearing Stations.

Your Commissioners are convinced that the best results will
be obtained if it is possible to plant the output of brook trout
as fingerlings rather than as fry.

In the past it has been necessary to send out the largest
part of the trout soon after the egg-sac was absorbed, and it
has been possible to hold to the fingerling stage only a small
part of the fish hatched.

In order to supplement the rearing facilities at the stations
and reduce the cost of distribution by raising the fish in the
locality where they will be planted, your Commissioners have
inaugurated a system of rearing stations.

Such stations have been built at Montague and Amherst.
By establishing more such rearing stations the hatchery output
of fish for the inland waters will be greatly increased. It is
planned to extend this work during the coming year, and if
funds are provided other stations will be established in different
parts of the Commonwealth to handle the increased production
of the State hatcheries. In this work every sportsman should
have a vital interest.

90 FISH AND GAME.

The value of the rearing stations in fish culture consists in
(1) relieving congestion at the hatchery as the fish increase in
size, thereby permitting a greater output; (2) lowered cost of
transportation, since the fish are reared near the places of dis-
tribution; (3) less damage to fish from long-distance trans-
portation; and (4) greater production at less cost.

The establishment of a rearing station is a more important
problem than is commonly supposed or appears at first sight.
A number of conditions have to be considered, since upon
proper selection and development depends its future productive
capacity. The proposed site of a rearing station should be
first carefully inspected by an expert. Detailed plans should
be drawn and estimates made as to the exact cost of the work
before any steps are taken.

The location of a station has an intimate bearing upon the
ultimate success of the project. The distance from a railroad
station, as well as the character of the roads, are both impor-
tant factors, as these govern the cost of transportation of fish
and supplies. Good roads are a necessity, and this expense
should be included in a consideration of the cost of production.
In addition there should be a suitable and convenient place for
loading and unloading fish at the station.

The water supply is perhaps the most important considera-
tion of all, for an unfailing supply of known capacity must be
found. The minimum amount of water to be depended upon
must be known, and for this reason sand springs are to be
preferred to side hill or rock springs, which are more dependent
upon rainfall. Surface water, which brings down silt into the
hatching troughs, is to be avoided. The amount of water to
be used naturally depends on the number of fish and the num-
ber of hatching troughs or pools to be used. Before a location
is taken the amount of water should be approximated either
by a meter or by building a small weir and measuring the
width, depth and rate of flow.

It should be continually borne in mind, when establishing
such a station, that it is not to be a temporary contrivance,
but is to be built for permanent use, and after a preliminary
trial has shown the possibilities to be promising, all work
should be made of permanent construction, which should in-

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 91

elude dams, rearing pools and satisfactory buildings for tools,
storage, workshop, and living quarters for help.

As a rule, rearing stations are one-man stations except when
fish are being distributed.

As an illustration of what has been accomplished during the
past year with the first series of rearing stations, the work at
the Montague and Amherst stations is described in detail.

Montague Rearing Station.

The Commissioners leased 80 acres of land in the town of
Montague from John Bitzer and Joseph Fournier for a period
of three years with an option of purchase. If the rearing
station proves of value it can be continued as a permanent
possession of the Commonwealth; and, if found to be un-
satisfactory, it can be abandoned without appreciable loss, —
a policy which has been consistently followed in the establish-
ment of all hatcheries, game farms and other enterprises.
After a most careful examination by experts as regards water
flow and possibilities of rearing trout, a rearing station was
erected during the spring and operated from June 13 to October
15.

The station is located on the highway running between
Montague and Greenfield, 1^ miles from the Boston & Maine
Railroad station. From this location it should be possible to
supply the northern, western and central parts of Massachu-
setts with fish at less than it formerly cost.

The water supply is derived entirely from sand springs, and
the flow scarcely varies during the year. The temperature of
these springs ranges between 45° and 50° F., and remains prac-
tically constant the year round. During the summer the water
in the pools ranges about 53° F., rising to about 58° F. in the
afternoon. At all times there was more than sufficient water,
and it was estimated that 350 gallons per minute flowed through
the rearing pools.

About 1,500 feet below the first springs a dam 6 feet high,
consisting of earth with a core of matched planking 2 by 6
inches, was constructed to control the water supply and regu-
late the temperature. It was thought advisable not to make a
permanent construction, as the location had not been thoroughly

92 FISH AND GAME.

tried out. From this reservoir water was taken by means of
two galvanized iron pipes which passed under the dam into a
wooden raceway. One took water from the bottom, the other
from the top or at any point necessary to give the desired
temperature, the water at the bottom averaging during the
month of July about 6 degrees colder than the water at the
surface.

The raceway conducted the water to a trough that supplied
32 nursery pools 16 feet by 3 feet by 18 inches, set in tandem
fashion at right angles to the feed trough. Pipes 1^ inches in
diameter took the water into each tier of pools. The main
stream from the spillway in the dam was straightened and
deepened for about 300 feet below to a point where it joined
the other stream just below the nursery pools.

A building 10 by 20 feet was erected, containing two rooms,
one for the preparation of fish food, the other for a sleeping
room for the superintendent. The requirements for the future
development of the station comprise an ice house and a fence
around the entire property to keep out cattle. The number of
rearing pools can be increased to the maximum capacity of
the water.

A road was constructed to facilitate the delivery of fish and
supplies, by means of which transportation in the future will
be greatly improved. Further work will be in the nature of
making another road from the main one, thus saving a quarter
of a mile, or putting the present road, which is not safe for
auto trucking, into better condition. For a one-man station
an auto truck will be necessary, since during the past summer
it has taken practically all one man's time to look after the
trucking by team.

The past year, although the first and therefore the hardest
in many respects, has proved satisfactory. The fish made rapid
growth and were distributed in fine condition. By reason of
the location in the center of the territory where fish are annu-
ally planted, it was possible to lighten the strain of transporta-
tion, which is always a benefit to the fish. The first fish, a
lot of 10,000 shipped from the Sandwich Hatcheries, were placed
in the pools on June 3. From that time until June 26 ship-
ments came every day, and by July 2, 84,500 fish had been

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 93

received at the station. These fingerlings were fed twice daily
with carefully prepared liver. The screens of the pools were
cleaned three times daily and every ten days the pools were
cleaned out and fresh sand put in. On August 9 distribution
was started, and by September 8, 46,000 No. 3 and No. 4
fingerlings had been shipped from the station, leaving about
20,000, which were distributed later. The losses during the
summer were from ordinary causes.

It may be of interest to note that 900 people from all over
the United States registered in the visitors' book, and were
keenly interested in observing the methods used in the rearing
of the fish.

Amherst Rearing Station.

A tract of land in the town of Sunderland, bordering on the
State highway running from Amherst to Sunderland, was leased
by the Commissioners from Fred Graves for a term of three
years with an option of purchase.

On this tract are several large springs which have an even
flow and an unchanging temperature of 45 degrees all the year
round. There is no watershed to send down flood water, and
the location appears to be ideal for a rearing station. A trolley
line passes the property, and there are two railroad stations in
Amherst and one in South Deerfield where fish and supplies
can be shipped.

The same general plans of construction as at the Montague
station were followed here, to supply a system of twenty-four
nursery pools.

The station was sufficiently finished to receive fish on Sep-
tember 1, and 18,000 trout were shipped here from the Sutton
Hatchery. Twice a day the fish were fed on liver, until on
October 25 and November 2 they were distributed in the
streams in Hampshire County in good condition.

The establishment of this station, like that of Montague, is
more or less experimental. . A thorough test of each will be
made. At least two years' experience is desired with each
station.

Andover Rearing Station.
The work of the Andover rearing station is covered in the
discussion of Chinook salmon.

FISH AND GAME.

Fish Distribution

Brook Trout.

s S

£S

1
d

o
Ph
o

*>>
a

Small-
mouth Black
Bass.

u -
~&

Land-
locked
Salmon.

COUNTV.

a
n

1
<

a
1

bfi

a
E

Barnstable,

900

16,000

1,000

4,800

11.975

17,400

5,000

Berkshire,

159,000

44,950

1,000

2,400

7,600

3,400,000

16,950

14,900

225

5,000

Bristol, .

33,000

200

6,000

2,940

750,000

9,000

4,500

Dukes, .

24,000

800

1,200

Essex,

144,000

50,750

1,000

6,000

2,100,000

28,000

1,975

2,400

450

7,000

Franklin,

170,000

26,200

200

1,350

3,720

500,000

16,000

500

4,200

Hampden,

26,450

300

7,500

8,170

2,400,000

28,500

.4,140

225

Hampshire,

45,800

450

5,720

1,000,000

600

2,100

Middlesex,

351,000

97,550

600

9,720

200,000

32,000

,2,600

7,800

Nantucket,

Norfolk, .

24,000

25,350

400

6,000

1,500,000

16,500

600

3,200

Plymouth,

25,250

6,000

6,500

750,000

35,000

3,210

225

6,000

Suffolk, .

720

. "

4,500

Worcester,

471,000

268,650

1,245

5,000

18,360

3,400,000

45,500

1,500

4,200

5,000

Other distribu-
tions, i

720

550

275

Totals,

1,319,000

643,950

6,295

44,250

77,170

16,000,000

244,350

46,140

60,885

1,125

28,000

Indicates lots which have been shipped to other

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

during

the Year 1917.

Chinook
Salmon.

Fresh-water
Smelt.

Salt-water
Smelt.

03
bfi

Totals.

bfi

bfl

Bo
a

33,000

7,000,000

1,000

13,500,000

300,000

20,500,000

391,075

29,575

300

600,000

150

4,282,050

5,000,000

10,000,000

805,640

1,000,000

3,000,000

4,000,000

26,000

192,000

196,000

11,000,000

5,000

11,250,000

22,250,000

2,734,575

722,170

35,000

2,510,285

2,000,000

1,054,670

8,000,000

6,000

5,000,000

1,100

13,000,000

708,370

1,500,000

1,576,050

20,500

3,000,000

4,500

14,500,000

17,500,000

857,185

5,220

40,000

1,000,000

10,200

5,000,000

150,000

900

6,000,000

4,421,555

2,000,000

1,545

192,000

319,075

36,000,000

62,000

62,750,000

1,050,000

2,000

150

98,750,000

20,096,390

State commissioners as an interchange of courtesies.

96 FISH AND GAME.

ENFORCEMENT OF LAWS.

One of the beneficial effects of the present war conditions
may be described as the literal forcing on the general public
of a better-balanced understanding as to how important a part
of our national assets is the stock of wild life. We have
wakened to the fact that as we work for our livelihood there
is going on around us the reproduction of a vast number of
wild forms which, under the guidance of reasonable laws, may
be appropriated to our use for entertainment, clothing and
food, to say nothing of many other purposes. To-day com-
paratively little is done to assist this reproduction. This is
all the more reason why we should broaden out our efforts,
proceeding on the theory that what we now have is our brood-
stock. Our problem will be in a large measure the deter-
mining of such restraint or guides as will enable us to keep
that stock intact, but at the same time to utilize a substantial
part of the yearly increase. This argument suggests what we
believe to be true, — law enforcement is very largely a matter
of education. The Commission would much rather be instru-
mental in convincing a man that the regulations are for his
benefit, and thus make him a worker in the cause, than in
arresting and subjecting him to a heavy fine for refusal to
observe the regulations. For this reason a special appeal is
made directly to every resident of Massachusetts, asking him
to assist the local deputies in the enforcement of the laws, to
give him every encouragement in carrying on his work, to
get acquainted with him personally, and not believe every
slanderous story which is circulated by his enemies to injure
his reputation.

The Commissioners take this occasion to recognize the fine
spirit in which the deputies have taken hold of the changes
in the present administration. It is this spirit of mutual co-
operation which each individual warden feels toward the Com-
mission as a whole, and particularly the special pride which
he takes in his own district, that is stimulating and benefiting
the whole work. Nevertheless, there is abundant room for
improvement. Special study has been given to the effective-

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 97

ness of a merit system among the deputies whereby the men
will receive certain credits for all work accomplished, and in
this way a premium will be placed on individual initiative.

The table of classified arrests on the pages following sum-
marizes the year's work. The total number of apprehensions
was 384, of which 355 resulted in convictions, an increasing
proportion over previous years, and a silent tribute to the
efficiency of the workers.

Deputy Force.

During the past year a system of keeping track of the
location of the deputies at all times has been tried with
beneficial results, although the problem has not as yet been
fully solved, and certain changes are necessary before the
system will operate smoothly.

The changes in the personnel of the force during the past
year have been as follows: Elisha T. B. Ellis of North Easton,
formerly an unpaid deputy who had done special work for the
Commission, and who stood highest on the list of eligibles
presented by the Civil Service Commission, was appointed to
the position of district deputy. The resignations of Deputy
Allan Keniston of District No. 2, and Deputy William Day
of Marthas Vineyard, who enter other fields of work, were
accepted with regret. It is a pleasure to report that Deputy
Peter P. Monahan has entirely recovered from a serious frac-
ture of the spinal vertebrae, received in the performance of his
official duties. On Aug. 13, 1917, occurred the death of Irving
O. Converse of Fitchburg, Mass., who had been in the service
of the Commission as district deputy for over ten years. Mr.
Converse leaves behind a record for faithful, honest and intel-
ligent work in his chosen field, and a host of friends in his
district who join with his fellow workers in expressing their
regard, esteem and friendship for one whose life was well spent,
and whose influence will long be felt.

Problems.
Some of the problems of increased efficiency in the appre-
hension of violators on land and water are still unsolved. The
automobile on land and the fast power boat on the water enable

98 FISH AND GAME.

violators to escape from deputies who are unprovided with
means to cope with them. The principal need at the present
time is a "flying squadron" equipped with an automobile,
which can be sent into the various districts as occasion demands.
Ultimately it will be necessary to thus equip every deputy,
but at the present time the services of even a few machines
would be invaluable. Many times the use of an automobile
makes possible the speedy cleaning up of jobs on which it
would be too late to secure evidence if the deputies were
obliged to depend upon the ordinary modes of> travel. A case
in point occurred in the Berkshires just before the opening of
the deer season. Information was secured that a deer had
been killed. By use of the telephone assistance was summoned,
an automobile procured and deputies were soon on the scene.
So secure did the violators feel that the deputies found them
working by lantern light, and were able to get near enough to
hear the conversation. The offenders were arrested, tried next
morning and paid fines of $200. In addition two non-resident
and two resident hunters' licenses were revoked. It is needless
to say had the deputies waited for ordinary means of trans-
portation there would have been no chance of securing direct
evidence and the resulting convictions. The department of
law enforcement possesses two Ford cars at the present time.
Unfortunately, an act of the Legislature, passed in 1917, re-
quires that cars owned by the Commonwealth shall bear on
special number plates, in letters If inches high, the words,
"The Commonwealth of Massachusetts," and, in the case of
this department, "F. &. G." Thus heralded and announced
the deputy starts his work under a handicap, as violators may
be warned of his approach either by actual sight or by the
kindly disposed friends with telephones, so numerous in the
country. If automobiles are ever to be of full value in law
enforcement, a special waiver of this act must be made in so
far as it affects the Fish and Game Commission. It is a well-
known fact that when deputies appear in a district word is
passed ahead, and for that reason the greatest secrecy is neces-
sary in all the department's work. As an illustration of the
difficulty arising from a conveyance becoming too conspicuous
may be cited the recent instance of a motorcycle and side car,

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 99

which, as a result of becoming too well known in one district,
had to be transferred to another.

A speedy shallow-draft power boat of the semi-cruiser type
would make possible the arrest of numerous violators. To
illustrate the importance of the violations on salt water may
be cited the instance of 22 Italian fishermen who were fined
$100 each in the Quincy courts, or a total of 82,200, the largest
fine ever imposed in a fish and game case taken before the
Massachusetts courts. It is this type of violator of laws per-
taining to the commercial fisheries that must be restrained if
we are to preserve the natural supply for future generations,
and in certain cases this can be effectively done only through
the agency of a fast power boat.

Annual Meetings.
The annual meetings of the deputy force, at which the local
and general problems of law enforcement and the recommenda-
tions of the various deputy commissioners are discussed, have
proved very satisfactory. Semi-annual meetings of this sort
would prove even better for purposes of instruction and for
bringing about a greater degree of co-operative service.

Town Wardens.
Approximately the same number of town wardens as last
year have been in service. The value of this branch of the
service is rather in the moral effect on the community, and
the resulting tendency of the chronic violators to give up their
illegal work, than in the actual arrests. While good reports
have been received from these wardens, but few arrests have
been recorded.

Federal Wardens.
Eight of the district deputies of the Commission have re-
ceived appointments as Federal wardens. To the list published
in the last report should be added the name of Deputy William
W. Sargood of Lee.

100 FISH AND GAME.

The Game Warden as an Educator.

The work of the game warden does not necessarily consist
in making numerous arrests, but rather in so organizing his
district that violations of the fish and game laws are made
more difficult by reason of fear of detection, and also by
guiding the sentiment of his community toward a proper appre-
ciation of their importance. In the latter respect the district
deputy is an educator in fish and game conservation. His
position is a responsible one in his community, and upon him
rests the responsibility of teaching the boys and girls to be-
come preservers and not destroyers of nature. Certain district
deputies have shown considerable talent for lecturing, and have
given numerous talks upon the work before various local
clubs, schools and Boy Scout associations. In addition to
these lectures the district deputies are always ready and
willing to explain by personal interview matters relating to
fish and game.

Between January and May the chief deputy delivered 25
stereopticon lectures before bird clubs, Boy Scouts and fish
and game associations. These lectures, mostly at night, in
various parts of the State, required considerable traveling and
late night work. The greater part of these talks were of a
general nature relating to the various activities of the Com-
mission.

Exhibits.
The district deputies have always been greatly interested in
the various exhibits which have been given by the Commission
from time to time in their districts, and of which they have
usually had charge. During 1917 the number and size of these
exhibits had to be curtailed owing to the fact that quail and
grouse do not stand confinement in exhibition cages, and
pheasants are not in good plumage during the exhibition
season.

Posters.
The demand for posters and law books becomes greater each
year. More people are desirous of obtaining correct informa-
tion regarding the regulations on fishing and hunting. The

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 101

deputy in each district serves as a clearing center for the
distribution of posters and law books. In 1917, 50,000 post
cards, 7,000 posters and 15,000 books, giving the full changes
in fish and game laws made from 1916 to 1917, were distributed.

Licenses.

Each year the reasonableness of the combination hunting
and fishing license becomes more evident. In fairness to the
hunter the fisherman should help bear the burden of contribut-
ing to the support of the cause. Other States have adopted
some such a measure as the combined hunting and fishing
license, and the time is not far distant when Massachusetts
will follow their lead.

Under chapter 614, Acts of 1911, as amended by chapter
379, Acts of 1912, chapters 249 and 479, Acts of 1913, and
chapter 212, General Acts of 1915 every resident native or
naturalized citizen can obtain from any town or city clerk a
hunting license for the amount of $1. The influence of the
license system on law enforcement is especially beneficial from
the standpoint of the deputies, for the reason that the alien
hunter is more readily handled and the prospect of losing a
license is a greater check upon the potential violator than the
fear of arrest and fine.

Recent Legislation.
The principal changes in the laws are briefly: —

1. The licensing of lobstermen in the shore towns, beginning
Nov. 1, 1917, will prove of assistance to the deputies and a
protection to the lobstermen.

2. Limiting the catch of trout to 25 to any one person in
a day's catch will have a beneficial effect on the well-stocked
streams, where greater numbers might readily be taken.

3. The open season on upland birds and game will commence
November 1 instead of October 12.

Needed Legislation.
The following changes would be beneficial : —
1. Laws regarding the catching of herring in Boston Harbor
by torches and seines should be made uniform for the entire

102

FISH AND GAME.

harbor. At the present time at least seven sections of the
coast have different regulations.

2. Uniform lobster laws in the Atlantic coast States and
Canada would be of great assistance in handling the shipments
at Boston, and would tend to conserve the supply of small
lobsters.

3. Further legislation is needed to protect the smelt streams,
particularly the Weir and Weymouth rivers, and a hatchery
should be established to furnish smelt for stocking the inland
waters.

Classified Court Records, 1917.

Fines.

m
E
o
O

Disposition of Case.

Violation*.

■

o
A
S

t-H

•v
'3

o
M

e3
|

■d

Alien,

SI, 110

$760

Assault on officer

Interfering with officer,

Birds.

Birds protected at all times,

180

115

Quail, closed season,

Partridge, closed season, .

Pheasants, closed season, .

Waterfowl, closed season, .

$9 87

Unlawfully dealing in trade with
game birds.

240

Game.

Deer, closed season, . • .

365

315

Carrying rifle in closed season on

deer.
Unlawfully selling deer, .

;

1
1

Rabbits, closed season,

Squirrels, closed season, .

5 00

Exposing poison for birds and
animals.

Hunting.

Hunting without license, .

525

435

29 80

Hunting on posted land or reserva-
tion.
Hunting on Lord's Day, .

80
245

80
200

15 60
17 80

12
20

1
1

Hunting with use of motorboat,

Hunting with use of automobile,

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

103

Classified Court Records, 1917 — Concluded.

Fines.

3
O

Disposition of Case.

•d

\ IOLATION.

en
O
ft

•6

eg.
A
a
5

Trapping.

Failure to visit trap once in twenty-
four hours.
Trapping without permit,

15
5

1 90

2
2

Taking by illegal traps, snares, etc.,

Transferring license

Carrying firearm without permit, .

100

Fish.

Bass, closed season, ....

Bass, short,

Herring, without permit, .

Herring, destroying

Lobsters, short, ....

2,379

1,530

6 00

Lobsters, egg-bearing,

244

Interfering with lobster traps, .

Illegal marking of lobster car, .

Setting lobster trap by a person not

a citizen.
Perch, short,

. 20
65

20
65

Mackerel, seining, ....

Mackerel, underweight,

100

Smelt, closed season,

20 00

Trout, short,

120

100

Clams, without permit, .

3 72

Fishing other than by hook or line,

300

10 00

Seining,

2,880

Torching

100

Maintaining fish trap without permit,

100

Fishing with more than ten hooks, .

Larceny of auto used for State work,

4 50

S u m in ary .

Number of cases, 384

Fines imposed, $9,764 00

Fines paid $4,740 00

Costs of court, $124 19

Cases discharged, 21

Cases convicted 355

Cases appealed, 52

Cases filed 58

Number of laws violated 46

104 FISH AND GAME.

FISHWAYS.

Merrimack River Fishways.

The success of the introduction of the Pacific salmon (Chi-
nook) into the coastal waters depends upon the presence of
fishways at Lawrence and Lowell. In addition, this great
river system should be made a great breeding ground for other
anadromous fish, particularly the alewife. This can never be
realized until means are provided to enable the fish to sur-
mount the dams at the above cities. There are fishways at
both points to-day, but they are in such a dilapidated con-
dition or so inadvisedly located as to be of no help to the
fish.

During the past few years the Board has had under
consideration the question of rebuilding and relocating tthese
ways, which has been a subject of much discussion among
the fishermen and sportsmen of the Merrimack Valley. The
Lowell Fish and Game Association has earnestly advocated
it. Without going into the history of these fishways, all of
which appears in the reports of the department, it is sufficient
to say there has been much legislation and some litigation in
respect to the one at Lawrence. It turns mostly on the extent
to which the Essex Company (which owns the dam) is obli-
gated to build and maintain a fishway. The records indicate
that the Essex Company has always been ready and willing
to do all that could be reasonably asked of them. As to the
one at Lowell, it appears that the Locks and Canal Company
is obligated to maintain a way, and that this company has
likewise been ready at all times to do its part.

The Board has now started to effect the location at these
points of fishways of the most effective type now known. As
the first step it seemed advisable to ascertain beyond question
the legal obligations of all parties in interest. The Board
laid the matter before the Attorney-General on June 21, 1917,
and the following correspondence resulted: —

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 105

Boston, June 21, 1917.

Hon. Henry C. Attwill, Attorney-General of the Commonwealth, State
House, Boston, Mass.

Dear Sir: — According to chapter 289, Acts of 1856, it appears that
the Essex Companj', which operates the Lawrence Mills at Lawrence,
Mass., was obligated to maintain in and around its dam at Lawrence a
suitable and sufficient fish way for a certain period of each year.

We herewith request your opinion as to whether or not previous or
subsequent legislation on this point has modified in any respect this
obligation on the part of the Essex Company to maintain said fishway.

Should it appear from your investigation that tins company is still
bound by this act, may we ask whether the Fish and Game Commission,
pursuant to section 12, chapter 91, Revised Laws of 1902, is the proper
agent to institute proceedings, if necessary, to see that this fishway is
restored (the same being now in decay and of no practical value), or
whether the proceedings should be instituted by you on behalf of the
Commonwealth.

Thanking you for your attention to the foregoing in due course, we
are,

Very truly yours,

William C. Adams,
Chairman.

Boston, June 21, 1917.

Essex Company, Laurence, Mass.

Gentlemen : — We have this day applied to the Attorney-General for
instructions relative to the existing legal obligations on your part to
maintain a fishway around the dam at Lawrence. After this matter has
been fully decided as to what are the existing legal requirements, we will
take the whole subject up with you.

We aim during the coming period of low water to make a thorough
investigation of the situation to see what is the most desirable thing to do
in the establishment of a fishway at this dam.

Our object by this letter is to keep you in touch with the situation,
and to assure you now that it is not our intention to invoke any legal
measures whatever until our board and your company have had an oppor-
tunity to carefully consider the matter to see what is the best thing to do.

If it appears that you are under a legal obligation to instal this fish-
way by reason of special legislation passed years ago, or if it appears that,
without such legislation, in the opinion of our board it is advisable that
this fishway be established, we will endeavor to co-operate with you to
the fullest extent possible in the construction of such a fishway, in order

106 FISH AND GAME.

that an effective and satisfactory one can be put up at the minimum
expense to you.

We feel satisfied that we will receive a hearty response from you in
our efforts along this line, and we will keep you in touch from time to
time with our plans as they mature.

Very truly yours,

William C. Adams,

Chairman.

Department of the Attorney-General,
Boston, Oct. 2, 1917.

Mr. William C. Adams, Chairman, Commissioners on Fisheries and

Game.
Dear Sir: — I beg to acknowledge your favor of June 21, 1917, in
which you ask my opinion on the following facts : —

According to chapter 289, Acts of 1856, it appears that the Essex Company,
which operates the Lawrence Mills at Lawrence, Mass., was obligated to main-
tain in and around its dam at Lawrence a suitable and sufficient fish way for a
certain period of each year.

We herewith request your opinion as to whether or not previous or subsequent
legislation on this point has modified in any respect this obligation on the part
of the Essex Company to maintain said fishway.

Should it appear from your investigation that this company is still bound by
this act, may we ask whether the Fish and Game Commission, pursuant to section
12, chapter 91, Revised Laws of 1902, is the proper agent to institute proceedings,
if necessary, to see that this fishway is restored (the same being now in decay
and of no practical value), or whether the proceedings should be instituted by you
on behalf of the Commonwealth.

The Essex Company was created a corporation by St. 1845, c. 163, for
the purpose of constructing a dam across the Merrimack River and building
one or more locks and canals in connection with said dam for the purpose
of creating a water power to use or sell or lease to other persons or cor-
porations to use for manufacturing and mechanical purposes, and for
constructing a main canal for navigation.

Section 5 of this act required the company to make and maintain in
the dam so built by it across said river suitable and reasonable fishways,
to be kept open at such seasons as are necessary and usual, for the passage
of fish.

Section 7 of this act required the company to build such fishways in
the mode prescribed by the county commissioners, after due notice and
a public hearing of all parties interested, with power to the commissioners
to examine and determine whether the fishways had been built accord-
ing to such mode prescribed, and if so to accept the same.

By St. 1848, c. 295, the company was authorized to increase its capital
stock, but upon an express condition, which is as follows : —

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 107

That said company shall be liable for all damages which shall be occasioned to
the owners of fish rights existing above the said company's dam by the stopping
or impeding the passage of fish up and down the Merrimack River by the said
dam.

This act contained a further proviso that nothing contained in the
seventh section of the act of incorporation — the section requiring the
company to make and maintain fishways — should be deemed to be a
bar to such claim for damages.

St. 1848, c. 295, further provided that it should take effect whenever
the stockholders of the company at a legal meeting should accept the
provisions of section 1 of the act.

By St. 1856, c. 289, the company was required to make and forever
maintain in and around its dam in Lawrence a suitable and sufficient
fishway for the usual and unobstructed passage of fish during certain
months in every year. Heavy penalties were prescribed for failure to
comply with the provisions of this act. Complaints frequently arose,
and the company was indicted for failing to comply with the provisions
of this statute. The case was carried to the Supreme Judicial Court on
exceptions, and is reported under the title of Commonwealth v. Essex
Company, 13 Gray, 239.

The exceptions were to the refusal of the court to admit certain evi-
dence offered to be proved by the defendant, which would show, among
other things, that the Essex Company had applied to the county com-
missioners, under the original act of 1845, requesting them to prescribe
a mode in which it should construct fishways in its dam; that notice was
thereupon given and a hearing held, and the commissioners prescribed
the mode and plan in which the company should construct fishways;
that thereafter the company constructed the fishways in its dam in
accordance with the method prescribed by the commissioners, but that
said fishways, as constructed, proved to be unsuitable and insufficient to
provide a convenient passage for the fish; that at the time of the passage
of St. 1848, c. 295, the character of said fishways, as not affording a usual
and unobstructed passage to fish, was well known, and was brought to
the notice of the Legislature; that immediately after the passage of said
act the Essex Company paid, under said act, the sum of about $26,000
to the owners of fish rights above said dam as damages for hindering or
impeding the passage of fish by said dam with the fishways.

In an exhaustive opinion by Chief Justice Shaw it was held by the
court that if the facts offered to be proved by the defendant should appear
to be true, St. 1848, c. 295, constituted a contract between the Common-
wealth and the Essex Company, by which it was not required to main-
tain fishways other than those previously prescribed by the county
commissioners, and that the Legislature could not thereafter require
the company to make different fishways, notwithstanding R. S., c. 44,
§ 23, reserving to the Legislature the right to amend, alter or repeal
charters granted by the Legislature.

108 FISH AND GAME.

No attempt thereafter was ever made by the Commonwealth to retry
the case, and so I think it is to be assumed that the Commonwealth at
the time was satisfied that the facts offered to be proved by the defendant
were true. Furthermore, several statutes later were passed in which
the Commonwealth seemed to recognize that a contract existed between
the Commonwealth and the Essex Company, authorizing the Essex
Company to maintain its dam as originally constructed.

Among these are St. 1866, c. 238, which authorized the Governor and
Council to appoint two commissioners, to be known as Commissioners
of Fisheries in the Merrimack and Connecticut rivers. These commis-
sioners were authorized to determine the mode and plan by which fish-
ways were to be erected in the dams of the Merrimack and Connecticut
rivers, and in case of the neglect or refusal of a proprietor to build a
fishway in accordance with the plan prescribed by the commissioners,
they were empowered to contract for the building of the fishway in ques-
tion at the expense of the proprietor of the dam.

By section 10 of this act the commissioners were authorized to con-
tract with the Essex Company for the construction of a fishway, as
prescribed by said commissioners, over the dam of the company at Law-
rence, by said company, at an expense to the Commonwealth not exceeding
$7,000, the said Essex Company to pay the expense of such building over
and above the amount so to be paid by the Commonwealth. A trough-
way on Foster's plan was put up to care for the passage of the fish at a
cost of $8,500, whereof $3,500 was paid by the Essex Companj^, with a
further agreement to pay one-half the cost of maintenance for five years.

St. 1869, c. 384, entitled "An Act for encouraging the cultivation of
useful fishes," increased the number of commissioners to three, to be
known as the Commissioners on Inland Fisheries. This act gave the
commissioners substantially the same powers as were given the com-
missioners appointed under St. 1866, c. 238, in dealing with proprietors
of dams who were required by law to build and maintain fishways in their
dams.

St. 1869, c. 422, gave the Supreme Judicial Court jurisdiction in equity
to compel the proprietors of dams in Massachusetts on the Merrimack
and Connecticut rivers to construct and erect fishways on, over and
around dams where said proprietors had failed to comply with the pro-
visions of St. 1866, c. 238.

St. 1876, c. 50, extended the provisions of St. 1866, c. 238, and St.
1869, c. 422, to the tributaries of the Merrimack and Connecticut rivers
within this Commonwealth.

These various statutes to which I have referred appear substantially in
R. L., c. 91, § 12, as amended by St. 1904, c. 365, which is as follows: —

If, in the opinion of the commissioners, a passage for edible fish should be
provided, or if any one of the commissioners finds that there is no fishway or an
insufficient fishway in or around a dam where a fishway is required by law to be
maintained, any one of the commissioners may, in his discretion, enter with work-

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 109

men and materials upon the premises of the person required to maintain a fishway
there, and may, at the expense of the commonwealth, if in the opinion of the com-
missioners the person required by law to construct or maintain such fishway is
not able to afford such expense, improve an existing fishway, or cause one to be
constructed if none exists, and may, if necessary, take the land of any other person
who is not obligated by law to maintain said fishway; and if a fishway has been
constructed in accordance with the provisions of this section, the commissioners
shall not require the owner of the dam to alter such fishway within five years
after the completion thereof.

In the report of the Commissioners on Inland Fisheries for the year
ending Jan. 1, 1876, entitled Senate Xo. 24, the matter of altering the
fishway at Lawrence was discussed at some length, as it appeared that
the fishway must be relocated to be of any use in assisting fish in the
passage of the dam. Apparently, the commissioners were doubtful as
to their authority to compel the Essex Company to do this work or to
contribute to the cost of the same. This is evident from the following
language in the report: "The State, having by unwise legislation parted
with more or less of its rights in the charter granted to the Essex Com-
pany, it followed that whatever expenses were incurred in this alteration
must be borne by the Commonwealth."

It appears that substantial alterations were made, as the expenditures
of the commissioners for the year ending Jan. 1, 1876, show that the sum
of SI, 848.28 was spent for improvements at the Lawrence fishway. From
the commissioners' report for the year ending Jan. 1, 1877, entitled Senate
Xo. 8, it appears that the sum of $1,906.33 was spent in further improve-
ments at the Lawrence fishway. The commissioners' report states that
owing to the generosity of the Essex Company, which contributed S500
towards the fishway, the work was completed.

Subsequent reports of the commissioners show that from time to time
the Commonwealth expended various sums for labor and repairs at the
Lawrence fishway. In at least one instance one-half the expense for
repairing the fishway was borne by the Essex Company.

By the Resolves of 1897, chapter 53, a sum not exceeding §2,500 was
appropriated, to be expended under the direction of the Commissioners
on Inland Fisheries, for the payment of one-half the expenses of repairs
on the fishway over the Lawrence dam. In the report of the Commis-
sioners on Inland Fisheries for the year ending Dec. 31, 1898, entitled
Public Document Xo. 25, it appears from the following language that
improvements were made at the Lawrence fishway: —

Two years ago the old fishway had been carried away by freshets. The Legis-
lature appropriated $2,500 in part payment for rebuilding the Lawrence fishway,
the Essex Company paying the other half. Upon consultation with Mr. Mills,
chief engineer of the Essex Company, it was decided to build it on the opposite
side of the river from the old one, as being less likely to be affected by freshets
and not so expensive to keep in repair. The work has been well and thoroughly
done, and the fishway is in good working order at less cost than was first estimated.
Of the $2,500 appropriated, about SI, 000 reverts to the State.

110 FISH AND GAME.

The case of Commissioners on Inland Fisheries v. Holyoke Water Power
Company, 104 Mass. 446, is to be distinguished from Commonwealth v.
Essex Company, 13 Gray, 239.

The Holyoke Company derived its charter from St. 1859, c. 6, and was
the owner, by purchase, of the dam at Holyoke, which it bought from
the Hadley Falls Company, a corporation which erected the dam in
accordance with the authority conferred upon it by its charter (see St.
1848, c. 222).

In differentiating between these two cases the court said, in the Holyoke
case, that —

It not only appears that there are fishing rights below, which are injured by
the dam, and for the injury to which no compensation has ever been made or
provided; but no fishway whatever has been constructed; and the Legislature
has never, before passing the statute now sought to be enforced, exercised the
power of defining what fishway defendants should make; nor has it ever author-
ized or approved, by any expression or implication, the construction or maintenance
of a dam without a fishway. In all these respects this case differs from that of
the Essex Company.

In view of the foregoing history of proceedings in relation to fishways
at the Essex Company's dam, I do not think that it could now be suc-
cessfully contended by the Commonwealth that the facts offered to be
proved by the defendant in the case of Commonwealth v. Essex Company
were not true.

Accordingly, I feel constrained to advise you that I am of the opinion
that the provisions of St. 1856, c. 289, have no application to the dam of
the Essex Company, nor do any acts subsequently passed requiring fish-
ways have any application thereto unless the Essex Company has volun-
tarily bound itself by contract to construct or maintain at its dam fishways
other than those required by St. 1845, c. 163. So far as I am advised no
such contract exists. Whether the Essex Company can now be required
to reconstruct and maintain fishways as prescribed by the county com-
missioners under the provisions of St. 1845, c. 163, I deem it unnecessary
to determine, as I understand such fishways would not now be satisfactory
if reconstructed and maintained.

Very truly yours,

Henry C. Attwill,
A ttorney-General .

Boston, Oct. 24, 1917.
Board of County Commissioners, Salem, Mass.

Gentlemen: — On June 21, 1917, we wrote a letter to the Attorney-
General relative to establishing the responsibility for constructing and
maintaining fishways in the Merrimack River around the dams at Law-
rence and Lowell. We have also received a reply from the Attorney-
General on the same proposition.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. Ill

•
We enclose herewith for your information copies of this correspondence.
The Attorney-General seems to think there may have been some contract
or agreement between the county commissioners of Essex County and
the Essex Company as a result of which the liability of the Essex Company
may be fixed. Or it is barely possible by these negotiations the Common-
wealth has released the Essex Company from any obligations to install
and maintain such fishways.

We would appreciate it if you would consult your records during and
subsequent to 1845, and advise us as to what they disclose relative to any
negotiations with the Essex Company on this point.

In view of the fact that this is the period of low water, it would be
desirable to have this information from you as early as you can con-
veniently work it up.

Very truly yours,

William C. Adams.

Chairman.

Office of the County Commissioners,
County of Essex, Salem, Oct. 29, 1917.

Hon. William C. Adams, Chairman, Commissioners on Fisheries and
Game, Boston, Mass.
Dear Sir: — Acknowledging yours of October 24 regarding the fish-
way at the dam in Lawrence, I have to advise you that I am unable to
find anything in our records that sheds any further light on the subject-
matter than is already referred to in the enclosure on page 3 thereof, i.e.,
that the company applied to the commissioners requesting them to pre-
scribe the mode and plan; that the fishways were constructed in accord-
ance with the methods prescribed by the commissioners, etc.
For the commissioners,

Yours very truty,

Moody Kimball,
Chairman.

Boston, Oct. 30, 1917.

Hon. Henry C. Attwill, Attorney-General of the Commonwealth, State
House, Boston, Mass.

Dear Sir: — We are enclosing, for your information, copy of a letter
just received from the county commissioners of Essex County, in reply to
our request that they search their records for data relative to any nego-
tiations with the Essex Company.

From this it appears that we are unable to obtain for you any addi-
tional data relative to the effect that contracts may have had on the
status of the Essex Company with relation to its obligations to the
Commonwealth to maintain the fishway.

112 FISH AND GAME.

May we ask you to make such additional investigation as you can and
give us your opinion as to who is obligated to install and maintain the
fishways around the dams at Lawrence and Lowell. This is the period
of low water, and we would like to have this matter in shape so that we
can take such action as appears to be advisable at an early date.

Very truly yours,

William C. Adams,
Chairman.

It is obvious that a considerable amount of investigation
and research will have to be made by the Attorney-General in
order to collect all the facts. Several conferences have been
held with representatives of the Essex Company, and they have
assured the Board of the desire of the company to co-operate
in this undertaking.

Nothing substantial can be done until the opinion of the
Attorney-General has been received, and until the Legislature
has provided funds. In the budget for the coming year an
appropriation of SI 5,000 has been asked with which to do this
work.

The East Taunton Fishway.

As a definite accomplishment in the development of the ale-
wife fisheries the building of a new fish wr ay by the Connecti-
cut Mills Company, Inc., at East Taunton is cited. The famous
old fish passage dates back to 1830, when it was first built,
and has remained almost without alteration since that time.
Of an old-fashioned Brackett type, the flow of water through
it was so great as to prove a serious tax upon the energy of
the ascending fish. Repairs were required annually to keep it
working.

The obligation of maintaining the way rested upon the Con-
necticut Mills Company. Early in the year, as a result of
certain construction work carried on at the plant, the river
was lowered practically to the channel, leaving the fishway
high and dry to one side, with the spring run of alewives almost
at hand. The Board laid the situation before the officials of
the company, stating wThat should be done to take care of the
coming run, and outlining plans for a permanent fishway. A
prompt response assured the Commissioners of the co-operation
of the company.

Old fishway at the dam of the Connecticut Mills Company, Inc., East Taunton.

i 1 i *

1— ^pr\

Fishway at the dam of the Connecticut Mills Company, Inc., East Taunton. Showing fishway

as rebuilt in 1917.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 113

The old fishway was temporarily put in repair, which en-
abled the fish to make their ascent of the river, and in the sum-
mer work was started on the permanent structure. As the
result of a number of experiments upon the water flow made
by representatives of the department, a modified and improved
type of Brackett fishway was designed. A new arrangement
of buffle boards provides a greatly increased number of rest
pockets, an increase in depth of water of at least a foot, and a
much less rapid flow. With these improvements it is believed
that the fish can traverse the necessary distance in one-half
the time formerly required. The company officials voluntarily
laid plans to erect a set of screens across the intake leading
to the turbine wheels, so as to prevent the passage of the
young that way, with consequent injury, as they return to the
sea. All the cost of the fishway and screens was paid by the
company.

It is with pleasure that the Commissioners acknowledge the
interest taken by the officials of the Connecticut Mills Com-
pany in this work, and it is sincerely to be hoped that their
attitude will serve as a precedent to other owners of dams
upon whom it may devolve to render like service. The many
courtesies of Superintendent O'Gara deserve special mention.

114 FISH AND GAME.

MARINE FISHERIES.

Remarkable under the unusual conditions prevailing have
been the results of the deep-sea fisheries of the State for the
year past, both as regards catch and value. Not only was
the fleet catch greater than last year, but the values to the
fishermen and fish shipping and curing concerns have not, with
a few scattering exceptions, been exceeded in present memory.

That the catch should have been larger and prices also an
advance over previous years would seem not a little paradoxi-
cal, but an analysis of conditions gives the answer.

In the first place, it should be borne in mind that the im-
ports of staple lines of fish, such as have been received in large
quantities from European maritime countries, are cut off. It
should also be considered that of all fishing sections of the
United States, Massachusetts was the only State in a position
to report, at a recent fish dealers' conference at Washington,
an increase in catch. Others reported a decrease of 15 and
25 per cent, in the catch of staple fish in their localities, and
some a shortage of fully 50 per cent.

To the above statements add the fact that the consumption
of fish in this country, which has for several years been rapidly
growing, has recently been further increased by the "two-fish-
days-a-week" propaganda of the Food Administration, and it
at once becomes evident that, even if the fish landings of
Massachusetts have increased some 10,000,000 or 15,000,000
pounds, such excess cannot in any appreciable measure make
up for loss of importations and the large decrease in catches
of other sections of the country. As in the case of other food
lines, the increased demand with this isolated increased supply
has made for higher prices.

Other reasons have also contributed to the increase in prices.
Everything connected with the building or equipping of a
fishing vessel, from hull to fishing gear, has advanced abnor-
mally. The fishermen are now strongly unionized, and wages
of all workers on fish, from wharf men to office help, have
become higher. In some cases two and three raises of 10 per
cent, each in a year have been made, not to mention an addi-

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 115

tional "bonus" of 10 per cent, paid, and all in addition to
shorter working hours.

These statements are not made with the idea of justifying
the present very high retail prices of fish of all kinds in some
quarters, but merely to state some facts from which the reader
may draw his own deductions. It must be evident, however,
that with short supply and greatly increased demand the ex-
vessel price of fish — as with the production price of practi-
cally all other food commodities — should be somewhat higher
at present than when conditions are normal.

Let us consider some of the unusual conditions which have
prevailed in the fisheries and fish business in this the first of
the war years of this country.

Some Problems of the War axd the Fleet.

In the first place, the declaration of President Wilson that
a state of war existed against Germany found the Massachu-
setts fishing fleet considerably depleted in numbers on account
of the large number of fine fishing crafts that had been sold
to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia at unusually high figures
since England entered the war. This, notwithstanding the
fact that during the past two years every available shipyard
in Maine and this State, fitted for fishing vessel building, has
been turning out crafts to the extent of their capacity and
speed. As an indication of the great boom in the fisheries
it is stated, by those in position to know, that the fishing-
vessel shipyards now have contracts ahead that will keep them
busy for almost two years.

On top of this shortage of sailing fishing craft the fish-pro-
ducing industry in the early days of the war received another
severe blow when four of the large steam otter trawlers hail-
ing from Boston were sold to the Russian government. This
was followed quickly by the action of the United States gov-
ernment in commandeering five more from the same steam
otter trawling fleet, thus leaving to fishing uses but four of a
fleet of thirteen large-trip, quick-fishing craft, which, when all
thirteen were in fishing commission, it is estimated landed nearly
40 per cent, of all the fresh ground fish brought in at the Com-
monwealth Fish Pier at Boston in 1916. This shows at a glance

116 FISH AND GAME.

what condition the fishing fleet of Massachusetts was in to meet
Mr. Hoover's edict that the fish catch of the country must be
increased 50 per cent.

Nor was this all. In late years one of the greatest problems
facing the vessel owners has been the fact that the number
of fishermen has been insufficient. In fact, at times the past
two years the fleet has been " men-shy." Since England entered
the war many of the fishermen of Newfoundland and Canadian
birth have gone home to enlist, while others enlisted in Boston.
On the entry of the United States into the war many more
fishermen, seized with the spirit of patriotism, as fishermen
always have been when the United States went to war, enlisted
at Boston and Gloucester in the navy or the Naval Reserve.
Even many leading master mariners, imbued with the spirit
of the sea, which combines pride of country with unrivaled
fearlessness and daring and bravery, voluntarily answered the
call to the colors, and are now in service as boatswains, quarter-
masters, ensigns and lieutenants in Uncle Sam's sea-fighting
ranks.

These, then, are the unusual conditions under which Massa-
chusetts essayed to increase its fish landings. That it did not
fall far short of an average year is to be wondered at. That
it actually was able to show an increase is truly remarkable.

Figures of the Catch.
The total figures for the year of the fish landings at Gloucester
were, in spite of all handicaps made necessary by the war,
but little less than the total for 1916, while the landings at
Boston for the year were also, under similar war conditions,
but little behind the previous year.

Gloucester.
The following statistical bulletin shows the fish landings at
the port of Gloucester for the year ending Dec. 31, 1917: —

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

117

Gloucester Total Catch.

1917.

1916.

Pounds.

Salt cod,

6,439,642

7,856,606

Fresh cod ,

'20,666,852

13,946,630

Halibut,

875,977

1,799,964

Haddock,

2,790,801

6,715,216

Hake,

863,758

2,976,489

Cusk,

597,756

1,589,252

Pollock

9,095,363

10,424,632

Flitches,

41,002

89,702

Not products of American fisheries,

32,209,601

28,353,748

73,580,752

73,752,239

Barrels.

Fresh mackerel,

6,621

Salt mackerel, . . .

24,349

25,503

Barrels.

Pounds.

Fresh herring,

50,229

4,090,350

Barrels.

Ban-els.

Salt herring,

41,268

38,897

Pounds.

Frozen herring,

487,946

2,816,680

Quintals.

Cured fish,

43,569

63,560

Miscellaneous.

Pounds.

Small boats 8,250,000

By rail, 13,260,000

Flounders, 480.C00

Total, 1917 131,026,356

Total, 1916 132,252,572

Boston.
The year has been a profitable one to those engaged in the
fishing industry, although cost of supplies, etc., has increased
from 50 to 300 per cent. The yield of the various fisheries
were, as a rule, light. The strike in the spring of the year,
the taking over of steam trawlers for war purposes, and bad
weather in the fall of the year were factors in reducing the

FISH AND GAME.

supply. These trawlers would ordinarily land about 25,000,000
pounds of fish in a year. The catch of all kinds of fish on
Cape Cod, except whiting, herring and squid, was very light.

The receipts of fish at Boston direct from the fishing fleet,
compared with the year 1916, were as follows: —

Pounds.

1917.

1916.

Codfish, large, .
Codfish, markets,
Codfish, scrod, .
Haddock, .
Haddock, scrod,
Hake, .
Hake, small,
Pollock,
Cusk, .
Halibut,

Mackerel, large, .
Mackerel, medium,
Mackerel, small,
Swordfish, .
Tilefish,
Miscellaneous,
Totals, .

267,024
513,385
758,978
090,015
440,323
390,405
434,336
057,119
033,750
490,514
839,801
572,192
933,099
959,771
176,650
226,070

7,649,811

9,599,973

1,071,917

34,351,565

14,199,920

2,233,257

5,420,587

3,792,169

3,657,429

1,141,955

5,191,392

2,341,095

891,095

1,773,452

873,142

4,065,879

97,183,432

98,254,638

The Views of a Leading Fish Dealer.

The Board is privileged to quote, in connection with this
report, from a letter from Thomas J. Carroll, general manager
of the Gorton Pew Fisheries Company, in relation to the effect
of the present world war upon the fisheries.

Mr. Carroll writes : —

In reply to your request for my opinion as to the effect of the war on
the fisheries, would say that I have given the matter some thought, with
the following result: —

Practically all branches of the fisheries have been stimulated by the
war, but in no branch has this been more in evidence than in the mackerel
fisheries. On account of the failing off in importations of Irish and Nor-

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 119

wegian mackerel, the demand for salt mackerel has been greatly in-
creased, and the price is exceedingly higher. This year small salt
mackerel are selling at more than double what the same quantity would
sell for previous to the war, and this is due entirely to the fact that there
are no small mackerel coming from foreign countries.

The herring business has also been benefited on account of the falling
off in importations from Holland, Norway and Scotland. The demand
for American-packed goods has been great, and the price extremely high,
with the result that the fishermen are getting much higher prices for their
catches than ever before in the history of the business.

The codfish business has been benefited by the inability of the Nor-
wegian packers of codfish to ship their product to Cuba and South America;
also on account of the fact of the great demand for codfish in Italy and
Greece, which has given the Newfoundland shippers a market for their
product, and taken it out of competition with our goods.

Another part of the business which has been greatly benefited by the
war is the canning. The American packers are successfully putting up
goods for the American market, which was formerly supplied by foreign
packers. Many articles are being put in cans now that were never con-
sidered before by the American canner, as he was unable to meet the
foreign competition; and in addition to that the consumer called for the
foreign article. The American packer has so successfully packed com-
peting goods that the consumer now accepts them, and is perfectly sat-
isfied; so much so, that we all believe that we have a business that will
last even when the war is over, and conditions are again normal.

Resume of the Doings of the Fleet.
A brief resume of the activities of the fishing fleet for the
year shows that the codfish ing and mackerel fleets fared ex-
ceedingly well, as did the fall and winter fresh fishing fleets,
with haddock as a staple. With the codfishermen it was what
is known as a "Quero" year, because on Quero bank the
vessels were able to fish uninterruptedly from spring to fall,
and so plentiful were the fish that all the fleet were able to
make an unusually large number of trips, most of which were
limited in size only by the capacity of the vessels. The early
months of 1917 found the haddock fleet bringing to Boston
many and large fares for which high prices were paid, and
again this fall, when haddocking was recommenced by the
large fleet, even larger catches and higher prices were the rule.
The catches of some of the steam otter trawlers wrere almost be-
yond belief. Fishing "to the eastward" on the banks off Nova

120 FISH AND GAME.

Scotia they brought home many fares of from 150,000 to 250,-
000 pounds, and almost unbelievable stocks were made on them
so great was the demand for fish and so high the prices offered.
Several stocks of from $8,000 to $12,000 were made by these
crafts.

One Craft stocked $85,000.
The banner stock of the whole year is credited to the Prov-
incetown haddocker "Josephine DeCosta," Capt. Manuel San-
tos, which landed her fish at Boston. The stock claimed for
this vessel reaches the magnificent total of $85,000, a mark
never before attained in the history of the fisheries of the
State, — by a sailing vessel at least. The crew's share was
$2,200 per man.

Remarkable Mackerel Stock.

What is probably the most remarkable stock ever made in
the Massachusetts fisheries, however, is that of schooner "Mary
F. Curtis," Capt. Lemuel E. Firth, one of the Gloucester
mackerel seining fleet, which in just six months rolled up the
great total stock of $82,509.21, and on which the members
of the crew each shared $1,898.04 "clear," — that is, clear of
their share of the expenses and their living aboard.

The craft sailed on her first trip south April 26, and thus
her season was just six months to a day. Her stock is in-
disputably the greatest ever made at mackerel seining, and in
well-informed fishing circles it is also hailed as the largest
stock ever made in actual fishing by any fishing vessel in any
line of fishing in the same length of time.

The record is one over which Captain Firth and his men
have every reason to feel proud, and it will be some time to
come, it is believed, before the feat is duplicated, if ever.

For years Captain Firth has been one of the leading skippers
of Gloucester, and at the end of each seining season has been
up among the leaders. This season he started at a record-
breaking pace, which he has kept up to the very end. Captain
Firth is a skipper of unusual energy, practically tireless, and
has surrounded himself with a splendid crew of hard workers.
He is also possessed of an extra amount of good judgment,

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 121

has been a close student of the habits and movements of
mackerel schools, and his reward is seen in the great world's
record he has just achieved.

The Season's Mackerel Catch.
The season's total mackerel catch is 144,094 barrels, of
which 32,162 barrels are salt and 111,932 barrels fresh. In
1916 the catch was 134,296 barrels, of which 32,066 barrels
were salt and 102,230 barrels fresh. The salt catch for the
two seasons, it will be seen, is about the same.

" Good Old Days" surpassed.

Congratulations should be extended to all engaged in the
mackerel fishery of 1917 for producing the best catch in recent
years. Prices received for the fish, whether landed fresh or
salt, were such that it is figured no mackerel fishing season,
not even in the "good old days," when fish were so plentiful
that the catch was two and three times as large, ever pro-
duced such a large financial return to the fleet.

The mackerel fleet was late in getting away in the spring,
owing to the fishermen's strike, and the season out south was
partly over when the matter was adjudicated and the crafts
sailed. This was offset, however, by an unusually prosperous
season on the " Cape Shore," as the Nova Scotia coast is called,
in late May and early June, followed by a most prosperous
summer on the Massachusetts coast in South Channel, on
Nantucket Shoals and in the vicinity of Marthas Vineyard and
No Man's Land.

The fresh halibut fishery was followed by a smaller fleet than
in 1916, and the catch materially reduced, but most unusual
financial returns were realized on account of prices well sus-
tained throughout the whole season, even in the summer
months.

The various shore fisheries, pursued in season by the large
fleet of gill netters and the large number of Italian gasolene
powered craft, were also successful to a degree probably never
equaled.

Altogether the fishing year of 1917 can be said to be one of
the most prosperous on record for all engaged, whether fisher-
man, master mariner, vessel owner, fish dealer or shipper.

122 FISH AND GAME.

The Fishermen's Strike.

One of the most significant events of the fishing year was
the strike of the Fishermen's Union of the Atlantic at Boston
and Gloucester. As the union included in its membership
nearly all of the fishermen at these ports, the tie-up was practi-
cally complete. The strike began on March 1 and continued
for nearly eight weeks, an agreement between the union and
the vessel owners being arrived at on April 20 "for the dura-
tion of the war," after Governor McCall had taken a hand in
the matter, designating a subcommittee from the Committee
on Public Safety to confer with both sides and urge upon them
the seriousness of the situation.

Attempts of both interested parties to get together had
failed, and offers of its good offices by the State Board of Con-
ciliation and Arbitration to bring about an agreement were
not accepted.

The committee (comprising Henry B. Endicott, Charles S.
Baxter, John F. Stevens and J. Frank O'Hare) held its con-
ferences with both sides at Gloucester, and the agreement,
outside of a few minor points which were quickly agreed upon,
was reached at 2 p.m. April 20, as follows : —

First. — The masters and owners hereby accept and agree to carry
out Resolutions Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the resolutions submitted to
them by the Fishermen's Union.

Second. — As to Resolution No. 7 it is mutually agreed as follows: —

Hoisting Engines. — Whenever hoisting engines are used there shall be
a charge made therefor, but the crews may decide that no use of such
engines shall be made.

Propelling Engines. — All vessels now having engines, and charging
therefor, may continue to make such charge as heretofore. All vessels
now having engines not making such charge shall not hereafter begin such
charge. On any vessel hereafter installing an engine the lay shall be
adjusted between the captain and the crew.

Third. — As to Resolution No. 8, it is mutually agreed as follows: —

The captain or owner will furnish the gear and collect 10 per cent, of
the share of each member of the crew on each trip until the original cost
of the gear is paid, then the gear shall be "free gear," so called. No charge
is to be made for the use of the gear. Lost and condemned gear, and the
general upkeep of the gear, shall be paid for out of the gross stock.

This settlement between the owners and masters and members of the

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 123

crews shall continue for the period of the present war, and shall not be
modified except by agreement of all parties.

Owners and captains will not discriminate between union and non-
union men in shipping their crews, or in the employment of members of
unions that struck in sjTnpathy with the Fishermen's Union.

Demand for Fish greatly increased.

As illustrative of the greatly increased demand for salt fish
it need only be cited that the landings of salt fish this year
at the port of Gloucester from Canadian, Labrador and New-
foundland waters will be in the neighborhood of 40,000,000
pounds. This large amount is brought to the fishing ports in
American as well as Canadian and Newfoundland vessels.

While strictly speaking, perhaps, considerable of this is
foreign fish, still, in a measure much of it is half American.
The large Massachusetts firms have fishing stations all along
the treaty coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, where the
United States has "in common" treaty rights, so that fish
from these localities can properly be classed as product of the
American fisheries; also large concerns have fishing stations
dotting all along the non-treaty coasts of Canada and New-
foundland, where buyers and working crews representing the
firms spend the summer and fall months buying and attending
to the curing of the trips of boats and larger vessels brought
in from time to time. The fish are paid for in the American
way of doing business, by quick cash settlement, which is
highly pleasing to the fishermen of the Canadian and New-
foundland coasts.

A Record for One Day's Fish Receipts.
One of the notable occurrences of the fish year was the
arrival at the port of Gloucester of 5,000,000 pounds of fish
in one day. This was on Aug. 20, 1917, when some 35 vessels
arrived in the harbor to take out their fares. The fish were
mostly salt cod, but there were some fares of fresh and salt
mackerel. The range of the trips was from the large crafts,
bringing trips of from 300,000 to 462,000 pounds of salt cod-
fish, down to the shore boats with small fares of fresh or salt
mackerel. This, as far as all available records go, is the

124 FISH AND GAME.

largest amount of fish to arrive at an Atlantic fishing port
in one day, and the same statement is believed to apply to
any American fishing port.

The Lobster Fishery.

It would be chanting the old refrain to say that the lobster
industry is on the decline. For too long a time all those
States interested in the fishery, either past or present, have
been contented to accept this as a fact, while making little
effort of a constructive nature to either hold the present con-
ditions or to improve them.

Various conferences have been held throughout the country
in relation to the lobster industry, and certain general propo-
sitions have been agreed upon, as, for instance, the necessity
of having a uniform length of lobster and a uniform plan upon
which restoration will be worked out. All parties in interest
seem agreed that the ideal plan would be to take lobsters
only of a given size, thus giving the short ones an opportunity
to mature, while at the same time preserving the very large
ones as a brood stock. But the great practical difficulty seems
to be in agreeing on what shall be the marketable size of
lobsters. The dealers in Massachusetts, for example, repre-
sent that the public demand a lobster of about the 9-inch length,
and that to make the minimum size 10 to 10| inches would
be working a great hardship on the public, and would seriously
cut into the business. Most of the other States have adopted
as the legal measure 4 J inches on the back (carapace), which
is equivalent to an uncooked lobster at 9 inches or a cooked
one of 8J inches, while Maine has a limit of 8f inches carapace
measure, equivalent to a lOj-inch lobster. The Provinces to
the north are more or less indifferent, taking anything they can
catch.

Unquestionably the chief causes of the decline in the fishery
are overfishing and the neglect of suitable artificial propaga-
tion and effective closed seasons. It appears that artificial
propagation has advanced to the point where it can be profit-
ably resorted to. The Commissioners are so impressed with
this fact that in maturing plans for a large salt-water fish
hatchery, which we hope some day to have built on the shores

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 125

of Massachusetts, a very substantial unit of it is to be devoted
to this work. Moreover, your Commissioners believe that
some concerted action must be adopted by the several States
and countries within whose territorial waters lie most of the
spawning grounds to adopt some measures by which the shorts
and the adult breeders can be protected.

The enforcement of laws will not be of any lasting benefit
unless those laws are more or less uniform throughout the
range, varied, of course, to suit local conditions, but always
directed to adequately protecting the lobster; for example,
when the lobsters are received by the Boston dealers, all the
shipments are carefully inspected by the deputies of this de-
partment. " All short lobsters are collected and are planted
alive in the coastal waters of Massachusetts. Last year over
37,000 shorts and over 200 seed lobsters were seized. These
lobsters were systematically planted from Cape Ann to Prov-
incetown. Also, 1,300 egg-bearing lobsters were purchased and
liberated in our waters. These were lobsters which the dealers
had bought and paid for in shipments from outside the State,
which arrived at the egg-bearing stage while in storage cars and
unless purchased by the department would in many cases have
been destroyed. It may be argued that Massachusetts benefited
substantially by these operations and, on the other hand, it
represented an economic loss in the localities where these
shorts and seeders were taken. It is not the wish of Massa-
chusetts to profit by the misfortune of her neighbors and the
above fact is related to give weight to the claim that uniform
laws must be adopted and enforced.

By this statement we have no intention of indicting the
lobster dealers of Boston as being a party to the illegal trans-
actions. The Commissioners believe that in the majority of
cases they are the victims of the shippers in the Provinces,
who, by including a certain number of shorts in their shipments,
literally try to force the Boston dealers to accept them and
dispose of them somehow.

During the past year practically nothing has been done by
this Board in relation to the lobster industry except to rigidly
enforce the law in respect to short lobsters, especially as re-
lates to outside shipments. There is no question but that a

126 FISH AND GAME.

certain amount of illegal traffic in short lobsters is still taking
place on our shores. This, as all other problems in law en-
forcement, involves the element of education. The public is
being given more fully to understand how penny-wise and
pound-foolish is the attitude of the man, who, engaged in the'
industry or possibly living on the shores as a summer resident,
wishes to maintain and increase the fishery, and yet wittingly !
or unwittingly is killing it by not giving the lobsters a chance.

During the past three years the fishermen in all branches of
the fisheries have formed associations for their own protection,
and to-day a large part of the lobstermen are organized. These j
associations have proven of benefit both to the members and
to the industry. The men are closer allied with one another,
and matters of common interest are acted upon by them as a
body. Every member who lives up to the rules (as most of
them apparently do) is made to feel that he has a distinct
part in restoring the fishery. The co-operation which the depu-
ties have received from members of these associations has made
it possible for the force to keep a much closer line on the
situation.

As a further evidence of the value of these associations it
may be mentioned that, largely through their agency, the last
Legislature enacted the lobster license bill (chapter 312, Gen-
eral Acts of 1917), requiring every lobster fisherman to take
out a license at a cost of $1. A person twice convicted of
violation of any of the lobster laws loses his license for one
year. This law cannot fail to be of benefit to the fishery.

Shad.
As indicated in the last annual report this Board, in con-
junction with the Fish and Game Commissions of California
and Connecticut, has erected a station for taking shad eggs
on the Feather River, a tributary of the Sacramento River in
California. Hopes of receiving a shipment of shad eggs in
the spring ran high, but circumstances were such as to pre-
vent it, as set forth in the following letter of May 4, 1917,
from the California Fish and Game Commission : —

Your letter of April 21 received. We regret that we are not in a posi-
tion, this season, to collect shad eggs. Owing to the rush of work on

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 127

other lines, and the passing of a law by the Legislature that has just
adjourned that we hope will protect the shad next season, so that the
spawning shad can reach the spawning grounds, we have decided not to
do any shad work this year.

Last season the market fishermen caught so many shad on the bays
and lower reaches of the river that the schools were scattered to such an
extent that it was difficult to get enough fish at one time or place to justify
the expense. At this session of the Legislature a bill was passed making
a closed season on shad from June 6 to August 1. We hope that this will
give the spawning fish a chance. Our plans are to wait for this season
before beginning operations on shad work in this State. Under the laws
of this State, an act passed by the Legislature does not go into effect until
ninety days after the adjournment of the Legislature. The Legislature
has just adjourned, so the law will not go into effect until June, 1918.
We intend to get ready in the meantime to carry on the operations this
coming season. We do not deem it advisable to open a shad hatchery
until the new law goes into effect. We will be pleased to furnish you the
eggs when we are properly equipped for egg collecting, next season.

Enclosed find photo of shad egg collecting station operated by Cali-
fornia Fish and Game Commission at Yuba City, Cal.

We are disappointed in not being able to do some shad work this season,
but after studying the conditions we feel that we will be in a better posi-
tion to operate next season, when the spawning fish will be protected and
we will be fully equipped to do the work right.

Connecticut has wisely repealed some of its laws relative
to the seining of fish in the tributaries of the Connecticut
River, and it is believed that this action will have far-reaching
effects, inasmuch as it will permit more fish to reach the
spawning grounds at South Hadley Falls.

Efforts of this Commission will be continued. It would be
an odd commentary on things if Massachusetts, which gave
the shad to California, should be assisted by California in
bringing back what is now almost an extinct fishery.

128 FISH AND GAME.

ACTIVITIES IN CONNECTION WITH NATIONAL FOOD
REGULATION AND CONSERVATION.

Fish Men at National Food Administration Conference.-
On Sept. 24 and 25, 1917, there took place a conference of
the leading fish producers and shippers of the country and of-
ficials of the National Food Administration at Washington,
D. C, the session being called for the purpose of thoroughly
learning the present condition of the industry, and, in the face
of war conditions, to consider plans and methods for increasing
production and suggest how better and more expeditious
transportation of fish shipments might be attained.

The two days' convention was attended by 68 of the
country's notable fish men, all the way from the Pacific coast,
the Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico ports, places along the Miss-
issippi River and the Atlantic seaboard. The importance of
such a gathering was early sensed by His Excellency Governor
McCall, who delegated one of the members of the Fish and
Game Commission to attend as official representative of the
State of Massachusetts. The conference met at the Food
Administration building, being presided over by Mr. Kenneth
Fowler of New York, chief of the fish division of the Food
Administration, who, in opening, called attention to the critical
condition of the country's food supply, and the necessity of
" speeding up" the fisheries, in order that the greatly needed
increased supply might be secured. In the course of its sessions
the members were honored by a personal visit of Food Ad-
ministrator Hoover, who delivered such a straightforward talk
as left its impression on every man present in the form of a firm
determination to do all possible to increase the fish supply of
the nation.

For two days those in attendance went carefully over every
phase of the fisheries question, and it was decided without
dissension that the greatest factors standing in the way of
largely increasing the catch of fish were the numerous State
laws covering, limiting or prohibiting the catching of fish in
waters under State jurisdiction, and that these laws should be
suspended or modified for the duration of the war.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 129

On September 26, following the two days of general dis-
cussion and testimony, which closed harmoniously with the
slogan of "Catch 'em for Uncle Sam," a conference was held
in the Food Administration office on the subject of State laws
restricting fishing operations at various points on the Atlantic
coast, at which the following named persons were present:
Dr. Hugh M. Smith, United States Commissioner of Fisheries;
Mr. Arthur L. Millett of the Massachusetts Fish and Game
Commission, delegate officially representing the State of
Massachusetts; Mr. Gardner Poole, representing the fish
industry at Boston; and Mr. Kenneth Fowler, representing the
Food Administration.

Reporting on this conference, Commissioner Millett says
Mr. Fowler, on behalf of the Food Administration, stated: —

Within the last three weeks we have had very emphatic complaints
and appeals from various producing sections along the Atlantic coast
that all restrictions on the free operation of the salt-water fisheries be
entirely removed for the duration of the war. Summarized, these appeals
are as follows: — ■

From various points in North Carolina, including particularly Beaufort
and Moorehead City, appeals and petitions by a great many fishermen
and producers, telegrams from various sources in the North Carolina
district, including wires from the Beaufort, N. C, Chamber of Commerce,
and a special petition from that Chamber of Commerce. The situation
particularly emphasized in North Carolina is in the nature of a request
that the State law restricting all purse-seining operations within the 3-
mile limit be entirely removed. The Chamber of Commerce of Beaufort
is on record as saying that, since the purse-seining laws have been in
effect, the catch of food fish in this district has fallen off 90 per cent., and
that unless immediate action is taken the fishing industry will be entirely
destroyed. The petition from this Chamber of Commerce cites the
following: —

Prior to the enactment of the law aginst purse seining the shipment from Beaufort
of salt fish (mullet) amounted to much more than a million pounds per season, that
is, from August to December 1, while the shipment of fresh fish, under ice, during
the same time was in excess of 3,000,000 pounds. The shipment of these fish
was in solid car lots, and at times in solid steamer lots, to the markets north and
the State markets. Since the purse-seining laws have been in force the shipment
of salt fish daring the same season has now dwindled down to approximately
150,000 pounds, and many of the largest fish packers in the business have closed
their business on account of not being able to get fish for their trade. The
appeals from Moorehead City and other points in North Carolina are equally
emphatic.

130 FISH AND GAME.

The situation in the State of New Jersey is emphasized by many letters
and petitions from fish producers at various points along the Jersey coast,
calling particular attention to the operation of the law against purse
seining within the 3-mile limit on the coast of that State. Letters and
appeals from Atlantic City cite a number of instances within the last few
weeks where purse-seining vessels have actually had their seines around
large bodies of food fish, principally weak fish, and were called upon by
the game wardens patrolling the coast to liberate their catches. A mes-
sage from one producer is as follows: —

Our boat caught about 200 barrels of weak fish, and the game warden made us
let them go, as we caught them inside the 3-mile limit. This catch of weak fish
weighed about 40,000 pounds, and, as I know you are interested in the food problem
of the country, and as we would have sold these fish for 2\ cents per pound, that
would greatly help a lot of poor people who must pay 30 cents per pound for meat.
In addition to our boat, another boat was compelled to turn out 20,000 pounds of
fish of the same kind, and I think you will agree with us that it was a sin and a
shame to practically waste that food under present conditions. There are about
15 such boats as ours fishing with purse nets from Atlantic City alone. These boats
take a crew of 10 men each, all from local neighborhoods, and do you not think
there could be some way or means that we might be allowed to catch such fish when
we have the opportunity?

Many similar letters in our files can be cited to emphasize these con-
ditions further.

Data in possession of the Food Administration as regards the stand
taken by the British Isles in connection with the salt-water fisheries and
war measures are as follows : —

By a very recent order the Food Controller of Great Britain has wiped out all
restrictions of any nature or description on salt-water fishing in any of the terri-
torial waters of Ireland, and we are advised the same action has been taken as
regards all the waters of Great Britain. This action by the Food Controller,
briefly quoted, is as follows: —

"In exercise of powers conferred upon him by the Defense of the Realm Regu-
lations, and also of all other powers enabling him in that behalf, the Food Con-
troller hereby orders as follows: —

" (1) The Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland
may by order authorize (a) the use in tidal or territorial waters, for the purpose of
taking sea fish, of any method or appliance the use of which would otherwise be
unlawful; (b) the use in territorial or tidal waters, for the purpose of the afore-
said, of any method or appliance at times and places in circumstances at and in
which the use of such methods or appliances would otherwise be unlawful; and
(c) the fishing for or removal of fish in tidal or territorial waters, or the possession,
sale, exposure or consignment for sale or purchase of any sea fish at time otherwise
unlawful."

At the conference of representatives of the fish industry from the
different sections of the United States, held September 24 and 25 at
Washington, D. C, at the request of the Food Administration, the reports
rendered from producing districts in the different parts of the country

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 131

clearly indicate that, with the exception of the fisheries for ground fish,
such as cod, haddock, etc., in the New England district, the present
production of salt-water fish, and particularly the pelagic or migratory
varieties, is from 25 to 50 per cent, below the normal average; also that
the catch of the fresh-water fish is considerably below normal. That is
further emphasized by reports from the Pacific coast, which show a rela-
tively short production of halibut and an extremely short production of
the various varieties of salmon, especially as regards these varieties enter-
ing into consumption as fresh frozen salmon.

Resolutions adopted by Fish Men.

At the conference above referred to the following resolution was
offered by Mr. George T. Moon of New York City, and was unanimously
adopted: —

To sum up the question of State laws, it seems to me, from expressions made
by gentlemen representing every section, that this should be in our minds, — that
our opportunities for speeding production are restricted by the various State laws
now on the statute books with reference to fish and game. It would therefore
seem to be in order for this conference to place itself on record that it is the sense
of this conference that the Food Commission investigate and inquire into the
various State laws covering the catching of fish, and do their best, by action in
the various State Legislatures, to have these laws suspended or so modified during
the present war as to bring about the results we desire, always keeping in mind
the conservation of the supplies in the various States. I would like to have that
put on record as being the wish of this convention, if the gentlemen agree with me
and think it is proper.

Deductions and Recommendations.

Under all the circumstances, the Eood Administration be-
lieves that every effort should be made, as a war measure,
to speed up the salt-water fisheries on both coasts, and that
in this campaign of speeding up it is highly essential, and,
in fact, vital, that in so far as possible the restrictions em-
bodied in these State laws be removed for the duration of
the war. To this end the following specific resolutions were
adopted. We would particularly recommend the removal of
all restrictions on the purse-seining operations within the
3-mile limit on the shores of all the Atlantic coast States where
restrictive laws are now in force, and we are prepared to
recommend that torching restrictions, wherever present, be
fully removed.

We strongly advise prompt action in each State, predicated
on the foregoing facts, and that everything standing in the wTay

132 FISH AND GAME.

of quick and complete results be suspended during the period of
the war. The laws of some of the States already give sufficient
power to the fish and game commissions to act in the premises,
and in the remaining States, where this power does not rest
with the executive, a special enabling act may be necessary.

We have requested Mr. Millett to deliver to Governor
McCall a special message from the Food Administration, out-
lining the recommendations heretofore set forth, and suggest
that prompt action by the Executive of the greatest fish State
of the Atlantic coast will act as a most emphatic message to
the Executives of the other Atlantic coast States.

Supplementing the above, Dr. Hugh M. Smith stated: —

I would like to say that, in view of the urgency of the food situation
and the necessity of producing the largest possible quantity of food fish,
the commissioner is of the opinion that local laws restricting commercial
fishing operations could very properly be suspended for the duration of
the war without fear of any permanent effect on the supply.

Commissioner Millett said : —

I coincide and concur in every particular with the statement of Dr.
Smith, and I also am absolutely in favor of the recommendations made
by Mr. Fowler. I believe that the urgency of the situation demands any
sacrifice at the present time, and I also believe that the sacrifice will not
be too great.

The Fish and Game Commission Concurs.
On the morning of September 27 the Board of Commissioners
on Fisheries and Game convened, at which time the member
returning from the conference made a verbal report of the
Washington meetings. The report as presented received the
unanimous approval of the full Board, and steps were im-
mediately taken to put the recommendations into practical
operation.

The Governor's Proclamation.
Later in the day the following proclamation was issued by
Governor McCall, requesting all local authorities having juris-
diction over salt-water fisheries, in the interest of national food
regulation and conservation, in so far as practicable, to carry

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 133

out the suggestions contained in the following statement by
him: —

On recommendation of Mr. Henry B. Endicott, Food Commissioner
for Massachusetts, Mr. Herbert C. Hoover, Federal Food Administrator,
Dr. Hugh M. Smith, United States Commissioner of Fisheries, and the
Massachusetts Fish and Game Commission, it seems essential, in view of
the existing food shortage, that no unnecessary restrictions be imposed
on fishing for herring either for use as bait or food. It is not desirable,
however, that any restrictions should be removed so as to permit any
additional use of these fish for oil or fertilizer, or any other purpose except
bait or food.

There are numerous laws of the Commonwealth forbidding any person
to fish for herring by torches, and in certain instances by seines, in local
waters which are designated in these laws. In most cases the local city
or town authorities are authorized to grant permits to fish by these means
in the waters under their jurisdiction. I respectfully urge upon these
local authorities the necessity, during the present emergency, of granting
such permits liberally, both to the inhabitants of their own towns and to
outsiders, so far as necessary to assure a full catch of fish.

Report to the Governor.
The following report of the two-day meeting at the Food
Administration at Washington, D. C, and the conference
which followed was made to Governor McCall by the member
of the Board who attended as official delegate representing the
State : —

Sept. 27, 1917.

To His Excellency Governor McCall, State House, Boston, Mass.

Dear Sir: — Having returned from Washington, where I went by
your appointment to attend the national conference of fish producers and
shippers, called by and held at the request of the National Food Adminis-
tration, of which Mr. Hoover is director, I feel that a brief report of the
sessions which were held on September 24, 25 and 26 may be proper as a
matter of record, the event being unprecedented in the history of the
fishing interests of the country.

On assembling, the gathering, consisting of 68 representatives of the
great fishing concerns of the country, all the way from Seattle, St. Louis,
Kansas City, Chicago, Erie, Portland, Gloucester, Provincetown, Boston,
New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Norfolk, Galveston,
Savannah, Miami, Pensacola, Chincoteague, Palm Beach, Punta Gorda,
and other places, was met by Air. Kenneth Fowler, in charge of the
fisheries division of the Food Administration work, who addressed it

134 FISH AND GAME.

briefly on the purposes of the meeting, which were to consider the present
condition of the business with regard to supply as compared with normal
years, how best to "speed up" and increase the supply, and to improve
and facilitate transportation so as to reach the largest possible number
of the peoples of the country.

Under these various heads the fish men from each of the above sections
were heard in turn, and the session was most orderly in character and
serious in tone. Both Gloucester and Boston, as befitted this the greatest
fishing State of the Nation, sent large and very representative delegations,
the members of which took a very prominent part in the proceedings.
It seems to me to be a matter for congratulation that, in spite of the
drains made by the service call of the Nation in commandeering many of
our largest fish crafts for naval uses, and also the taking of many of our
master mariners and fishermen into the navy and Naval Reserve, Massa-
chusetts was the only section of the country able to report an increase
in catch over last year, to date, in nearly every branch of her fisheries.
One most important fact brought out, however, was the present lack of
bait supply for our large fishing fleet operations this coming winter, when
most extensive fishing will be done, when fresh bait is an impossibility
and the freezer supply must be depended on and therefore should be most
ample.

The Massachusetts men also expressed themselves in the most patri-
otic strain, as being ready and willing to do everything in their power to
assist the Food Administration in its plan to "speed up" and increase
the fish output of the country by 50 per cent. A big contract truly, but
these men were told that it must be done; that the conditions demanded
it.

The Boston delegation comprised Messrs. Gardner Poole, William K.
Beardsley, John Burns, William Rich, Fred M. Kimball and A. L. Parker.

The Gloucester delegation comprised Messrs. Fred L. Davis, Thomas
J. Carroll, Henry F. Brown and Charles Andrews.

Mr. W. I. Atwood attended from Provincetown.

One of the notable events of the conference was the appearance before
the members of National Food Director Hoover, and his address to the
fish men assembled. It was brisk and businesslike, clear-cut and crisp,
sober, serious; even solemn. It brought forcibly to the minds of the men
present the actual food conditions confronting the United States and her
Allies, the extra burden which the former must bear for the latter on the
food end in order to "win the war," and left no doubt in their minds that
their patriotic duty was to increase the fish supply. The address teemed
with cold, hard facts, deliberate expressions of responsibility, and left
nothing to imagination. It had its effect.

Besides Mr. Hoover, the conference had the pleasure of listening to
addresses, all along serious lines, by Mr. Hoover's chief assistant, Dr.
Hugh M. Smith, United States Commissioner of Fisheries, and Dr. Pen-
nington of the Department of Agriculture.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 135

In the discussion what to do to " speed up" and increase the fish supply,
the story from every section of the country was the same, — hampered
by restrictive State legislation, — and it was the sense of the meeting,
expressed in a resolution offered by Mr. George T. Moon of New York,
that action be taken by the various State Legislatures to have these laws
suspended or modified for the duration of the war. For further action on
this subject I refer you to the report of the conference following the two
days' meeting, which I transmitted to your office on the morning of Sep-
tember 27, and which practically tells what was accomplished as a result
of the bringing together of the fish men from all over the country.

In closing I desire to say that both Mr. Hoover and Mr. Fowler ex-
pressed their gratification that you so keenly sensed the gravity and
seriousness of the situation as to have Massachusetts officially represented
at the conference, and it may be pleasing to jrou to know that your rep-
resentative was called also to sit in the official conference at the close of
the two days' hearing, which mapped out and decided upon a plan of
action.

Briefly, this plan, which I have already transmitted to you in full,
and which aims to "speed up" and increase the fish supply of the Nation,
was to advise prompt action in each State that in so far as possible the
restrictions of the various States on the salt-water fisheries be removed
for the duration of the war, on the ground that such action is highly
essential, and, in fact, vital. Under this head of restrictions to be removed
should come the herring torching regulations, so called, in force in this
State.

At this official conference j-our representative was requested to deliver
to Your Excellency a special message from the Food Administration,
outlining the recommendations set forth in the official report I have
already delivered to 3'our office, and also to suggest that prompt action
by you, the Executive of the greatest fish State of the Atlantic coast,
will act as a most emphatic message to the Executives of the other At-
lantic States.

In conclusion may I be permitted to express my appreciation of being
able through your appointment to have been officially present at such
a notable gathering where such important war-emergency legislation was
recommended.

Arthur L. Millett,
Member, Massachusetts Fish and Game Commission.

Board notifies City and Town Officials.
Later the Fish and Game Commission sent the following
notice to city and town officials of Massachusetts having juris-
diction over the granting of permits to take herring in the
coastal waters at different points along the shore : —

136 FISH AND GAME.

Gentlemen : — The Massachusetts Fish and Game Commission at its
meeting this week considered carefully the request of Governor McCall,
recently made public, requesting all local authorities having jurisdiction
over salt-water fishing laws in the interest of national food regulation |
and conservation, in so far as practicable, to see to it that no unnecessary
restrictions be imposed on the fishing for herring for use as bait or food.
The Governor's proclamation is as follows: —

On recommendation of Mr. Henry B. Endicott, Food Commissioner for Massa-
chusetts, Mr. Herbert C. Hoover, Federal Food Administrator, Dr. Hugh M.
Smith, United States Commissioner of Fisheries, and the Massachusetts Fish and
Game Commission, it seems essential, in view of the existing food shortage, that
no unnecessary restrictions be imposed on fishing for herring either for use as
bait or food. It is not desirable, however, that any restrictions should be removed
so far as to permit any additional use of these fish for oil or fertilizer, or any other
purpose except bait or food.

There are numerous laws of the Commonwealth forbidding any person to fish
for herring by torches, and in certain instances by seines, in local waters which are
designated by these laws. In most cases the local city or town authorities are
authorized to grant permits to fish by these means in the waters under their juris-
diction. I respectfully urge upon these local authorities the necessity during the
present emergency of granting such permits liberally, both to the inhabitants of
their own towns, and to outsiders, so far as necessary to assure a full catch of fish.

In connection with His Excellency's proclamation we take the liberty
of quoting the following from an opinion of Dr. Hugh M. Smith, United
States Commissioner of Fisheries, given in Washington recently, at a
conference of the Food Conservation Commission, relative to the food
problems in so far as they relate to making available without delay the
largest possible supply of fish both for bait and food. Dr. Smith said: —

I would like to say that, in view of the urgency of the food situation, and the
necessity for producing the largest possible quantity of food fish, the commissioner
is of the opinion that local laws restricting commercial fishing operations could
very properly be suspended for the duration of the war, without fear of any per-
manent effect on the supply.

On consulting the statutes it appears that the authority lies in the
hands of the selectmen of the towns and mayors and boards of aldermen,
and in certain instances the boards of health, to grant such permits as
may be required to give force and effect to the above proclamation.

In order that some uniform basis of action may be established and the
maximum efficiency be given to the movement, we respectfully invite
your consideration of the following suggestions, bearing in mind that
this Board is fully in accord with His Excellency's proclamation.

1. That such permits as are granted be for a period of three months,
with a provision for a renewal for a further period of three months in
those cases where the operations of the licensee appear satisfactory to
the granting board.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 137

2. That the right of revocation at all times be retained by the granting
board.

3. That in said permits it shall be stipulated that no licensee shall use
a net of a mesh less than 1§ inches.

4. That the contents of torches shall not be dumped at such time or
in such places as to be a menace to shipping or property in general.

5. That no herring shall be dumped or discarded in such a way as to
become a menace to public health.

The Board, appreciating the fact that the jurisdiction in this matter
rests in your hands, has taken the liberty of calling your attention to the
foregoing as a result of its great desire to co-operate with you in removing
such restrictions as may delay in getting action. We are alive to the
gravity of the situation, and are suggesting the above to you as a war
measure. The fish are now off our shore, and delay in action may result
in the loss of the whole supply of bait for the winter's fishing, and in
addition represent the loss of a tremendous food supply. We urge upon
you to take immediate action in the premises.

Very truly yours,

William C. Adams,
George H. Graham,
Arthur L. Millett,
Commissioners on Fisheries and Game.

As far as can be ascertained, officials of the various localities,
the waters of which are frequented by herring, have responded
to the request of the Governor and this Board with a truly
patriotic spirit. Once more Massachusetts has gained the
honor of being first in a movement of national importance, —
in this case one which means much in increasing the food
supply of the people of the United States at this critical time.
Other States, after learning of the action of Massachusetts,
hastened to fall in line in removing or suspending such re-
strictions as prevented fruition of the Food Administration's
plan of " speeding up" the fisheries of the nation.

138 FISH AND GAME.

THE GRAYFISH HAS COME TO STAY.

It looks as though the grayfish, formerly known as the dog-|
fish, also called "pest" and other names, and cordially hated j
by every fisherman who ever set a trawl, has come into its
own as a food product of flavor and value. It was only a'
few years ago that there was a general movement in fishing;
centers seeking to hit upon some plan for the extermination of
this fish, which is, at the present time, in such popular favor
with the fish-eating public that the demand exceeds the supply, i

Numerous plans were proposed, such as the establishment, j
as has been done in Nova Scotia, of reduction works, where
the fish could be turned into fertilizer and oil. Other plans
were to pay the fishermen a bounty for evidence of every dog-
fish caught and put hors de combat, and ream after ream of
arguments and innumerable tables of figures were produced to
show in dollars the extent of the damage done the fishing fleet
by the depredations of this fish. It remained for the National
Bureau of Fisheries to solve the question, which it did in a
most sensible and natural way, when one comes to think of
it in the proper light. For some time the Bureau experts had
declared that the dogfish was highly edible and nutritious and
of good flavor, but that old name "dogfish" just could not be
got over in the public mind. Dogfish for food as " dogfish"
was simply impossible.

Then came the solution. Why not change the name? Sure
enough, why not? And it was done, and "grayfish" came
into official being. Its success was assured from the start. A
grayfish dinner attended by notables was actually held in Wash-
ington. Secretary Redfield of the Department of Commerce
became a sponsor for the much maligned fish, and ladies of
the Cabinet circle took so much interest in launching this new
fish food that they furnished the Bureau of Fisheries with
numerous recipes for serving it.

The Bureau at once launched an extensive publicity cam-
paign, and the recipes were sent broadcast throughout the
country, so that grayfish soon became well known. It could
not very well be said that grayfish was in everybody's mouth,
because there was not enough to go around.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 139

This publicity campaign was begun in 1916, and that same
year the Gorton-Pew Fisheries Company of Gloucester, realizing
the value of the fish as a food product, entered upon the work
of securing trips of grayfish and canning the fish. This venture
met with such success that the total pack was sold long be-
fore winter was over.

This year the company continued the canning of grayfish,
taking in the fish caught by the boats right along the shore
and landed almost alive every day; and, despite the fact that
every available boat and fisherman was secured, and the land-
ings far in excess of the previous season, it was the same story
as far as supply and demand was concerned, for the latter was
overwhelming, and the former not sufficient to meet the calls
for "more."

In addition to this, the vessels of the tilefishing fleet, which
make their market in New York at Fulton Market, saved some
of the dogfish which they caught on their trawls, and which
abound in the region where they fish, about 100 miles off New
York, and these have found a ready and increasing market
at that place. Indeed, there are those who have observed
closely, who claim that in time the demand for fresh dogfish
in New York will outgrow the supply.

Be that as it may, the fact remains that grayfish as an
article of fish food is now firmly fixed in public favor, and
that an increased supply will be needed next year to supply
the demand. Of course, the chief call for the fish at present
is in the canned state. In this way it certainly hands a hard
knock to the high cost of living, for in spite of the increase in
almost every article of food since the war began, this fish is
put up in pound cans and marketed by the producers so that
they can be sold by the retailer at "two cans for a quarter,"
— really a cheap article of food when one stops to think of it.

In January, 1917, the Fish and Game Commission reported
to the Legislature, in obedience to an order from that body to
investigate and report on the necessity and expediency of
adopting measures for the destruction of the dogfish in the
waters of the State, that it was inexpedient to attempt the
destruction of the fish. The Board at that time was in accord
with the plan of the National Bureau of Fisheries to exploit
the fish as a worthy fish product, and, in the face of facts

140 FISH AND GAME.

brought out by a two-season trial of the idea, sees no reason
for changing its mind. Indeed, the Board feels that the gray-
fish is destined to fill a very large niche in the food supply
market as a nutritious and cheap fish food product; for ex-
ample, during the season of 1916 the Massachusetts landings
of grayfish aggregated a little over 200,000 pounds. For the
present season, 1917, the landings up to the latter part of
October were over a million and a half pounds, and practi-
cally the whole of this, representing 20,000 cases, with 48
1-pound cans to a case, is already (in November) sold out of
first hands. Surely the grayfish has come to stay. The
marked increase in sales over the first year of the venture
shows that the aversion of the public for a too suggestive or
repulsive name can be overcome by the combination of changing
the cognomen and showing that the fish is "realty good to eat."
In other words, there is now no such fish as the " dogfish,''
and the public has come to know "grayfish" as a clean, whole-
some, nutritious, well-flavored and cheap article of fish diet.

It may be of interest to know how and where the grayfish
are caught, and how they are handled from the time the
Italian fishermen haul them from the water and slat them off
their trawls into the boat until they start off for the train or
boat, canned, labeled and boxed, and all ready to be opened
and served on the table in full twenty or more different ways,
as the fancy of the housewife dictates.

Let us go down to the wharf in Gloucester — an early
morning stroll to greet the rising sun — to one of the ' piers
where the great fleet of Italian boats makes headquarters.
Here the scene is one of great animation. Down the pier
come some of the fishermen bringing their trawls with them,
all baited, while others are already on board baiting up. You
must not expect to understand what they say, for they are
speaking their native Italian, and all seem to be talking at
once; but should you speak to almost any one of them your
reply would almost invariably come in very good English.

Gradually the crafts get away in one's and two's and three's,
and the chugging of their motors falls sharp on the still air.
These Italian fishing boats are decked-over crafts of the most
staunch design, and all of them are fitted with gasoline engines
of much power. Your Italian is proud of his craft, and keeps

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 141

her in the best of shape; indeed, as the fleet gets away it is
somewhat like a glimpse of old Italy, for each blunt, high-out-
of-water craft is resplendent in a paint dress of brilliant blues
and reds and yellows, in sharp contrast to the prim, black,
silky-looking sides of the sharp speed vessels of the "Yankee"
fleet.

Out beyond the western point the crafts go. The fishing is
done from June or July to October, or while the fish are on
the near-by coast, the fishing grounds extending from the
lightship in Boston Bay out to Stellwagen Bank and off
Thatcher's Island, and also around in Ipswich Bay.

Once on the fishing ground no time is lost by the from three
to five men that each craft carries, and soon the six or seven
tubs of trawl of each boat — they range in size from a little
under 5 tons to up to 15 — are in the water and fishing. Each
of these tubs of trawl consists of 9 or 10 lines of 50 fathoms'
length each, thus giving each boat a fishing radius of fully
4 miles. The hooks being set about 6 feet apart present 3,500
baited hooks for the inspection and acceptance of Mr. Grayfish.

After hauling the trawls and tossing the catch into the hold
the boats head for the home port, generally arriving all the
way from 2 to 5 o'clock in the afternoon, and the hustling
get-ready scenes of the morning are repeated in the discharging
of the fares at the Gorton-Pew Wharf. Right here it might
be stated that in twenty minutes from the time the fish are
hauled up from the boat to the wharf they are ready to be
canned.

The fish are hoisted to the wharf in baskets, pitched into the
scales and weighed, and are then ready for the skinner. There
are six of these, each located at a table in the open air on the
wharf. Each skinner fills his table full of the fish, with the
exception of the extreme left-hand end. Here is a raised board
2| feet long and 8 inches wide, at the end of which, farthest
from the workman, is a big protruding spike set at a slight
angle, canting away from the worker. On this board the dogfish
is laid back up, the sharp spike through the head holding the
fish in position. The back fins are first cut off, and then the
tail. Next a swift stroke is made just through the skin from
the back fin nearest the tail to the head; another dexterous
flash of the knife severs the skin at the gills, and with a "hand

142 FISH AND GAME.

hold " thus secured on the skin on each side by the latter move
the worker with a quick haul and a slat separates at one
movement the skin, entrails, liver and all from the white
gleaming flesh of the fish. The head is quickly severed and
the carcass is dropped into a barrel filled with filtered salt
water, while the liver, which is later tried out for oil of fine
quality, is dropped into another barrel near by. The skins
are saved and salted for use later in experiments as to possible
use as leather. The rest is refuse.

The skinned fish, after a careful hand-cleaning by keen-eyed
men, is now ready for the cutter, — a cylindrical arrangement
of knives which cuts the body into just the lengths to fit the
can. The whole fish is fed into this machine by another man,
the work of the skinner being ended when the body and liver j
are dropped into their respective barrels.

It might be noted in passing that these skinners are men !
of unusual skill and celerity in the use of the knife, and their
wages during the season vary from $30 to $77 a week, accord-
ing to the amount of fish landed. The latter amount is of
course unusual, but was actually made by one of the splitters,
who also made a week's wages of $70 and in that vicinity.
Fifty dollars a week is said to be, however, about the usual.
The pay earned is cited to show that every effort is made to
have the fish in the cans with the least possible delay, and that
these expert knifemen really work "like lightning."

As the fish emerge from the cutter in can lengths the pieces
drop into the cleaner, — a large, long metal cylinder bored full
of holes of various sizes, — which revolves rapidly while the
filtered water rushes through with considerable force, thus
cleansing every place thoroughly. From this cylinder as it
revolves the pieces emerge at the farther end and drop into
what are known as sanitary baskets so woven that they can
be thoroughly cleaned after every trip to the canning room.
These baskets are of the "braided" type, 1J feet square and
only 6 inches deep.

As they are filled, men take them a short distance to where
an endless chain, fitted every 2 feet with lags from which de-
pend hooks, runs constantly over a pickling tank about 70
feet in length and filled with a pickling solution in which

The removal of the "pelt.

Cleaning before entering the cutter.

Chopping to can lengths, and elevating.

Metal basket, with sealed cans filled with the meat of the dogfish, entering the steam cooker.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 143

filtered sea water is again used. On every hook as it comes
along a basket is hung, the hook being of just the right length
to allow the basket with its contents to move fully submerged
through the pickling bath. The baskets move through the
bath slowly, taking just long enough in the passage to give
the fish the proper treatment to assure its preservation and
also its holding its natural flavor.

At the farther end of the pickling tank the endless chain
carries the baskets of fish to the second story, where they are
taken off as soon as they arrive, and the fish dumped on a
broad traveling belt, the empty baskets being returned on the
chain hooks to the point whence they started, there to be filled
and take the journey over again.

The fish on the belt or conveyer run along to the packing
machine, where the whole process of packing is done auto-
matically. The packing machine is the same as used on the
Pacific coast for the packing of salmon. Following the packing,
the filled cans being thrown out on a revolving cylinder where
they are sealed, the cans are taken in great baskets of steel
hoops, capable of holding 1,400 cans, on a traveling overhead
arrangement to the cookers or retorts, where they are cooked
in the steam bath. There are five of these cookers.

Following the cooking which is timed to a nicety, as is every
other part of the process, the steel baskets and their contents
are hoisted out, and on the same overhead railway are shunted
along to a sort of bin, where they are subjected to a cooling
process, this being effected by sprays of water which jut with
great force through the small holes in several pipes so arranged
that the water strikes evenly over all the cans.

Thoroughly cooled, the cans are then loaded on small trucks,
and after being subjected to rigid testing to see that every
can is perfect — any not so being condemned — the cans are
fed on to an endless belt which conveys them to the packing
room, where a labeling machine works at the rate of a case in
thirty seconds, and from which the girls take them and pack
them into boxes, each containing 48 cans. Shippers soon have
the covers on, a stencil places the address of the customer,
and the grayfish, untouched by hands from the time of leaving
the cleaner, is ready for the consumer's table.

144 FISH AND GAME.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LEGISLATION.

The Board of Commissioners on Fisheries and Game respect-
fully recommends the passage of laws designed to accomplish
the following purposes : —

1. To provide for exhibitions and other means of interesting
and educating the public in the conservation and propagation
of birds, fish and game in the Commonwealth.

2. To provide for the purchase of land on Marthas Vine-
yard for the establishment of a permanent reservation for the
heath hen and other game, song and insectivorous birds.

3. To provide for additions and replacements at the hatch-
eries and game farms under the control of the Board of Com-
missioners on Fisheries and Game.

4. To provide for the construction or re-establishment of
fish ways.

5. To so amend the trapping laws as to avoid conflict with
the laws relating to the observance of the Sabbath.

6. To empower the Governor and Council to suspend the
laws relative to fish and game during closed seasons.

7. To reimburse Peter P. Monahan for sums expended in
consequence of injuries received while in the performance of
his duty in the service of the Commonwealth.

8. To authorize the Board of Commissioners on Fisheries
and Game to take land by right of eminent domain.

9. To repeal chapter 138 of the Acts of the year 1902, rela-
tive to the inspection of fish.

10. To embody the trout laws in one act.

11. To separate the salmon law from the trout law and
embody it in a separate act.

Respectfully submitted,

WILLIAM C. ADAMS.
GEORGE H. GRAHAM.
ARTHUR L. MILLETT.

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FISH AND GAME

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Number of Pounds of Fish taken ,

Town.

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1

Annisquam,

39,237

6,428

11,187

4,200

40,880

Barnstable,

86,105

4,885

1,575

Bay View,

Beverly, .

Bournedale,

Brewster,

21,815

232

1,228

25,773

1,300

Chatham,

4,700

127

8,250

97,069

420

150

1,900

Chilmark,

50,150

7,091

53,531

20,542

Chiltonville,

1,900

Cohasset,

Cuttyhunk,

553

1,070

1,575

181

Dennis, .

450

Dighton, .

1,300

Duxbury,

41,985

East Gloucester,

9,500

49,000

1,950

East Mattapoisett,

Fairhaven,

600

1,213

508

2,664

444

Gay Head,

Gloucester,

5,000

11,300

175,000

Gosnold, .

Green Harbor,

Hyannis,

102,720

17,037

Hyannisport, .

Kingston,

Lanes ville,

Manchester,

2,696

18,168

21,614

370

3,217

Manomet,

Marblehead,

126

3,722

180

4,500

Minot,

Nahant, .

686

Nantucket,

74,000

5,550

140,500

12,470

600

Newbury port,

North Chatham,

Oak Bluffs,

Orleans, .

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25.

151

in Pounds, Xets, Traps,

etc., 1917.

Sea Herring.

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1,148

230,200

333,280

$6,490 35

54,550

405

231,550

715

679,222

1,059,007

11,962 59

1,491

355 82

5,077

1,020 00

16,266

2,832 73

160,635

736

6,349

421

26,252

244,741

5,235 98

58,500

470

271,775

1,500

59,980

2,040

506,881

10,161 98

130

32,800

400

112,297

24,565

301,506

13,094 65

12,300

250

3,040

9,190

26,680

2,112 70

561

35,602

36,163

6,134 25

528

226,670

38,392

268,969

5,290 15

1,200

7,981

9,631

1,352 65

1,607

2,931

211 45

752,300

1,270

795,555

8,091 00

2,000

15,000

31,100

108,550

1,537 50

628

125 99

200

1,004

1,834

125

3,383

14,164

26,278

2,397 37

21,729

3,390 77

17,000

6,000

1,368,000

12,897

1,595,197

7,760 75

11,250

1,400 00

22,882

3,708 00

119,757

4,307 79

1,027

263 67

6,949

1,387 44

7,162

853 86

112,596

333

14,459

139,494

12,817

325,764

6,354 63

39,439

5,878 58

75,070

83,598

16,485 51

4,197

990 33

232,250

1,190

299,888

2,086

536,100

3,904 80

13,000

200

6,000

9,000

40,500

27,130

328,950

18,385 42

17,784

552 30

1,884

545 84

578

97 27

2,020

538 80

152

FISH AND GAME.

Number of Pounds of Fish taken

Town.

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Pigeon Cove, .

Plymouth,

Province town,

924,871

158,285

20,690

5,000

Raynham,

24,558

Rockport,

700

Sagamore,

Salem,

Sandwich,

2,238

Scituate, .

• -

Segregansett, .

23,200

Somerset,

24,156

South Boston,

South Duxbury,

South Yarmouth,

Tisbury, .

3,770

22,757

82,313

150

9,202

Vineyard Haven,

11,900

2,150

7,800

725

Wellfleet, .

17,600

West Brewster,

70,000

30,000

6,000

West Dennis, .

53,769

35,179

200

Westport Point,

1,818

1,421

8,411

700

West Tisbury, .

30,000

Weymouth,

White Horse Beach,

Woods Hole, .

Yarmouth,

Yarmouthport,

650

60,000

7,200

77,600

Totals,

371,008

52,494

1,150,058

869,272

11,267

298,515

132,956

42,854

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

153

in Pounds, Nets, Traps,

etc., 1917 — Concluded.

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$64 89

33,183

6,228 50

175,200

332,085

679,322

1,629

2,297,082

51,510 92

24,563

650 47

68,433

69,133

2,123 39

1,644

305 00

14,481

4,085 74

23,000

105

97,678

349

117,055

6,997

247,422

3,692 25

4,680

645 54

2,000

25,248

1,429 60

24,159

604 50

4,425

1,032 00

1,327

491 50

58,416

10,408 00

150

1,880

11,600

2,817

8,484

1,827

145,230

7,839 73

550

470

2,250

3,844

29,714

1,906 21

100

17,700

448 00

500

89,000

195,500

5,609 00

20,000

4,500

13,085

960

127,693

2,858 41

986

110

42,346

15,016

70,992

3,660 21

9,465

39,465

1,430 18

8,086

2,434 81

8,788

1,426 50

13,596

1,842 16

-1

720 52

127,400

800

8,800

720

283,170

9,488 26

1,388

1,979,767

8,103

2,576

39,828

1,015,415

17,422

4,019,329

603,691

10,615,943

$278,149 21

Number and weight not reported.

154

FISH AND GAME.

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vRULai

Public Document No. 25

FIFTY-FOUKTH ASNUAL EEPOET

COMMISSIONERS

Fisheries and Game

Year ending November 30, 1919

BOSTON

WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS

32 DERNE STREET

1920

STATE LffifiiRiqflAttACHUS
MAY 21 19910

STATE HOUSE, BOSTO

Publication of this Document

approved by the
Supervisor of Administration.

COMMISSIONERS OX FISHERIES AND GAME.

WILLIAM C. ADAMS, Newtonville {Chairman).
GEORGE H. GRAHAM, Springfield.
ARTHUR L. MILLETT, Gloucester.

Secretary.

Miss L. B. RIMBACH.

Chief Deputy Commissioner.

ORRIN C. BOURNE.

Supervisor of Fish and Game Distribution.

W. RAYMOND COLLINS.

Biologist.

DAVID L. BELDING.

Office: Room 321, State House, Boston, Mass.

CONTENTS

General Considerations, ....
Organization, .....
Finances, .....

Activities outside the State,

Inspection of Migratory Bird Areas
United States Fisheries Association,
American Game Protective Association,
International Association of Fish and Game
American Fisheries Society,
Education,

Exhibitions,
Enforcement of Laws,
Personnel,
Work of the Year,

Classified Court Records,
New Legislation, Session of 1919,
Recommendations for Legislation,
Biological Department,
Wild Birds and Animals,
Breeding Season,
Forest Fires, .
Posted Land, .
Effect of the War on Hunting,
Migratory Birds,

Song and Insectivorous Birds,
Ornithological Conference,
Migratory Game Birds,
Upland Plover, .
Black-breasted Plover,
Golden Plover,
Killdeer Plover,
Piping Plover,
Woodcock,
Wilson or Jacksnipe,
Dowitcher or Red-breasted Snipe,
Summer Yellow Legs,
Winter Yellow Legs,
Sandpipers,
Willet,
Curlew,
God wit,
Rail, .

Wood Duck,
Mallard Duck,
Red Head Duck,
Canvas-back Duck,
Black Duck,

Commissioners

CONTENTS.

Wild Birds and Animals — Continued.
Migratory Birds — Concluded.

Migratory Game Birds — Concluded.

Scaup or Blue Bill,

Sheldrake, .

Scoter,

Geese and Brant,

Swan,

Lighthouses v. Migratory Birds,

Migratory Bird Situation, .
Migratory Non-game Birds — Gulls and Terns,

Chatham Colony,

Katama Beach Colony,

Monomoy Colony,

Gull Island Colony,

Nauset Harbor Colony,

Nantucket Colonies, .

Marthas Vineyard Colonies,

Ram Island Colony, .

Truro Colony,
Upland Game Birds,
Pheasants,
Ruffed Grouse,
Quail, •
New Species,
Game Animals,
Deer,

Squirrels, .
Rabbits and Hares, .

White Hares,

Cottontail Rabbits,
Fur-bearing Animals,

Muskrats, ....

Raccoons, ....

Foxes, .....
Winter Feeding Work,

Upland Birds, ....

Water Fowl, ....

Bird Enemies, ....

Cats, .....

Lynx,

Starlings, ....
Hawks, Owls and Other Vermin,
Eagles, .....
Reservations, .....
Millis Reservation,

Sconticut Neck Reservation, Fairhaven,
Andover Reservation,
Pittsfield Reservation,
Marshfield Reservation,
Great Island Reservation, Yarmouth,
Taunton Reservation,
Mansfield-Foxborough Reservation,
Marblehead Neck Reservation, .
Hingham Reservation,
Bare Hill Reservation, Harvard,
Tyngsborough Reservation,

PAGE

CONTENTS.

Wild Birds and Animals — Concluded.
Reservations — Concluded.

Lynnfield Reservation,

Hubbardston Reservation, .

New Reservations under Chapter 410,

Marthas Vineyard Reservation,
Breeding Season,
Cultivation of Land, .
Vermin,
Fires,
Fall Conditions, .

Myles Standish State Forest,

Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary,
Inland Fisheries, ....
Fishing License Law,

Trout,

Chinook Salmon,

In the Merrimack River, .

In Inland Waters,
Large-mouth and Small-mouth Bass
Pickerel, ....
Pike Perch, ....
White Perch, ....
Smelt,

Salt-water Smelt,

Fresh-water Smelt, .
Horned Pout, ....
Winter Fishing,
Ponds stocked and closed,
Great Ponds leased,
Screens, .....
Fishways, . .

Standard Fishways, .
David Fishway, .
Straight-run Fishway, .

East Taunton Fishway,

Lawrence Fishway, .

Lowell Fishway,
W'ater Pollution,

Forms of Water Pollution, .

Work during 1919, .
Propagation of Fish and Game,

Report of the Sandwich Fish Hatcheries

Brook Trout, .

Rainbow Trout,

Chinook Salmon,

Atlantic Salmon,

Ale wives, ....
Report of the Palmer Fish Hatchery

Chinook Salmon,

Brook Trout, .

Yellow Perch, .

Pike Perch,

Lochleven Trout,

Small-mouth Black Bass, .

Salt-water Smelt,

Acts of 191

Vlll

CONTENTS.

Propagation of Fish and Game — Concluded.
Report of the Sutton Fish Hatchery, .

Trout

Report of the Amherst Rearing Station,
Report of the Montague Rearing Station
Report of the Pittsfield Rearing Station,
Report of the Marshfield Bird Farm,

Mallard Ducks,

Pheasants,

Quail, ....
Report of the Sandwich Bird Farm,

Native Quail, .

Mexican Quail, .

Wood Ducks, .

Black Ducks,

Mallard Ducks,

Vermin, ....
Report of the Wilbraham Game Farm

Pheasants,

Vermin, .
Fish and Game Distribution, .
Table of Fish distributed,
Table of Game distributed,
Marine Fisheries, .

The Deep-sea Fisheries, .

Gloucester Fish Report,

Boston Fish Report, .

Some "Prosperity Trips,"

Electrically Driven Otter Trawler,

Locating Fish Schools by Aircraft,

State Inspection of Fresh and Frozen Fish,

Need of an Experimental Fishery Station,

United States Fisheries Association
The Lobster Situation,
Shad,
Ale wives,

Importance of Alewife Fishery

Survey,

Remedial Measures
Fish ways, .
Stocking Methods
Shellfish,

Clams,

Oysters, .

Quahaugs,

Scallops, .

Mussels, .
Appendix: —

Returns from the Shore Net and Pound Fisheries for Year 1919
Number of Pounds of Fish taken in Pounds, Nets, Traps, etc., for

1919

Returns from the Lobster Fisheries, 1919

Year

179

182
186

Ql\)t CommontDealtt) of ittassactyuBette

To His Excellency the Governor and the Honorable Council.

The Board of Commissioners on Fisheries and Game respect-
fully submit their fifty-fourth annual report.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS.

During the war our Board believed it to be its duty to resist
the efforts of certain elements to exhaust the wild-life resources
of the State to help relieve certain conditions which had arisen,
namely, shortage and high cost of food. Such utilization of
these resources would have been of little assistance, but would
have resulted, had the wishes of some people been met, in
consuming the brood stock on which the hopes of the future
must rest. We have only to survey the wild-life resources of
the nations most affected by the war to realize what this means.
By reason of the withdrawal of food supplies, the reduction of
gamekeepers and others who exterminate vermin, the consequent
rapid increase of vermin, and the almost complete failure to
continue restocking operations, the wild life in these countries
to-day has been set back so far that it will require long years
to restore even the pre-war conditions. The realization that
the Commonwealth has been protected from such ravages should
be a matter of great thanksgiving among the people of the State.

The mounting costs of materials and the scarcity of labor re-
quired that during this period our various enterprises should be
operated at the economic minimum rather than the maximum,
though a comparison of figures for the past few years will show
that, despite the various handicaps, a reasonable production was
kept up at all our stations.

Shortly after the beginning of this fiscal year the signing of
the armistice seemed to presage more normal conditions, but our
experience was that the difficulties of the work increased rather

2 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

than diminished. It was necessary to constantly revise our
financial program and to postpone many replacement and repair
matters, which, though reasonably inexpensive and calculated
to bring very substantial returns, funds would not permit us to
make. Every effort was put forth to prevent depreciation in the
property under our control, though little new construction was
undertaken.

Appreciating the great demands on the taxpayers of the Com-
monwealth we placed in our budget for the year only such items
of new construction as were regarded as emergencies.

The one outstanding feature is, that we have preserved the
wild life of the Commonwealth, and we should all be enthusi-
astic to go forward with a program calculated to further pro-
tect, and annually to substantially increase it. This will call for
certain further restrictions in the taking of fish and game. In
the light of our new Americanism it should appear reasonable to
withhold from the aliens in our communities the privilege of ex-
ploiting the natural resources of the Commonwealth until they
have resided with us long enough to understand conditions, and
until they have assumed the responsibilities of citizenship.

Organization.

Chapter 350 of the General Acts of 1919 provides for the re-
grouping of all the commissions into not to exceed twenty de-
partments. It provides for a Department of Conservation, in
which will be grouped the forestry, fisheries and game and
animals industry activities, headed by a State Forester, a Direc-
tor of Fisheries and Game, and a Director of Animal Industry,
respectively. The act further provides that the Governor shall
designate one of these three officers to serve as the Commis-
sioner of Conservation at the head of the department. The
two remaining heads of divisions shall act as an advisory council
to the commissioner. The act takes effect on Dec. 1, 1919.

Finances.
We have not found it necessary to make any substantial
changes in our methods of handling the finances of the depart-
ment, our experience confirming the wisdom of laying out a

1919.1

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

thoroughly considered financial program at the beginning of the
year, with sufficient reserves in all branches to meet emer-
gencies. The results achieved by placing the several branches
of the work in charge of representatives who are held person-
ally responsible for results has proved the advisability of retain-
ing this form of organization.

The appropriations for the fiscal year 1919 and available 1918
balances, together with the amounts expended, are shown in the
following table : —

Name of Appropriation.

Available

1918
Balances

and
Amounts
appropri-
ated in

1919.

Expended
1919.

Balances
Nov. 30,

1919.

Personal services of Commissioners, ....

Personal services of office assistants, ....

Office expenses,

Enforcement of laws,

Propagation of game birds, animals and food fish ,

Exhibitions,

Chapter 375, Special Acts of 1917: —

Additions to house at [Marthas Vineyard (balance for-
warded from 1918).
Additions to house at Palmer (balance forwarded
from 1918).
Construction of Lawrence fishway: —

Chapter 161, Special Acts of 1918 (balance),

Chapter 211, Special Acts of 1919,

Chapter 242, Special Acts of 1919,

Chapter 153, Special Acts of 1919: —

Rearing stations,

Constructing pond at Palmer, .

Constructing head trough at East Sandwich,

Purchase of land at Montague, .

Construction of ice house at Montague,

Construction of road at Montague, .

Extending pond at Montague, .

Construction of ice house at Amherst,

Construction of ice house at Pittsfield,

Construction of road at Pittsfield,

87,500 00
7,600 00
11,600 00
63,700 00
72,000 00
1,000 00

78 90
389 10

8,934 17
5,000 00
11,000 00

2,500 00
500 00
1,100 00
1,850 00
300 00
200 00
300 00
300 00
300 00
150 00

8196,302 17

$7,500 00
7,194 79
11,547 32
62,840 75
71,965 59
999 73

78 62

9,802 25

84 08

8172,013 13

8405 21

52 68

859 25

34 41

78 90
310 48

15,131 92

2,500 00
500 00
1,015 92
1,850 00
300 00
200 00
300 00
300 00
300 00
150 00

$24,289 04

4 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

The amount of money received as a result of the activities of
the department, and turned into the general treasury of the
Commonwealth, was $72,794.39, as follows: —

Nonresident hunters' licenses, at $10, $2,428 50

Nonresident hunters' licenses, at $1, 151 25

Resident hunters' licenses, at $1, 65,308 00

Alien hunters' licenses, at $15, 1,770 50

Lobster fishermen's licenses, at $1, 776 50

Nonresident fishing licenses, at $1, . . . . . 58 65

Nonresident fishing licenses, at $0.50, 1 75

Resident fishing licenses, at $0.50, 952 30

Alien fishing licenses, at $1, 47 60

Receipts from game farms and fish hatcheries, . . . 476 48

Game tags, 7 10

Sale of forfeited deer, 598 51

Lease of Chilmark Pond, 75 00

Rent of Monomoy shanty, 10 00

Unclaimed deposits on bids for building Lawrence fishway, . 9 25

Sale of forfeited guns, 123 00

$72,794 39

A new source of income has been provided in the combined
hunting and fishing licenses, the act providing for which went
into effect on Oct. 10, 1919. The purpose of the legislation is to
require those who fish certain inland waters of the State to pro-
cure a license such as has been required of the hunters for a
number of years past. The indications are, judged from the
short time that the law has been in effect, that it will result in
a substantial annual revenue.

Activities outside the State.

Inspection of Migratory Bird Areas.
In January the chairman visited various parts of Alabama for
the purpose of continuing his inspection of the wild-life condi-
tions in that portion of the country which may be described as
the wintering zone. He is a member of the Federal Migratory
Treaty Act Advisory Board, and it is obvious that, as one of the
two members of the Board from the New England States, he

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 5

must have first-hand knowledge of the conditions which obtain
in other parts of the country in order to satisfactorily discharge
these duties.

United States Fisheries Association.
Commissioner Arthur L. Millett represented the Board at the
meeting of the United States Fisheries Association in New York
City from February 13 to 17, when representatives of the com-
mercial fisheries interests met to organize into an association to
be known as the United States Fisheries Association. The re-
sults of this and of the meeting on September 26 and 27, at
which he was also present, are fully discussed in the section on
"Marine Fisheries."

American Game Protective Association.
At this meeting, held March 3 and 4 in New York, Commis-
sioner George H. Graham represented the Board.

International Association of Fish and Game Commissioners.
At this meeting, held at Louisville, Ky., October 6 and 7, the
Board was represented by two members and the biologist.

American Fisheries Society.
Two members of the Board and the biologist attended the
sessions of this society at Louisville, Ky., October 8 to 10. The
contribution from Massachusetts was a paper on pollution of
waters.

FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

EDUCATION.

There were no new features this year in the educational work,
which was curtailed to some extent by reason of the illness of
the chief deputy during the lecture season, and his absence
from the office while serving in the State Guard during the
period when exhibition work at the agricultural fairs was at
its height. Even under these circumstances, however, a con-
siderable amount of lecture work was done throughout the year,
and the members of the Board covered a number of lecture
assignments.

Exhibitions.

At the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Feb-
ruary 14 to 20, an exhibition was made of the various species of
fish and birds that are being propagated.

Nine other exhibits were made at fairs, but owing to the lack
of funds it was necessary to disappoint a number of agricultural
societies that desired our co-operation along this line. The work
of perfecting a standard exhibit, into which annually new features
will be incorporated, was continued. The visualizing of the work
of the department through this means has shown results in the
hearty interest in our work exhibited by people all over the
State. But it is a question to what extent this branch of the
work can be kept up, owing to the great difficulties of trans-
portation and the increasing cost of preparing and handling the
exhibits.

During the past year reels showing certain phases of the work
at the Marshfield Bird Farm and at the Sandwich Fish Hatch-
eries have been added to the collection of moving pictures.

1919.1 PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

ENFORCEMENT OF LAWS.

Personnel.

Sergt. Orin D. Steele and Corp. Edward A. Backus, upon re-
turning from overseas service, resumed their duties in the de-
partment. One new appointment was made — Edward Babson
of Gloucester — soon after his return from duty with the mine-
laying fleet of the United States Navy in European waters
during the war.

The department has met with a great loss in the passing of
Deputy Allen A. David of Taunton. His heart was ever in his
work, and all his thoughts were directed to the problem of how
he could best serve in protecting and conserving our wild life.
He had few thoughts or ambitions that did not include some-
thing to further the work. His personality had won for him a
host of friends, and among these were numbered men whom, in
the course of his work, he had taken to court for violations of
the fish and game laws, for his was the ability to win men to
see the justness of the laws which he was sworn to uphold.

Work of the Year.
The annual conference of the Commissioners and deputies was
held in February. Papers were read on various subjects,
planned to bring out special phases of the work in the various
districts. These papers, and the discussions which followed, dis-
pelled misunderstandings, gave better understanding of the con-
ditions in "the other fellow's" district, and renewed the men's
enthusiasm for the work. Conditions vary considerably in the
different localities, and the discussion of these local problems
often gives the men new ideas and a different angle of vision on
old problems. Moving pictures of the fish hatcheries and game
farms were shown, visualizing the details of these activities to
the men who live too far from the hatcheries to make more
than an occasional short visit. The meeting gave the deputies
a broader view of the conditions in the State as a whole than
they could get in any other manner.

8 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

The two new Ford touring cars purchased in the spring have
been of great assistance to the deputies and to the biologists,
for the constantly deteriorating train and trolley service makes
it very difficult to get into the outlying districts. The effect of
equipping even a small part of the force with automobiles is al-
ready evident. Violators, who in past years knew the beaten
lines of travel which the deputies were obliged to use, can no
longer keep track of the men who, equipped with automobiles,
can get into their districts at any time of the day or night;
hence they are much less willing to "take a chance." Some
frankly tell us that, as our men can get about so easily, they
have given up illegal methods, and now want to see every
one else play the game squarely. Some, going further, have
agreed to report violations to the nearest deputy who has an
automobile at his service, in the hope of taking the violators
red-handed. More machines are needed to bring this branch of
the work to the highest efficiency. In using automobiles in the
work we have secured the best results by sending at least two
men together; and further, in those cases (of which we have quite
a number) where it comes to a question of veracity between the
accused and our deputies, if corroborative testimony can be fur-
nished, the court will more often feel justified in convicting.
The motor cycle has also rendered effective service, and addi-
tional machines could be used to good advantage.

Notwithstanding the diversion of deputies for substantial
periods throughout the year to work on fish distribution, fish
salvage, emergency work at rearing stations, and other lines of
activity outside the patrol of their districts, many court cases
have been handled, the number comparing very favorably with
the records of other years.

The table of court cases follows: —

1919.1

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

Classified Court Records, Dec. 1, 1918, to Nov. SO, 1919.

Fines.

-•J

Disposition op Case.

tfj

Violation.

■d

0>
m

"e3

O
G

Aliens with firearms, ....

$800

$550

$10

Birds: —

Protected at all times,

214

Partridge, closed season,

Pheasants, closed season, .

Woodcock, closed season, .

Waterfowl, closed season, .

Game: —

Exposing poison for birds or animals, .

Deer, closed season, ....

Deer, illegally bringing into State,

Rabbits, ferreting, ....

Rabbits, removing from hole,

Squirrels, closed season,

General: —

Hunting without license, .

438

428

Hunting on posted land, .

Hunting on State reservation, .

Hunting on Lord's Day, .

138

128

Hunting with motor boat, .

Transferring hunting license,

Securing license by fraud, .

Trapping with illegal traps or snares,

Trapping with illegal bait,

Fish: —

Bass, closed season, ....

Bass, short,

White perch, short, ....

White perch, bag limit,

Trout, closed season

Trout, short,

122

Pickerel, closed season,

Pickerel, short

FISH AND GAME.

[Nov.

Classified Court Records, Dec.

1, 1918, to Nov.

30, 1919 -

- Concluded.

•

Fines.

o
1

Disposition of Case.

Violation.

m
O

a
|

T3*

a>
>

c
o
O

a
a

■8°

Lobsters : —

Lobsters, short

$547

$492

Lobsters, egg-bearing,

Lobsters, interfering with pots or traps,

Lobsters, taking without a license,

Lobsters, illegally taking in Massa-
chusetts.
Shellfish: —

Scallops, seed,

240

130

Scallops, taking without a permit,

Clams, taking without a permit,

General: —

Fishing in closed ponds,

Fishing in fresh waters other than by

hook and hand line.
Torching,

20
100

20
60

;

2
2

Trawling,

Maintaining fish traps,

Fishing with more than ten hooks, .

Total

83,812

S3, 072

S38

261

275
... 1

Summary.

Number of cases 275

Fines imposed, $3,812

Fines paid to Nov. 30, 1919, - $3,072

Costs of court paid to Nov. 30, 1919 38

Cases discharged 19

Cases convicted, 261

Cases appealed 16

Cases filed, 33

Number of laws violated, 43

Among those brought to account this year were some who
have been persistent violators, and who were convicted of fla-
grant violations of law. Typical of these are the following
cases: —

Romolo Adrower of Winthrop, Mass., a naturalized Italian,
who was apprehended by Deputy James E. Bemis at Ashland
on October 22, with 4 robins and 1 fox sparrow in possession.

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 11

His Honor Judge Willis A. Kingsbury of the Framingham court
fined this man $50, which was paid. Henry Yanaco of Boston
was apprehended on October 13 in Ashland by Deputies James
E. Bemis, Jay Snell and Elmer A. Maeker, and was found to
have 7 robins and 4 vesper sparrows in his possession. In this
case Judge Kingsbury imposed a fine of $25. Upon complaint
of Deputy Thomas L. Burney for the illegal killing of a pheas-
ant on September 21, Judge Henry T. Lummus of Saugus fined
Lewis Goldani of Boston $50.

Leon E. James was taken by Deputy Dennis F. Shea in the
act of killing a wood duck (protected at all times in this and in
almost every other State in the Union, as well as by the Federal
law), and Judge Henry C. Davis of Ware imposed a fine of
$10, which was paid. Walter K. Chapman of Ipswich was
arrested on September 9 by Deputy Edward E. Babson for kill-
ing a black duck before the season opened, and Hiram N. Currier
of Beverly was taken by Deputies Carl E. Grant and Edward
Babson for shooting black ducks on February 22, over a month
after the season closed, a violation of the Federal as well as of
the State law.

Horace E. Elliott of Beverly was arrested by Deputy Carl E.
Grant and Edward Babson, and was convicted on April 16 for
placing poisoned baits for killing foxes. Judge Geo. B. Sears of
Salem imposed a fine of $10 for this offence. This amount is
too small, as the price of one fox pelt will pay this fine twice
over. In addition to this fine the defendant paid over $75 to
the owners of five dogs that had been killed by picking up the
baits which he admitted having put out.

The law pertaining to deer gives them but small protection.
On only an occasional case can sufficient evidence be secured to
convict a person for taking deer out of season, but on Novem-
ber 7 Deputy James E. Bemis and Mr. Charles W. MacNear,
a deputy serving without compensation, brought Robert L.
Hebden of Ashland before Judge Kingsbury at Framingham for
killing a deer in closed season, and he was fined $75. Much
credit in this case is due to Mr. MacNear, who was in a posi-
tion to get full information and to point out the guilty party.

Robert Cushman of Duxbury was taken before the court by
Deputy Charles E. Tribou, charged with the possession of 21

12 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

uncooked lobsters less than 9 inches long. Some were as small
as 6J inches. A fine of $63 was imposed, which was paid. On
September 13 the John Nagle Company, dealers in lobsters at
the Fish Pier, South Boston, was charged by Deputies F. W.
Goodwin and Edward E. Babson with selling 48 uncooked
lobsters less than 9 inches long. A fine of $96 was imposed by
Judge Edward L. Logan in the South Boston court.

Deputy William H. Seaman, assisted by Messrs. W. A.
Pierce and Edward F. Bowen, found Joseph Bourque fishing
with more than 10 hooks in Emery Pond, Raynham. Judge
W. S. Woods of Taunton found him guilty and imposed a fine
of $20. He was using 26 floats with hooks attached. On June
5 Fred W. Bridges of Holyoke was taken in Plainfield by
Deputy L. E. Ruberg with 27 short trout in his possession.
Although he was charged with the possession of only 3 of the
above number, Judge John B. O'Donnell of Northampton im-
posed a fine of $50. It may be mentioned that this type of
violation is getting less common.

Considerable trouble has been experienced by certain deputies
through the illegal taking of scallops from the waters of Buz-
zards Bay. With the assistance of Messrs. Walter K. Perry
and Paul Blankinship, and others interested in the preserva-
tion of this valuable fishery, Deputies S. J. Lowe and W. H.
Seaman last January brought Albert Bessette before Judge
James P. Doran at New Bedford for taking "seed" scallops.
"Seed" scallops are those which have not reached the age of re-
production and on which the future scallop fishery depends. A
fine of $25 was imposed. On September 10 Arthur Bessette,
brother of the above defendant, was before Judge Bert J.
Allen of Wareham on complaint of Mr. Blankinship for a
similar offence, and was fined $25. Louis Baillargeon of Fair- !
haven was arrested by Messrs. Perry and Blankinship at
Mattapoisett, and paid a fine of $25 on conviction before
Judge Nathan Washburn at Wareham. He was charged with
opening seed scallops in a boat. This was done to destroy the
evidence, as, if landed, the size of the scallops would have
proclaimed them to be illegal. Messrs. Perry and Blankinship,
who assisted in the foregoing cases, are deputies serving without
compensation.

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 13

It was reported to this department early last year that George
H. Cummings of Shrewsbury, an unpaid deputy, had been
guilty not only of conduct unbecoming an officer, but of direct
violations of the law. Inquiry discovered witnesses who
claimed that Mr. Cummings had accepted a bribe to refrain
from bringing to court a case where short pickerel had been
taken, and the case in question had never been presented to
court. In several other instances he had accepted amounts
equal to the fines which might have been imposed, and had
kept the cases out of court. Deputy Jay Snell of the regular
force placed this man before Judge Samuel Utley of the lower
court on April 5. He was tried in the Superior Court on May
29 by Judge Joseph O'Connell of Worcester and fined $100.

During the year 40 hunting licenses were revoked, and the
city or town clerk notified, in accordance with the law, that the
holders would not be entitled to another certificate for a period
of one year from the date of conviction.

Hunting by aliens is one of the most frequent violations.
Conviction for this offence carries with it forfeiture of firearms.
Fifty such forfeited guns and rifles were sold during the year in
accordance with the provisions of the law, and the proceeds
turned into the treasury of the Commonwealth. These firearms
are of the lowest grade in almost every instance, and bring but
a small price. Some turned over to us were in such condition
that they were as dangerous to the hunter as to the quarry. A
small caliber gun, taken from a man in the woods, had a twist
in the barrel, and if discharged would probably have exploded.
Alien hunters go afield with the intention of throwing away the
gun if apprehended, and consequently use cheap guns so that
the loss will not be so great. That this and not lack of money
is the real reason for use of cheap guns is borne out by the fact
that our court records show that in almost every instance the
$50 fine is paid on the spot.

Concerted drives by squads of deputies in automobiles, di-
rected against the violators of the lobster laws, inaugurated last
year with such satisfactory results, were continued this year and
kept up pretty continuously through the lobster fishing season.
Forty-four cases were brought into court and $807 in fines im-
posed, of which $667 was paid. An interesting case is that of

14 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

E. S. Publicover of Duxbury, convicted of having short lob-
sters in possession. Mr. Publicover made the statement before
Judge Harry B. Davis of the third Plymouth District Court
that if the sentence in this case were suspended, he believed
he could induce the lobster fishermen of that locality to form
an association. Judge Davis accepted his proposition, taking
pains to explain to Mr. Publicover and to the local lobster
fishermen that he was opposed to the practice of dealing in
short lobsters, and that he would impose increasingly heavy
fines in all cases brought before him for this offence. He ex-
pressed his willingness to attend a meeting of the lobstermen
and explain his views on the subject, in the hope that they would
form an association and realize the benefits to be derived from
observing the laws. A meeting of the lobster fishermen was
arranged by our Board, and was held on November 12, in
Ocean Hall, Brant Rock. Judge Davis came before the men
and gave them a very stirring talk. A member of the Board
and the district deputies were present, and representatives of
other associations. We take this occasion to commend the
public service of Judge Davis in this connection, and we believe
that the results will be far-reaching in that locality. When
such an association is formed in a community where the word
has always been "to go and get all there is to be had, and take
a chance on getting by," we find that it bears fruit within a
short time, and the fishermen reap the benefit of increased
catches of legal lobsters.

There is a real need for the development of a corps of trained
fish messengers, one for each hatchery, to relieve the district
deputies of the responsibility for this branch of the work, and
to give them the opportunity to care for their districts without
interruption. One of our district deputies has traveled a dis-
tance of 17,000 miles this season in fish distribution. There are
many persistent violators who can never be apprehended unless
our men are free to follow them up at the time when something
is going on. At present it frequently happens that, when con-
ditions are about right for securing conclusive evidence which
would bring a conviction, a deputy may receive notice to deliver
a shipment of fish, with the result that by the time he returns
and tries to pick up the trail again the opportunity is past.

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 15

We have noted that during the past year more stringent regu-
lations concerning deer have been put into effect in some of the
near-by States. This is the result of fifteen cases brought be-
fore the courts of this State and the Federal courts last year for
violation of interstate commerce regulations in the shipment and
sale of game. Deputies F. W. Goodwin and Carl E. Grant
aided the Federal officers materially in the prosecution of the
cases before the Federal courts. The persons concerned have
discontinued this traffic to a great extent, and the convictions
have had a deterrent effect on others who might have been
tempted to do likewise.

Our work is still hindered by the lack of a proper boat for en-
forcing the laws along shore, particularly those in regard to
lobsters, torching and seining by alien fishermen, and the hunt-
ing of migratory water fowl on the Lord's Day. At some sea-
sons of the year practically the whole length of the coast from
Newbury port to Westport needs to be patrolled. It is next to
impossible to hire a boat for law-enforcement work except at
a very high rate, and unless the owner is guaranteed against
any damage to the boat, for there is a general fear on the part
of boat or automobile owners that by letting us use their boats
or cars they will incur the enmity of the persons convicted.
The value of a fast boat was demonstrated this fall, when a
public-spirited citizen loaned a swift boat to our Deputy Orin
D. Steele for use in Boston Harbor. In three days' time vio-
lators were apprehended and substantial fines paid, exceeding
the expense of the boat and the deputies. Still better, word
was circulated that the Commission had the upper hand of the
situation, and those who otherwise would have taken chances
abandoned their methods. This, we notice, is apt to be the
case wherever our men have demonstrated that they are mas-
ters of the situation.

New Legislation, Session of 1919.

The General Court of 1919 enacted fifteen laws relating to
fisheries and game.

Chapter 8, General, prohibits the taking of alewives for five
years in the Weweantit River.

Chapter 33, General, makes it lawful to spear eels and carp.

16 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

These species are of practically no value for food. They suck
from the bottom of ponds the material on which fish feed, and
undoubtedly take in the eggs of other valuable fish. It has been
found that where the carp are plentiful in our local waters the
other fish are very scarce, and the people who originally in-
troduced them now recognize the unwisdom of having done so.

Chapter 39, General, extends the time in which the Commis-
sioners may lease Tisbury Great Pond.

Chapter 40, General, establishes a close season on quail, until
1922, in Essex, Dukes and Nantucket counties. The almost
total extinction of the quail in these localities makes such action
necessary.

Chapter 57, General, authorizes the Fish and Game Commis-
sion to permit the taking of smelt in inland waters, subject to
rules and regulations to be approved by the Governor and
Council.

Chapter 65, General, extends to all wild birds and quadrupeds
the protection formerly accorded to game birds only, against
trapping, snaring, netting, pursuit by power boat or taking by
swivel or pivot gun.

Chapter 66, General, establishes a close season on raccoons
from January 1 to September 30.

Chapter 83, General, increases the penalty for taking wild
birds and animals by illegal methods.

Chapter 153, General, changes the open seasons on ruffed
grouse, woodcock, quail and gray squirrels from the month of
November to October 20 to November 20; establishes the open
season on hares and rabbits from October 20 to February 28;
and further, provides a close season on ruffed grouse until
Oct. 20, 1920.

Chapter 200, General, provides a bounty on seals. Seals have
multiplied undisturbed since the repeal in 1908 of chapter 139
of the Revised Laws. They destroy such quantities of fish as
to make extermination desirable.

Chapter 296, General, requires that persons be licensed to fish
in all inland waters of the Commonwealth which have been
stocked by the Fish and Game Commission since Jan. 1, 1910.
The provisions and purposes of this act are fully discussed in
the section of this report on "Inland Fisheries."

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 17

Chapter 334, General, permits this Board to make rules and
regulations governing the taking and sale of seed and adult
scallops in certain instances.

Chapter 351, General, creates the office of inspector of fish,
and provides for the regulation of the sale and storage of fresh
food fish.

Chapter 73, Special, revokes certain rights formerly held by
Alexander K. Crocker for taking alewives from Mill River,
Sandwich.

Chapter 201, Special, authorizes the Board of Commissioners
on FisheriejS and Game to lease Bartlett's Marsh Pond and
White Island Pond, Wareham, for the artificial propagation of
alewives.

Recommendations foe Legislation.
The Board of Commissioners on Fisheries and Game respect-
fully recommends the passage of laws designed to accomplish
the following purposes:- —

1. To allow the Commissioner of Conservation to make rules
and regulations to control the taking of salmon.

The Commissioners believe that the taking of salmon may be best
regulated by rules and regulations as the conditions may indicate changes
needed, and the matter of seasons, etc., can best be regulated in this
manner.

2. To extend the close season on black bass and establish a
catch limit thereon.

Many fishermen do not use judgment in this regard, and in the excite-
ment of catching bass take more fish than they need or can use. Others
make a business of fishing for market, and some bag limit is necessary to
conserve our bass supply. The close season during the winter is asked
to conserve the bass for the next breeding season.

3. To stop the sale of pickerel and establish a catch limit
thereon.

This is imperative because market fishermen are rapidly killing out the
breeding fish in many of our great ponds, and they must be checked if
we are to continue to have pickerel.

18 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

4. To establish a catch limit on homed pout and yellow
perch, and establish a close season on horned pout.

Our waters are being sadly depleted by many heedless fishermen, and
unless the small fish are given a chance to reproduce they will soon be
killed out. Horned pouts care for their young, and if the adults are
taken during the breeding season many schools of small fish are lost.

5. To allow the Commissioner of Conservation to screen
certain ponds and streams.

Many times it seems as if all efforts to stock certain waters are without
result. Many species of fish adapted to pond life are salt-water seeking
at certain times of the year, and will leave ponds and rivers if not retained
by screens, which many times may be erected at a small cost, and con-
serve large quanticies of small fish at flood times.

6. To repeal chapter 312 of the General Acts of 1917 and
chapter 212 of the General Acts of 1918 (concerning the licens-
ing of lobster fishermen), and enact a new law carrying the
essential features of the above acts, and annulling certain
inconsistencies and adding new sections to make it more con-
sistent with the needs of the fishermen.

This is in conformity with the suggestions of deputies and fishermen
after having given it two years' trial.

7. To correct an unintentional error in chapter 20 of the
General Acts of 1917, which is for the protection of wild or
undomesticated birds.

In this act the words "or having in possession" were omitted in the
first line. These words are very necessary to the proper enforcement of
this act, as a person seen coming from the woods with one of these pro-
tected birds would not be liable unless it could be proven (often times
difficult to do) that he had " taken or killed" the bird.

8. To extend the close season on ruffed grouse.

The breeding season of ruffed grouse in 1919 seems to have been fairly
good, and more birds are in our covers, but we do not think that the
danger point has been more than temporarily covered, and that a longer
period of protection is needed. Birds which are legally taken in other

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 19

States and countries, and are the property of hunters who have legally
taken them, should be allowed to be brought in if not in violation of the
laws of the States whence they came. Five days should be allowed to
come from some of the back woods of Maine and New Brunswick.

9. To allow the sale of the skin and body of raccoons and
other fur-bearing animals.

As the law does not seem to be clear about the sale and possession of
the bodies and skins of raccoons and other fur-bearing animals, this new
law is necessary to definitely state that they could be taken and sold
legally. The principal object of the law was primarily to be sure that the
fur was in prime condition, and to insure better pelts and prices.

10. To prohibit cats on certain areas which are noted as
breeding grounds for birds.

The law relative to cats on the island of Muskeget has been very bene-
ficial to the summer bird colonies, and the further extension of this law is
asked to cover other islands that are especially noted for bird colonies.
It will be a hardship on no one to order that cats shall not be taken onto
these areas.

11. To dispose of certain property not at the present time
used by the department.

The Adams Hatchery was established under chapter 60 of the Resolves
of 1898, and had been used until the winter of 1918. The results have
been poor compared with other stations, and the water supply is inade-
quate and cannot be supplemented. Fish hatched at this station are not
strong, fry cannot be kept for a reasonable length of time after hatching,
and the hatchery is too expensive to maintain for the amount of fish
which are reared. We consider that it is not an economical proposition
to try to continue this station.

12. To clarify the provisions of section 8 of chapter 296 of the
General Acts of 1919, which has confused both the clerks and
the deputies as to the meaning and scope of this section.

A more concise wording must be given so that there will be no con-
fusion or misinterpretation as to who is entitled to a trapping license. A
fee is necessary to compensate the town and city clerks for their work in
issuing these trapping certificates.

20 IISH AND GAME. [Nov.

13. To shorten the open season and place a bag limit on
rabbits and hares.

This is necessary so that our hares and rabbits will not be exterminated.

14. To provide for exhibitions and other means of interesting
and educating the public in the conservation and propagation
of birds, fish and game in the Commonwealth, $2,000.

The publicity work conducted for several years past has been pro-
ductive of results which make it very desirable that this line of endeavor
be continued.

15. To provide for investigation and preliminary plans for the
establishment of a salt-water fish hatchery, $2,000.

This Commonwealth has off its shores one of the most valuable coastal
fisheries of any State in the Union. It has been demonstrated that
certain species of salt-water fish which frequent our shores can be success-
fully propagated. In order to maintain and increase the present supply,
eventually the State should own and operate a fully equipped, large-
sized hatchery for propagating these species.

16. To provide for additions and replacements to the build-
ings and equipment of the hatcheries and game farms under the
control of the department.

Montague Rearing Station.
Road, 8200; Fence, 8200; Construction of Additional Rearing Pools,
82,500. — The road is a new one, running over soft ground. To put it in
condition to stand the heavy teaming necessitated by the work, the sum
asked will be necessary. A fence is needed to keep out stock grazing on
the land, and to better control visitors, to whom no opportunity should
be given to go near the pipe valves regulating the water system. More
rearing pools are needed to increase the capacity of the plant and utilize
it to the limit.

Amherst Rearing Station.
Enlarging Water-supply Pond and Construction of Additional Rearing
Pools, 81,000; Road, 8200; Fence, 8200; Purchase of Land, 8875.— The
enlargement of the water-supply pond and construction of additional
rearing pools is necessary in the development of the station. The same
reasons which make road and fence necessary at Montague Rearing

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 21

Station apply also at Amherst. The land on which the work is carried
on is now held under lease with option of purchase, which expires in June,
1920. The sum asked for is for taking up the option.

Palmer Hatchery.
Building, $4,000; Additional Rearing Pools, 83,000; Extension of
Pipe Line, $1 50; Repairs to Tenement House, S800. — A building is
necessary to house a large and a small truck. A second story would pro-
vide for the storage of fish cans, special screens used in bass culture, gear
for use in salvage work, tools and other bulky equipment. Additional
rearing pools are needed for salmon, trout, horned pout and perch culture,
as well as bass. The pipe line should be extended from the superin-
tendent's house to the tenement house, and certain much-needed repairs
made on the latter.

Sandwich Fish Hatcheries.

Sandwich Station.
Cement Head Trough for Nursery Ponds, $300; Driven Wells, $100;
Fence, $750. — The wooden head trough has been in use for a number of
years, and is now in a state of decay, making it imperative that it be re-
placed. Should it give way at any time, through lack of repair, the loss
of all the fish in the hatchery might easily follow. Twelve additional
driven wells to supplement the water supply would add to the efficiency
of the hatchery; and a portion of the station grounds along the State
highway should be fenced off.

East Sandwich Station.
Six Cement Ponds, $2,500; Building, $4,000; Erlargement of Stripping
House, $1,500; Three Nursery Ponds, $500; Six Driven Wells, $100;
Road, $750; Purchase of Land, $75. — The six cement ponds are needed
to replace ponds of wooden construction, which are now so rotted as to
be dangerous to the fish in the ponds, and of limited rearing capacity.
A building is needed which will house a large and a small truck, with a
second story for the storage of fish cans, special gear used in salvage work,
tools and other bulky equipment. The house in which stripping of fish
is done should be enlarged, and equipped with batteries for the batching
of perch, smelt aud alewife eggs. In the development of the station three
additional nursery ponds for rearing fingerling trout, and six additional
driven wells, are needed. A road should be constructed from the main
road around the pools and back to the main road by way of the office
building. A portion of the land included in the East Sandwich Station
is now held under lease, with option of purchase which expires in 1920.
It is desired to add this land to that alreadv owned here bv the State.

22 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

Sutton Hatchery.
Reconstruction of Rearing Pools, 82,000; Reconstruction of Hatchery
Building, $3,000; Grading, Drainage, etc., $500. — It is very desirable
that the rearing pools be reconstructed to eliminate much wooden con-
struction which has rotted out and cannot be repaired, thus increasing the
rearing capacity of the water supply. The hatchery building is in a very
dilapidated condition. The sills have rotted away, and in its present
condition it is unfit for use. An appropriation is needed for rebuilding it.
In connection with the work of making this over into a rearing station
considerable work needs to be done in grading, drainage and the removal
of discarded pens formerly used in bird rearing.

Marshfield Bird Farm.
House, 8500; Additional Coops and Yards, 8500; replacing Floors in
Brooder House, 8500; Purchase of Land, 82,500. — There is no place at
present where grain can be stored, and a proper place is an absolute
necessity to prevent spoilage. Additional coops and yards are needed for
taking care of the brood and adult stock, owing to the extensions which
have been made in the rearing activities, and with a view to enlarging
the work of hatching and rearing pheasants. The floors in the brooder
house have been so thoroughly riddled by rats as to make it unsafe to
keep birds there, and cement floors should be put in. The land on which
the bird farm is located is held under lease, with option of purchase ex-
piring in 1920. It is desired to purchase this land for a permanent bird
farm.

Sandwich Bird Farm.
Additional Coops and Houses, 81,000; Building, 81,500: Purchase of
Land. 81,700. — -These coops and houses are needed for better housing
the stock. There is no place now where materials can be stored except a
very small shed, which is wholly inadequate for caring for the grain, tools,
shipping crates and other equipment which is in constant use. A proper
building should be provided, with a workshop where coops, etc., could be
built and repair work done. The lease on a portion of the land on which
the bird work is carried on expires, as does the option of purchase, in
1920, and it is desired to take up the option at the proper time.

WlLBRAHAM CtAME FARM.

Repairs on Superintendent's House, 8500: Repairs on Tenement House,
8300; Completion of Camp, 8200; replacing Fences, etc., $1,000. — Both the
superintendent's house and the tenement house require repairs to make
them comfortable for the occupants. The partly completed camp on the

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 23

grounds should be finished for use, during rearing season, of the man in
charge of the stock. Considerable replacement work is needed during
the coming year of worn-out wire fences, bird runs and pens.

Marthas Vineyard Reservation.
Repairs on Barn, 8300; Storage House, S100; Work on Superintendent's
House, 8250; Shed, 8500; Reforestation Work, 8300; Fire Stops, 82,500. —
The barn on the reservation is no longer safe, and the repairs which have
been required for some time should be no longer delayed. The floor needs
to be replaced, foundations relaid, windows replaced and portions of the
wall rebuilt. This building is used, not only for the housing of tools, hay
and stock, but for the automobile as well. A small building near the
house, designed for office and workshop, but never .completed, could by a
small outlay be used to good advantage. A porch is needed on the super-
intendent's house for the comfort of the occupants. There is no porch
or piazza whatever at present. The shed asked for is for the storage of
farm implements and general storage purposes. Reforestation work on
this area should be continued. There is a substantial portion of the land
suitable for reforestation, which would add to its value as a bird sanctuary
by providing wintering cover for the birds, as well as a cleaner forest
floor for breeding and feeding purposes. The main object of the reserva-
tion is the preservation of the heath hen, and the greatest danger to be
guarded against are the fires which in the past have swept its covers at
intervals. The fire stops broken out in past years should be plowed out
and extended. In their present condition they would not perform their
function in case a fire should start.

24 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

BIOLOGICAL DEPARTMENT.

The biological work, which has been at a standstill owing
to the fact that the biologist, Dr. David L. Belding, and his
laboratory assistant, Mr. Leslie J. Gilbride, were in the serv-
ice during the war, was actively resumed upon the return of
Dr. Belding in May. As the results of the work on various
lines have been set forth in appropriate places throughout
the report, only brief mention is made here of the ground
covered.

Mr. James A. Kitson entered the service as assistant biologist
in May, 1919. His chief duty will be to conduct field investiga-
tions. Mr. Gilbride resumed his position as laboratory assistant
in September, 1919.

As in the past, no laboratory facilities were available at the
State House, and the former quarters at the Evans Memorial
Hospital were unobtainable. Without funds for renting outside
quarters the necessary laboratory work has been conducted in
quarters supplied by friends of the biologist, and by means of a
portable laboratory. The rear compartment of a five-passenger
Ford car was fitted with two strongly built trunks, one resting
between the seats, the other upon the seat. These trunks con-
tain compartments for essential laboratory apparatus. Thus a
useful laboratory can be quickly set up for use in any part of
the State, proving of special advantage in field work. It is
hoped that quarters for a permanent laboratory may be avail-
able in the ensuing year, as the nature of the proposed work
emphatically demands permanent quarters, as well as a port-
able laboratory.

Much of the time of the biologist is taken up in routine
matters, — answering numerous inquiries and letters, identifying
specimens, examination of ponds, streams or coastal waters,
determining the cause of death of fish and game at the hatch-
eries or bird farms, and any other special matters which should
be investigated from a biological standpoint.

A survey of the present condition of the alewife fisheries in
all of the coastal streams was completed. Likewise our experi-
ments were continued in connection with the breeding of ale-

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 25

wives, which is more fully set forth in connection with the
work of the Sandwich Fish Hatcheries.

In the installation of fishways it is very essential to have the
biological problems studied before any construction work is
started, in order to be sure that, given the mechanical arrange-
ment by which to ascend the stream, the fish will not be held
back by such other considerations as pollution and disturbance
of spawning grounds. The run of fish must be followed, the
spawning habits studied, and likewise the period when the
mature fish return to the sea and the time when the young
alewives go back. It is only by conducting these field investi-
gations that the data can be compiled for future improvements
in the work.

Comparatively little work has been done in connection with
the important subject of fish and bird diseases. The most
interesting specimen this year was a fibroid tumor from the
peritoneal cavity of a white perch taken from Waban Lake,
Wellesley. Substantial progress has been made in collecting
available information on fish and bird diseases and collating it
for reference in further studies of these subjects.

Very often a large amount of time is devoted to the working
out of the details of a plan which may not be put into operation
until the following year or years. This is true of the subject of
pollution this year. Much time was given to a study of the
subject, with a view to establishing a plan upon which this
work can be more effectively followed in the future. Some
action was taken in reference to individual cases of pollution, as
more fully set forth under that subject.

A standard method of recording pond and stream surveys has
been perfected during the year and adopted for use in the
States of Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York in a meet-
ing of representatives from the commissions of those States held
at Hackettstown, N. J., in November, 1919.

26 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

WILD BIRDS AND ANIMALS.

Breeding Season.
The remarkably mild winter which obtained over the whole
State assisted greatly in insuring high vitality in the brood
stock, both in animals and birds. With certain local excep-
tions the conditions during the breeding season were exception-
ally favorable to all wild life.

Forest Fires.
The number of forest, brush and grass fires was smaller, and
the total area burned over considerably less than for the last
few years, due to a certain extent to the large amount of rain-
fall. Not many large tracts were burned over, the most ex-
tensive being 1,300 acres in North Attleborough on May 29,
and 1,500 acres in Gloucester on August 12. This can be a
source of serious injury to wild life, for a fire in the nesting
areas during breeding time will mean a large loss of eggs> young,
and, to some extent, adult birds. This evil has been greatly
minimized in recent years by the equipment of towns with
motor fire apparatus, the more general use of the telephone, and
the increasing efficiency of the State forest fire service.

Posted Land.
We believe that a better understanding is coming to exist
between the sportsmen and fishermen of the Commonwealth
and the owners of the land. The solution of this problem lies
very largely in the hands of the sportsmen and fishermen them-
selves. It will never be solved until the citizen who goes onto
the land of another will respect the property rights of the
owner, and will treat the land and the fences, the gates, build-
ing and other equipment thereon with the same care and con-
sideration that he would use if the property were his own. The
development of this sense of responsibility and accountability
in the mind of every sportsman and fisherman is the first
requisite.

1919.1

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

Effect of the War on Hunting.

The question occurred to us over a year ago as to what
would be the effect of military training on the young men of the
country in the way of stimulating a larger interest in the use of
firearms and in the outdoor sports of hunting and fishing. We
have looked into the records of the civil war in vain for any en-
lightenment on this point. It is true that at the end of the war
there was a vast new country west of the Mississippi River
whi 4i appealed to numbers of adventurous young men, and
many of them migrated to it. On the other hand, there is
nothing to show that greater numbers took up the sports who
had not prior to the war been interested in firearms as a sport-
ing proposition.

We have been especially interested this year to see what
would be revealed in the number of hunting licenses issued as
compared to a similar period last year. We find that during the
period Jan. 1, to Nov. 30, 1918, 58,529 hunting licenses were
issued, and during the same period for 1919, 73,480, showing
an increase of 25 per cent.

The figures of the actual number of hunting licenses issued in
certain representative towns and cities in each county for three
years past are interesting : —

Comparative Table of Hunters' Licenses issued during the Years 1917,

1918 and 1919.

Jan. 1 to
Nov. 30, 1917.

Jan. 1 to

Nov. 30, 1918.

Jan. 1 to
Nov. 30, 1919.

Barnstable County: —

Barnstable,

Falmouth,

328
261

129
275

378
272

Berkshire County: —

Pittsfield,

North Adams

1,045
549

1,062
576

1,079
642

Bristol County: —

Taunton,

New Bedford

Fall River

596
725
551

627
843
514

804

1,186

671

Dukes County: —

Edgartown,

Tisbury

121
113

103
113

97
136

FISH AND GAME.

[Nov.

Comparative Table of Hunters! Licenses issued during the Years 1917,
1918 and 1919 — Concluded.

Jan. 1 to
Nov. 30, 1917.

Jan. 1 to
Nov. 30, 1918.

Jan. 1 to
Nov. 30, 1919.

Essex County: —

Lawrence,

Gloucester,

Lynn,

587
410
639

573
442
609

677
478
767

Franklin County: —

Greenfield,

639

672

770

Hampden County: —

Springfield

Holyoke,

1,715
649

1,807
612

2,191

698

Hampshire County: —

Northampton,

Ware

631
267

591
256

700
252

Middlesex County: —

Lowell,

Marlborough,

921
309

772
312

925

337

Nantucket County: —

Nantucket,

130

158

222

Norfolk County: —

Dedham

375
197

431
175

574
222

Plymouth County: —

Brockton,

511
801

560
830

628
1,050

Suffolk County: —

Boston

Revere,

2,819
168

2,795
181

3,700
204

Worcester County: —

Worcester,

Fitchburg,

2,529
890

2,422
886

2,793
972

19,526

19,326

23,425

The figures indicate that we wrere reasonably accurate in our
surmise that at the close of the war a great many men who
before had led sedentary lives would turn to the outdoors for
recreation. All of this will mean a greater drain on the wild-
life resources of the State, which must be met by increased
artificial propagation, and, in some cases, increased restrictions
in the taking. We believe that the time has gone by wThen any
form of wTild life in this State can stand an annual open season
of four and one-half months, as is the case to-day, for example,
wTith respect to rabbits.

1919.1 PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 29

Migratory Birds.

Song and Insectivorous Birds.

A survey of conditions throughout the State, based on obser-
vations of the district deputies, shows that the song and in-
sectivorous birds are either on the increase or holding their own.
This is especially true of the central section.

As a whole, the conditions in the spring were favorable, with
the exception that on March 27 there was a blizzard in the
western part of the State during which, and in the week follow-
ing when drifts were 6 to 12 feet high, hundreds of bluebirds,
robins, ground sparrows and other small birds perished.

Many species which frequent Marthas Vineyard are becoming
more numerous. Here, as also throughout the State generally,
many people are taking an interest in the welfare of the birds,
and have set up feeding boxes, planted food, and fed the birds
in the severe weather. The schools, too, have helped by teach-
ing the economic importance of birds, and egg-collecting is
getting to be a thing of the past. On Nantucket they are
maintaining their numbers, and the meadow lark, which was
hard hit by the winter of 1918, is regaining lost ground.

Mr. F. Seymour Hersey mentions the breeding of the slate-
colored Junco at Taunton as the outstanding feature of the
season from a scientific standpoint. It breeds regularly north
of Massachusetts and to some extent in the higher parts of the
western portion of the State.

Ornithological Conference. — For a considerable period of years
past the Board, both under the present organization and under
its predecessors, followed a conservative policy in granting per-
mits for the collecting of birds and eggs for scientific purposes,
feeling that the number of specimens taken should be kept to
the minimum. With the passage of the enabling act of 1918,
which put the so-called migratory bird law into operation, be-
gan the issuance of permits by the Biological Survey for the
taking and possession of migratory birds and their eggs for
scientific and for propagating purposes. There were several
forms of permits: —

30 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

1. To take, possess, buy, sell and transport migratory birds, their
nests and eggs, for scientific purposes.

2. To possess, buy, sell and transport migratory birds, their nests and
eggs, for scientific purposes.

3. To take, possess, buy, sell and transport migratory water fowl and
their eggs for propagating purposes.

4. To possess, buy, sell and transport migratory water fowl and their
eggs for propagating purposes, and to sell and transport their carcasses
for food purposes.

These Federal permits, however, are not valid until a corre-
sponding permit has been issued by the State in which the
holder intends to operate.

This brought up, with pressing insistence, the question of
what policy should be followed in regard to the issuance of
scientific permits in this State in the future, for an increase in
the number of applications for permits to collect in Massachu-
setts was immediately noticed. It was apparent that there was
a considerable difference of opinion, among the various persons
interested in bird problems, as to whether a liberal or a con-
servative policy in granting collecting privileges should be
followed, one side advocating, as the Commission had done,
that the killing of birds should be carefully restricted, and the
other side contending that the study of ornithology required the
taking of specimens, and that the -interests of science could be
safely served without undue injury to bird life.

The question of how to handle the applications from taxi-
dermists, to collect protected birds for the purposes of sale,
came up in acute form at this time, owing to the fact that the
Biological Survey had issued such permits, and applications for
State sanction were being received.

The time seemed ripe for the various parties in interest to get
together for an exchange of ideas and to find out what, in the
opinion of the best sentiment of the State, was the proper course
to pursue. Accordingly the Board set February 25 as a date
for such a conference, and invited the officials of the National
and State Audubon Societies, the officials of the Biological Sur-
vey, the State Ornithologist, representatives from the Boston
Society of Natural History and various museums, the Commis-
sioner of the New York Conservation Commission, the holders

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 31

of ornithological permits, and persons who have been active in
the interest of bird life in various ways. Invitations were also
sent to the best-known taxidermists in the State.

Chairman Adams opened the meeting by explaining its pur-
pose, and saying that the Board had not come with any hard
and fast ideas, but was there to receive enlightenment, as it
wished to approach the matter in the way that would give the
largest possible results for the cause. He asked that persons
having any difference of view would state it frankly, and called
on Dr. E. W. Nelson of the Biological Survey to begin by ex-
plaining how far the Federal government planned to go in
granting permits, both for scientific purposes and for taxider-
mists.

Dr. Xelson stated that the Federal permits are really con-
trolled by State action, inasmuch as they are ineffective unless
backed up by a State permit. If there were no State laws,
however, permits would be given to every one desiring to collect
specimens for scientific purposes whose interest he considered
would warrant it. This would include any young man of six-
teen or eighteen years who appeared to have a sufficiently
serious interest in the study of birds to make it probable that
he had in him the making of an ornithologist; for to hamper de-
serving young men is to put the extinguisher on the future
development of ornithology in this country. It is his opinion
that it is necessary for students of birds to have actual speci-
mens, and collections are not always available to them. A
scientific collector, taking pride in his specimens, which are
easily destroyed, would hesitate to permit them to be freely
used by inexperienced young students. He went on to say that,
reviewing in his mind the list of men who have made a study
of ornithology in the United States, he did not recall a single
man who would have been an ornithologist if his interest had
not first been stimulated by the knowledge gained in taking
specimens. He had discussed this point with Mr. William
Brewster and some eight or ten other ornithologists, and they
had agreed without exception that to stop young ornithologists
from collecting would practically end scientific ornithology in
this country. He recommended care, however, and did not
favor the indiscriminate issuance of licenses, for in some cases

32 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

such privileges have been abused. As a case in point he men-
tioned the experience of Texas, where, under such permits,
game was killed out of season to such an extent, and so out-
raged the feeling of the people, that at the next meeting of the
Legislature the law authorizing the issuance of scientific licenses
was repealed. It is for the issuing authorities to see that only
the really deserving receive permits.

He illustrated the necessity of encouraging young students by
recalling the history of ornithology in this country. In Massa-
chusetts in the early days and until the 70's there were few
game laws, and these were practically dead letters and rarely en-
forced up to 1885. Along in the late 70's some young fellows
in Cambridge — William Brewster, H. W. Henshaw and others
■ — became interested in birds. They began to collect, and this
group gradually developed into the Nuttall Ornithological Club.
The interest spread from Massachusetts to other parts of the
country, and resulted in the formation of the National American
Ornithologists' Union. One of the first acts of this organization
was to form a committee on bird protection, and another on
bird distribution and migration. The committee on bird pro-
tection, in the course of a few years, developed into the Na-
tional Association of Audubon Societies. Dr. C. Hart Merriam
was made chairman of the committee on distribution, and as the
work grew he took it on to Washington, secured a Federal
appropriation of $5,000 a year to carry it on, and developed the
work into the organization now known as the Bureau of Bio-
logical Survey. Probably no one would dispute the claim that
the work of the Audubon Society and the Biological Survey has
been very largely responsible for the development of bird con-
servation in the United States. Thus those sixteen-year-old
boys in Cambridge were the fathers of the present bird laws
and of the sentiment for game conservation which has grown so
tremendously in this country. To-day the United States is a
leader in the world movement for the conservation of wild life.
Canada is working with us, and just before the war started a
Russian official visited the Biological Survey to learn how wild-
life conservation was conducted in this country. Australia, New
Zealand, South Africa and Japan have likewise come to us for
suggestions. This bit of history seems sufficient to show that

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 33

young men who have the proper spirit and proper desire for the
serious study of ornithology should be helped to develop.

On the question of how the taxidermist should be handled,
Dr. Xelson admitted that the problem was more difficult, and
that the taxidermist's activities should be restricted in some
way, and that permits to collect commercially on a wholesale
scale should not be given. But the taxidermist is nevertheless
necessary to properly preserve specimens, and there is no ob-
jection to mounting birds killed in open season. Xeither did he
think that a reasonable amount of commercial collecting should
be prevented, since without this, study specimens for schools,
and in many cases for scientific investigations, could not be
obtained. The Massachusetts Commission has always granted
special permits for the preservation of specimens accidentally
killed in close season by storms, striking against wires, etc. It
was Dr. Nelson's opinion that in such cases the birds should
be mounted at the discretion of the Commissioners. He ex-
plained that the Federal taxidermist permits are in two forms,
— one giving the privilege of receiving and handling the ma-
terial without the right to collect, the other carrying permission
to collect. The issuance of the latter class would be more
limited than the former.

Very interesting discussions followed, of which only the gen-
eral trend can be given.

It was interesting to note that all the ornithologists present
testified to having begun collecting at a very early age. They
agreed that if their interest had not been first aroused, and then
gradually developed and strengthened through the taking,
handling and possession of the specimens, they would never
have been ornithologists. An ornithologist is the result of a
gradual development; he is not born ready-made. The interest
first awakened by a specimen is rather vague. Then they learn
to save what they are interested in; they handle specimens
every day; and the beauty and the variety of characters pre-
sented attract attention more and more and lead to more de-
tailed study. It is a gradual process of evolution and requires
everyday contact. As an illustration, Mr. C. J. Maynard's
interest dates back to the time when he was three years old.
He remembers it distinctly, when his mother laid his first speci-

34 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

men before him, — a screech owl, and he has been working on
birds ever since. When the State Ornithologist called for all
those to rise to their feet, who began collecting when they were
boys, every man stood up.

It seemed to be the general opinion that it would be better to
err on the side of liberality in the granting of permits rather
than to risk checking the development of the science, for it is
growing increasingly difficult for the museums, for instance, to
get young men for field work, since there are so few who are
trained for it. It was pointed out that Massachusetts has al-
ways been a leader in conservation and in promulgating and
enforcing good game laws, and whatever Massachusetts does
will be followed by the western States. Rather than risk
strangling ornithology over the whole country, it would be
better to err on the side of liberality, for the belief was ex-
pressed that, after all, there are not enough birds killed by
collectors to harm the stock. Undoubtedly far more are killed
every year by sportsmen for food, which is perfectly legitimate.
Dr. Nelson believes that at the outside not more than from
40,000 to 60,000 specimens are taken in this country by orni-
thologists in a whole year, so if, as estimated, there are 2,000,-
000,000 birds in the United States, that means but 1 in every
40,000 taken, which is a mere drop in the bucket. It is known
that even where birds suffer tremendous losses, if they have a
fair opportunity they will recover. For instance, a few years
ago a spring storm killed off a large part of the bluebirds from
Washington to Massachusetts, but they have since come back.
One storm can kill off more birds than collectors would take in
a century.

Mr. Winthrop Packard, Secretary of the Massachusetts
Audubon Society, said that his feeling, on the whole, is, that
while it would be a great pity to place hindrances in the way of
a young man who is going to become a second Brewster or For-
bush, he believes it to be wrong to provide opportunity to
shoot birds throughout the State for collections, since there are
many places where access may be had to collections. In his
opinion it is not necessary for an earnest student to shoot birds
for study. The amateur collector may do great harm, for
instance, in this way. Some of the southern birds are reported

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 35

to be slowly moving north, like the mocking birds. There is
always the impulse on the part of the young collector to rush
out and get the bird for his collection, whereas if it had been
left to breed, the range of the species would have been definitely
extended. It was his feeling that the Commission would do well
to use the utmost discretion in issuing permits. In the cam-
paign of education that the Audubon Society is carrying on,
they lay stress both on the economic standpoint and on the
right of dumb animals to live. They believe that young people
should be taught that the needless destruction of bird life is a
very wrong thing.

Prof. Dallas Lore Sharp sums up his feeling thus: bird pro-
tection and not collection is now the concern of the State.

C. Emerson Brown, Esq., of the Zoological Society of Phila-
delphia (writing his views) was strongly on the side of those who
would strictly limit the permits.

On the contention that studies can be made in the museums
as well as in the field, Mr. A. C. Bent covered one angle of the
question by saying:- —

Here is a wholesome, outdoor recreation, which is absolutely harmless.
There is no more harm in killing a robin or a bay-breasted warbler than
there is in killing a duck. We should develop in the young man a good,
health -giving, outdoor spirit, besides making an ornithologist, because we
want all of the outdoor interest developed in the young men. Several
times it has been said that there is no need of a young student making a
collection of his own for study because there is sufficient material in
museums. I grant that there is a vast amount of duplicate material in
museums, but, since I have been preparing for the Smithsonian Institution
my work on plumage changes, I have been astonished to find how much
is really lacking, especially in young birds, and I have been through nearly
all the large museums in California, Washington, New York, Boston and
Philadelphia. I have also been through many big private collections,
and I venture to say that there is not a single collection anywhere in this
country that contains 50 per cent of the material that should be there to
show what I want to know about birds. That is my experience. The
material is not in the collections. But let us suppose the material were
there. Going to a museum to study, the young man finds the room more
or less dark, the birds are unattractive, and very soon he gets tired of it
and gives it up; but let him go out into the fields and get his own material,
and you build up the necessary enthusiasm to make him an ornithologist.

36 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

As to. the problem of the taxidermist, he said: —

I was very glad to welcome what looked like a return of the privileges
to the commercial collector. I looked at it from an ornithological stand-
point. I have always thought that the commercial ornithologist is a
necessary evil. A dealer is a natural clearing house. I do not see any
reason why, just because a commercial dealer makes his living out of the
buying and selling of specimens, he is any different from an ornithologist
. who accepts a salary from an institution, or in any way different from a
man whom we send out to collect birds. This commercial element in
ornithology is absolutely necessary if you are going to get the material
you want, and I have been able to get specimens only by commercializing,
by making it an object to the man I am sending after it. If ornithology is
worth anything it is worth doing well. I think it would be safer to err
too much on the side of overliberality than on the side of conservative-
ness. As to the question of permits to dealers, I think the abuse of privilege
can be checked by requiring reports to be made of material bought and
sold.

In the foregoing Mr. Bent expressed the sentiments that
seemed to be commonly held by the ornithologists present.

Mr. F. Seymour Hersey of Taunton submitted his views by
letter, saying: — ■

I think it is generally admitted that scientific collecting in this country
has not usually shown any injurious effect on the bird life of the locality
in which it has been carried on.

If permits were given to dealers (or taxidermists) under proper re-
strictions I believe it would cause no material decrease in bird life. I see
very little difference between buying a bird skin from a dealer, and send-
ing a collector into the field to obtain it; but museums and individuals
regularly employ collectors, and most States will issue permits to such
collectors. I think dealers should be required to submit sworn statements
of the material handled and to whom sold. Dealers would not collect, or
cause to be collected, more specimens than they could dispose of, and
there is not a large destruction if his activities are limited to specimens
for scientific purposes.

It is true, perhaps, that if dealers were allowed to regularly handle bird
skins and eggs, it would stimulate interest in collecting to some extent,
and there would be some increase in collectors, particularly among the
younger men. However, most men engaged in advanced scientific work
started as young collectors, and unless some encouragement is given to
the younger generation it looks as if scientific ornithology would die out
within a short time.

It is also true that some men who collect contribute nothing to science,

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 37

their collections being simply a source of recreation. Still, we admit that
it is justifiable for men to hunt game as a means of promoting health or
for recreation, and regulations are made so that all may enjoy this sport
and that the game supply of the future may not be exhausted. Therefore
I cannot see why the man who gets similar health and recreation from
collecting should not, in all fairness, be allowed the same privilege, under
proper regulations, of course, so that he will not exceed a reasonable quan-
tity of birds. I am, therefore, forced to believe that permits should be
issued to such people as have an interest in ornithology, even if they are
not really advanced ornithologists, but they should first be vouched for
by responsible and well-known scientists, and their activities should be
regulated by restrictions based on the use they are likely to make of the
specimens they collect.

Regarding your suggestion of a sort of clearing house for specimens, I
might state that it is customary with owners of collections and museums
to loan any desired material to those engaged in advanced research work
along any line. It seems to me that the young beginner, who perhaps
may be in some locality far from any museum, has a need as real as any
for the privilege of collecting. He is usually without ornithological friends
to whom he can turn for information, and his problems are therefore
very real, although his work is only in the nature of self-education. In
this connection I vividly recall my own early experiences.

William Brewster was absent on account of illness, and
though unable to write at length, he said: —

My personal feeling always has been that if permits are granted to any
one they should not be denied to either amateur collectors or professional
taxidermists of good repute. Those men serve the museums usefully and
accumulate much valuable information that is permanently recorded in
ornithological journals and books.

The State Ornithologist expressed the belief that a man, to
know birds, must collect them. He himself is handicapped in
his work for lack of a collection.

For handling the very young boy the suggestion was made,
that he should be taken under the wing of an older ornitholo-
gist, who would keep an eye on him and direct his efforts. This
seems to be a very practical way to handle the situation, and
met with approval.

Commissioner Pratt of New York stated that his state has
been conservative in the past, but believes Dr. Nelson is right
in saying that the only way to get a new crop of ornithologists

38 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

is by encouraging those young men who are taking it up
seriously, but not the ordinary youngster who is taking it up
for the sake of shooting; and the future policy in New York
will be somewhat more liberal.

It was the feeling of those present, as expressed to the Board,
that more frequent meetings of this sort for exchange of ideas
would have a wholesome effect, bring the State officials and the
public together, and serve to break down many barriers of mis-
understanding.

The Commissioners were pleased to have heard the question
discussed so thoroughly, pro and con, and feel disposed for the
present to encourage the young men in the study of scientific
ornithology and to help them in researches along biological
lines. On the other hand, they will, as in the past, endeavor to
make sure that this interest is of a genuine character, and that
it is more than a passing fancy. In those instances where per-
mits are given to young men, the Board will undoubtedly insist
that they operate more or less under the oversight of well-known
ornithologists, or under the direction of some one qualified to
help them pursue their studies.

As to advanced ornithologists, the Commission will co-operate
in all efforts to advance the scientific study of birds.

Commercial taxidermists of responsibility will on application
be given permits to take such specimens as they may receive
orders for from time to time, but under regulations which will
inform the Board of specimens taken.

In 1919, 48 permits to take birds and eggs were issued; 46
reports received; 330 birds reported taken; 763 eggs taken; 7+
average number of birds taken per person, based on number of
reports; 16+ average number of eggs taken per person, based on
number of reports.

Migratory Game Birds.
Upland Plover. — On Marthas Vineyard and Nantucket the
spring flight of upland plover was very small, and a very few
bred. This condition has prevailed for a number of years, and
each year the numbers decrease. The largest breeding colony
in that vicinity is to be found on No Mans Land, though there
are fewer nests than two years ago. Throughout the entire

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 39

State they are scarce, and decreasing in the sections where years
ago they were abundant. Here and there a few breed, but in
no' great numbers. The fall flight was very light. They are
hunted very little.

Black-breasted Plover. • — On the Cape the spring flight started
May 22 and lasted until June 18. At Chatham and all along
the marshes on the lower part of the Cape it was the heaviest
in six years. There was also a very good flight in Bristol
County, but none were seen in the inland districts of Plymouth
County. On Nantucket there was a fairly good flight about the
same time as last year, but they did not stop as long as usual.
On "Marthas Vineyard they are seen in smaller and smaller
numbers as the years go on. In the northeastern section very
few were noted. Some passed over Gloucester and vicinity, but
did not stop. Very few were reported as traveling inland.

The fall flight on Nantucket was fair, and they were far more
plentiful on Marthas Vineyard this fall than last. On the Cape
the flight was normal. They were hunted on the Cape about
as usual, but not to any extent in the rest of the southeastern
section. Very few were seen in the district lying between
Boston and Cape Cod, but in northeastern Essex County they
were observed in good numbers, showing possibly an increase
over previous years.

Golden Plover. — There was no fall flight of golden plover on
Nantucket or on Cape Cod, but on the Vineyard they were
present in greater numbers than last fall. A flock of 40 was re-
ported from Edgartown Plains.

Killdeer Plover. — We are of the opinion that more killdeer
plover were seen in the State this fall than for a number of
years. In all probability this was due to the excessive rains
and the resulting attractive area for the birds, which usually
does not exist in the fall.

Piping Plover. ■ — Piping plover nested along the coast of
Cape Cod and on the islands, and are reported as having been
unusually numerous at Dartmouth the end of June, at which
time the young were as large as their parents and flying strongly.
It seems certain that here this plover had a very successful
season. On Marthas Vineyard more pairs bred along the south
shore of the island than the previous year; on Nantucket,

40 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

about the same as last year. In other parts of the State a few
nests were reported, and the numbers remained about the same.
The smaller species of shore birds generally have shown some-
what of an increase over the preceding year.

Woodcock. — The spring flight of woodcock in the State
appeared to be about normal. The reports indicate that the
number of birds nesting in the State was slightly on the in-
crease.

The breeding season was favorable. While there are occa-
sional severe storms at some period or other during the breeding
season, the woodcock seems remarkably well equipped to suc-
cessfully weather these periods. It is interesting to state that a
brood of young woodcock was reported on June 9 in Mashpee,
and one in Harwich. Xo breeding birds have been reported on
the Cape for many years.

The closing of the season on ruffed grouse had the effect of
turning the attention of many of the gunners to woodcock, and
in general they were more heavily hunted than usual.

Sportsmen commonly argue that the native birds generally
have left the covers by the 10th to the 15th of October, de-
pending a great deal on* the weather conditions. It is also
customary to speak of the weather as regulating, to a great ex-
tent, the migrations of these birds. It seems that, in so far as
this State is concerned, at any rate, there is a wide field for
further observation to determine the extent to which the
movements of the birds are controlled by weather conditions.
There is no doubt that most of our native birds had left by the
time of the opening of the season this fall, but on the other
hand, conditions could not have been more favorable for keep-
ing them here. The general opinion of observers seems to be
that at least the usual number of birds was found this fall
during the usual flight time. The flight was somewhat "spotty,"
in some localities being heavier than usual, and in other locali-
ties lighter. Sportsmen are in the habit of hunting only those
localities in which they have always found birds, and concluding
that few have passed if the birds are not found in the old
haunts. As a matter of fact, woodcock cover changes very
greatly in a few years, and many sportsmen would be rewarded
if, from time to time, they would seek new grounds.

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 41

Wilson or Jacksnipe. — There was nothing unusual about the
spring flight, the birds appearing in about usual numbers.

The fall flight of snipe throughout the State was one of the
most remarkable that has occurred in many years. It is im-
possible to say whether this was due to a favorable breeding
season or to unusually favorable conditions. The large amount
of rain rendered attractive to the birds parts of the State which
are seldom frequented. Not only were the birds found in un-
usual numbers on some of their natural ranges, such as along
the Concord, Charles, Sudbury and Neponset rivers, in the
usual wet meadows in the middle and western part of the State,
and in certain favorable areas along the Connecticut River, but
they were found in such localities as damp places in cornfields
where the corn was in the shock, and on extensive areas of the
salt marshes which had been rendered more or less brackish by
the heavy rainfalls.

Dowitcher or Red-breasted Snipe. — A gradual increase in this
species is reported by Mr. Charles R. Lamb (who holds an
ornithological permit from us) as having taken place during the
past five years. Whereas five years ago he saw but an occa-
sional bird, on Aug. 19, 1918, he saw a flock of 12 at East
Orleans, which were seen again on the 20th; 6 others on the
19th; and at other times several more, single birds, and two's
and three's. Though rather rare on Marthas Vineyard there
were more this fall than last.

Summer Yellow Legs. — In the spring of 1919 there was quite
a large flight on Cape Cod. More than usual were seen in
southern Plymouth County, and greatly increased numbers in
western Norfolk County, where there were large flights over
Norton Reservoir. There was a good flight over the north-
eastern section. On Nantucket there were more summer than
winter yellow legs, and quite a number — more than last year
— stopped for a few days. On Marthas Vineyard this species
has never made much of a showing in the past ten or more
years, and usually but a few small flocks and single birds come.
None at all were seen this year by the deputy.

On the return migration large numbers of yellow legs were
shot on their natural range during the early part of the open
season, which began on August 16. An unusually large number

42 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

of birds was taken on the marshes of Essex, Plymouth and
Barnstable counties. The flight was not of long duration, but
unusually heavy while it lasted.

Winter Yellow Legs. — In the spring the district deputy on
Nantucket saw but few, though they were heard passing over in
the night. Most of them passed outside of the island, and as
the weather was excellent but few stopped. On Marthas
Vineyard the flight grows smaller and smaller each year; but
few birds were heard of this year. The last flight over this
island which amounted to anything was in 1902. On Cape Cod
a few were seen this spring, — far fewer than for a long time.
The birds which passed over the southeastern section of the
State seemed to have stopped on their spring migration, for re-
ports from our deputies indicate that they were present in in-
creased numbers. Large flights were seen over Norton Reser-
voir. On the west side of Buzzards Bay there was a large
spring flight, which started exceptionally early and lasted un-
usually long. One flock of approximately 150 birds was re-
ported. There were good flights, and the birds were seen in
increasing numbers around Kingston and Duxbury. They
passed over the northeastern part of the State in large numbers,
but did not stop. There was a large flight in northeastern
Essex County between May 25 and June 10, and in south-
eastern Essex County the flight was heavier than for many
years. A large flight was noted at Hingham and Weymouth.

On the return migration the birds came along at the usual
periods, but the flight seemed to last a little longer into the fall
than usual. Good flights were reported on most of the marsh
areas along the shore. Fewer birds than usual stopped inland.
It is interesting to note that on some of the areas around a few
of our inland ponds it is usual to note a substantial flight of
both summer and winter yellow legs.

Sandpipers. — On Cape Cod a good many were seen, but
they are not increasing as fast as they should under the protec-
tion afforded by the Federal law. In the southeastern section
there are larger and larger flocks every spring, and the birds
are undoubtedly on the increase. On Nantucket the flight was
small. On Marthas Vineyard, as time goes on, sandpipers show
a very marked loss in numbers. Only a very few have been

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 43

seen in the past three years in comparison with a few years
ago, when one could see them by the hundreds along the shore
beaches. This spring only spotted sandpipers were seen on the
island. Over the State as a whole there is a pretty general
increase in the abundance of the solitary and the spotted sand-
pipers. More were seen in Berkshire County this spring than
at any time in the past ten years.

Willet. — According to the observations of Mr. Charles R.
Lamb the willet, like the dowitcher, has gradually increased
during the five years past.

Curlew. — There were few seen this spring, — four or five at
Nantucket; two sicklebill curlew at Kingston; and a few were
seen in flight in May around Gloucester.

An unusually large sicklebill was seen on Chappaquiddick on
September 18. The bird skulked through the grass, rail-fashion,
and was not found, after having been observed lighting on the
thatch at the edge of the grass. Later it was observed for some
time on the edge of a small slough hole, at a distance of 20
yards. On being flushed it flew out over the water in the
direction of Nantucket and disappeared from view.

On the return flight more Jack curlew were seen this year
than in. the season of 1918 on Marthas Vineyard and on Nan-
tucket. Though not appearing in sufficient numbers to be
called a "flight," more were seen than for a number of years.
A few were reported from the Slocum River in South Dart-
mouth, and a small number along the Duxbury shores. More
than usual were noted in northeastern Essex County.

Godwits. — In the vicinity of Annisquam, about August 25,
a few Hudsonian godwits were seen, the first noticed or reported
there for some years.

Rail. — Though a few years ago the Virginia rail was quite
common and bred around Pocha and Squibnocket ponds on
Marthas Vineyard, at present they are less common, and none
have been heard of this year. Elsewhere in the State there
were none, or but very few, seen in the spring. Some of the
rare black rail are reported to be in the Whitman marshes.

During the fall practically no rails were seen on Marthas
Vineyard, and very few on Nantucket. In fact, "very few" or
"fewer than usual" was the general report for the entire

44 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

coastal district. Inland, too, there were few, though there was
fair shooting of sora and a few Virginia rails at Longmeadow,
and a few sora were taken in the vicinity of Easthampton.

Wood Duck. — Wood ducks are seen very little along the
shores, being a bird of the inland water courses and small
ponds. During 1919 they are reported in the northern and
northeastern parts of the State as increasing in fairly good
numbers, quite a number nesting in these localities. In the
southern and southeastern part very few are reported as having
been seen, either nesting or in flight.

Mallard Duck. — There were few reports of mallards seen in
the spring, and practically all those were birds liberated by the
Commission. All birds liberated from the duck farm at Marsh-
field are marked with an identifying band. Most of the bands
returned to us are found on birds shot in Massachusetts. But
that these propagated birds do migrate, and travel long dis-
tances, is proved by the return of band No. 275 from Lake
Manitoba, 59 miles from Winnipeg, Manitoba, on October 11;
No. 350, found on a mallard duck killed at Norfolk, Neb.; and
No. 904, on a drake killed at McFerren, Ark., November 8.
Only a small proportion of the bands are returned to us.

Red Heads. — Red heads were very scarce in the spring of
1919, and very few were seen in flight. On Marthas Vineyard
but few were present during the winter and spring of 1918-19,
far less than other years, but in the fall they put in their appear-
ance again and were quite numerous. They were also unusually
abundant in Barnstable County, but scarce on Nantucket. In
the latter place they have been scarce for years.

Canvas-back Duck. — Canvas-back ducks are still very scarce,
and not many were seen in the spring flight of 1919. A flock of
about 25 was observed by the superintendent of the Marthas
Vineyard Reservation in Job's Neck Cove of Edgartown Great
Pond, the only ones seen by him this spring. They are not in-
creasing there, but, on the contrary, smaller numbers are com-
ing each winter and fall.

Very few were reported in the State this fall. A flock of 8
was seen in Edgartown Great Pond November 17, and the dis-
trict deputy reports that one pair — the only pair he ever knew
of in his district — was shot in Windsor Pond, Plainfield.

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 45

Black Duck. — Ever since the passage of the spring shooting
bill these ducks show up year after year in increasing numbers.
This continued increase prevailed in the year 1919, and was
true for the entire State, with the exception of Berkshire County.
Whereas for a number of years past the ponds and streams
have been closed by ice, during the past mild winter fresh water
was easily available, which held the birds here and made it un-
necessary for them to continue farther south. Large numbers
wintered all through eastern Massachusetts. Practically the only
place where scarcity was noted was along the Ware River marshes.

Scaup or Blue Bills. — The spring flight was reported as
normal, having in mind a comparison with the past five years.
The fall flight was heavier than usual, with indications that this
duck is on the increase.

Sheldrake. — The spring flight was smaller than usual, but
sheldrake are reported as having been seen during the previous
winter (1918-19) in much greater numbers along the coast from
Plymouth to Newburyport than ever before. The same abun-
dance prevailed in Boston Harbor and along the Merrimack
River. This was due to the mild winter, which allowed them to
secure feed without difficulty. In the southeastern section the
fall flight was unusually large, especially in November. On
Nantucket it was fair, but late. They were present in good
numbers in the northeastern section.

Scoters. — Along practically the whole coastline scoters were
reported as being very plentiful, — fully as numerous as ever
before. Undoubtedly many of them wintered north of Cape
Cod, along with the sheldrakes. The fall flight in Essex County
started early in September, and is reported as being the largest
for twenty years. The flight was also large through the south-
eastern section.

Geese and Brant. — As stated in last year's report, the flight
of geese and brant in the fall of 1918 was late in coming along,
and up to Nov. 30, 1918, comparatively few had been seen.
The bulk of the birds came after Dec. 1, 1918, in greater num-
bers and much later than usual. They appeared to have been
held back by the mild winter, which allowed them to remain
longer than usual on their feeding grounds in the north. They
were flying as late as Dec. 20, 1918, at Nantucket. The fore-

46 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

going applies particularly to the southeastern section of Massa-
chusetts. Only occasional flocks were seen in the northeastern
part of the State or inland. None wintered north of Boston,
but quite a number did so along the southeastern coast in
various localities, i.e., a large flock of geese in Nantucket Sound
between Monomoy (Chatham) and Great Island (Hyannis);
about 40 in Long and Hummock ponds, Nantucket; several
hundred brant on Muskeget. About 400 geese wintered in West-
port River and Slocum River; and there were a very few brant
(which are rare in this locality) with them. More than the
usual number remained in the waters adjacent to Marthas
Vineyard.

The spring flight was earlier than for the past few winters,
for the mild weather carried away the ice and snow early and
uncovered their food supply and breeding grounds. There wTere
good flocks of both brant and geese on the northern migration,
comparing favorably with preceding years. Indeed, reports
indicate increasing numbers. It was heaviest in April. In the
Buzzards Bay district the flight, in greater numbers than usual,
began the latter part of February and lasted until about the
11th of April. On Nantucket they came about March 20, and
the flight lasted approximately six weeks; geese in about the
same numbers as in previous years, and brant more numerous.
In southern Plymouth County they appeared the last of March
and flew for four weeks about as usual. They were first seen in
Kingston and Duxbury March 8 to 14, one observer noting 500
to 1,000 at Duxbury Beach. They were seen in western Nor-
folk County as early as March 7, and the last were observed
April 8. On Cape Cod large numbers of geese were flying April
18, 22 and 25, and large flocks of brant were reported April 13
by William Gould of Chatham. On the north shore the birds
came along a little later than reported in southern localities —
from April 20 to May 10 — in unusually large numbers. In
northwestern Essex County and extreme northeastern Middlesex
County the first flock came March 8.

The fall flight of 1919 up to November 30 was heavier,
broadly speaking, than has been noticed in this State for a
number of years. The birds came earlier than usual. The first
ones appeared on Marthas Vineyard on October 4. In the

1919.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

region about Marthas Vineyard, on or about November 10,
when the second flight is usually looked for, there was a period
of ten days of extreme high north and east winds, and no birds
appeared.

It was reported to us by an old gunner of many years' ex-
perience that on October 8 he saw a flock of 4 white or snow
geese on Essex Bar in Ipswich. On the 18th of that month a
young snow goose was shot on the Newbury marshes.

Following are the statistics of the gunning stands operated
during the open season of 1918 (September 16 to December 31)
as compared with similar figures for 1917: —

Year.

Number
of Stands
operated.

Number

of Decoy

Ducks

used.

Number

of Decoy

Geese

used.

Number
of Ducks

shot.

Number

of Geese

shot.

1917

1918

67
53

2,093
2.1122

1,793
2,452 2

3,4951
5,3492

7261
2,0652

1 Data for 51 of the 67 stands operated. No figures available for the other 16.

2 Data for 52 of the 53 stands operated. No figures available for the other 1.

Swans. — A pair of swans were seen in the Slocum River,
Dartmouth, June 22. There were reports of a pair in Quick-
sand Pond, Rhode Island, and Allen's Pond, Dartmouth —
doubtless the same pair. Seven were in Squibnocket Pond
about November 5, and remained about a week. One solitary
swan was seen at Oldham's Pond, Halifax. It remained around
three or four days.

Lighthouses v. Migratory Birds. — To verify the results of
last year's investigation as to the extent to which lighthouses in
Massachusetts are responsible for death of birds on migration,
the same inquiry was made covering 1918. Comparison with
the previous year's returns shows: —

1917.

1918.

Number of reports received,

Number of keepers who reported none killed, ....
Number of keepers unable to furnish data, ....
Aggregate number of birds killed,

51
35
3

383

130+ »

1 Cape Cod Light reports that " many small birds" were killed at that light. Nantucket Light,
that "a great many snow birds" were killed.

48 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

Migratory Bird Situation. — Without attempting to particu-
larize in respect to any one species, the general impression is
that the song and insectivorous birds and wild fowl are on the
gradual increase. It is impossible to make more than this gen-
eral statement at the present time. A period of years will have
to elapse before a general feeling of security for the future of
the birds will be felt. In relation to wild fowl there are several
considerations; history shows that there may be a good flight
on the return migration in one year, to be followed by two or
three or more lean years. If it turns out that the flights for the
next few years show a gradual increase, we will be justified in
assuming that the improvement will be permanent. In our
State the elimination of spring shooting, in the opinion of many
observers among the sportsmen, has had a great deal to do with
the gradual increase of wild fowl.

Migratory Non-Game Birds — Gulls and Terns.

The policy inaugurated last year of appointing special depu-
ties to guard the more important seabird colonies during breed-
ing season (May, June and July) was continued, and extended
to three additional locations, — Monomoy, Gull Island and
Nauset Harbor.

Chatham Colony. — This colony of common or Wilson terns
was again under the care of Bartlett E. Bassett. The birds nest
in four localities, — on the north beach, on the south beach and
on two small islands. Changes have taken place at the north
beach, so that there is now a safe breeding place in the location
where last year the eggs were washed out by the tide. The
first terns, 14 in number, were seen May 9, one week earlier
than last year, but showed no signs of nesting until May 16.

On the south beach the birds bred earliest, and in far greater
numbers, than on the rest of the breeding area. By May 22
there were many nests, but no eggs; May 24, 10 nests of 1 egg
each, and 2,000 to 3,000 adults; May 30, 3,000 to 4,000 adults
and quantities of eggs. By June 18 there were a few young,
and more terns laying. Eggs low down on the beach were
washed away by the tide early in the season, but the birds
hatched on the higher part, and by June 21 the grass was full
of young birds, and they were growing well. On July 2, as a

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 49

result of heavy rains the week before, a number of young were
found dead, but the greater part were doing well and many
were over half grown. Laying was continuing to some extent,
and there were 6,000 adults in the colony. By July 18 many of
the young were flying and trying to fish.

On the north beach nesting was later. The first egg was
found May 24, and only a few terns were scattered over the
beach, but by May 31 they were there in good numbers, some
3,000 or 4,000, and though there were many nests, not many
birds were laying. By June 3 laying was coming along faster.
On June 12 the beach was well covered with eggs, and laying
continued. Hatching began June 21 and proceeded with no
particular setbacks.

The birds nested again on the small islands, nest building
commencing the 20th of May, and laying on the 26th. On
May 28 there were 500 terns, 74 eggs and quantities of nests.
On June 7, 240 eggs were counted on one of the islands, and
prospects were promising for a good hatch. Hatching began
July 24 and a few young were seen on the 30th, but a great
many eggs had disappeared, and some appeared to have been
eaten by birds, possibly crows. Only a few adults were about,
and only about a dozen nests with eggs. Cattle put to pasture
on the island drove off the remaining terns, and the breeding on
the islands was a failure.

About the middle of June some 300 or 400 terns came into
the Chatham Colony from somewhere outside and began to lay
(perhaps disturbed in nesting elsewhere, or they may have been
young birds of last year's hatch, which would breed later) on
the low part of the north beach. As the resulting young could
not be on the wing and able to care for themselves for three
weeks at least, warden service was extended one month. By
August 26 practically all the young of the second laying were
able to fly. It was a very good year for the terns at this loca-
tion, despite some losses of young from chilling. in the rains at
hatching time. The losses, however, were comparatively small,
and the end of the season saw a fine lot of young birds.

About 20 pairs of least terns nested on the north beach and
hatched a few young. Six nests with eggs and five with
young were noted June 27. This is the first instance, in the

50 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

caretaker's forty years' experience, where least terns have bred
here.

There was but one breach of the laws during the year. On
July 23, in the absence of the district deputy on other work,
four Italian fishermen went ashore on the south beach and
gathered up 27 young terns, with the intention of carrying
them away to eat. The sheriff was notified, and the four men
brought into court, where they paid fines of $10 each. The
captured terns were released.

Katama Beach Colony. — Sylvanus E. Norton was placed
again in charge of this colony, where some 200 least terns and
the same number of common or Wilson terns bred. Nests of
the least tern were found as follows: May 31, 35 nests; by
June 7 they had increased to 78; by June 14, to 93; by June
21, to 102; by July 12, to 104. The common tern nests num-
bered 25 on May 31; 74 on June 7; 104 on June 14; 115 on
June 21; 120 on June 28; and 126 on July 12. Hatching was
practically over on July 5. During nesting time in May the
weather was cold, windy and rainy, but the end of the month
it turned clear and hot, and remained so through the entire
hatching and growing period. During the season 1 cat was
killed and 2 crows which had destroyed half a dozen nests. No
other vermin was seen, and probably all was killed off last year.
Aside from this there was nothing to disturb the birds.

Monomoy Colony. — This colony consists of common or Wilson
terns, with smaller numbers of least terns, laughing gulls,
herring gulls, roseate and Arctic terns. It was in charge of
George W. Bloomer. The site is a strip of beach half a mile
long and 200 yards wide; sandy, with small grass knolls, the
highest not more than 6 feet above sea level. The contour of
the shores is constantly changing, and the nesting site has
formed within the last four years. The colony started three
years ago. There were then no knolls or grass, and consequently
the breeding was not extensive, perhaps 200 nests and 600 eggs,
many of which on very high tides were washed away. A very
suitable breeding ground has gradually developed, and is occu-
pied by a colony having some 15,000 eggs.

The birds used a new breeding ground this year in addition
to the old. It is newly made land formed during the last two

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 51

years, making off from the main beach at Monomoy Point light-
house in a south-southwest direction (the main beach extending
in a southwest direction), thereby leaving a good harbor be-
tween, with 13 feet of water at low tide, and filled with fine
bait, furnishing excellent food for the terns. The birds bred on
the outer beach or new land, where seaweed and beach grass
made excellent nesting places.

The common terns nested on the northern and central part of
the colony. On May 25 there were 10,000 common terns, with
144 nests containing 206 eggs, though none as yet with 3 eggs.
Almost daily inspections were made. The first nest with full
quota of 3 eggs was found May 28, and by the 30th egg-laying
was increasing rapidly. On June 13 a count showed, on 400
square feet of land, 32 nests and 88 eggs, as follows: 1 nest of
4 eggs; 24 nests of 3 eggs each; 5 nests of 2 eggs each; and 2
nests of 1 egg each.

The first young birds were seen June 18. On June 20 two
adults were found dead on their nests, each with 3 eggs under
them. One bird, yet warm, had been shot in the left side of the
breast. It was not shot on the colony. At this time the young
were hatching in large numbers, and the heavy rain and fresh
winds of June 27 and 28 caused the loss of about 7 per cent of
the young. The 1st of July brought very warm weather and
perfect growing conditions, and by the 7th some of the young
were starting to fly and the parents busy feeding them. Egg-
laying was practically over. By the 12th the young were
rapidly taking wing. The heavy rain of July 16 had no ill effect
on the young, now on the wing by the hundreds. By August 10
they were all able to take care of themselves.

Herring gulls are believed by the caretaker to have bred on
this location last year. Therefore on June 24 he made a special
search to ascertain whether they were doing so this year, but
failed to find any evidence. He reported that on August 15
many young herring gulls, able to fly, were roosting on the
south end of the colony. These may either have been hatched
here or may have come in from other breeding grounds.

Laughing gulls bred in the colony last year, and this year
about 40 adults were breeding on May 30 on the south end.
At least 60 young were hatched.

52 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

A few least terns bred on the northern end of the colony.
About 150 young were reared, — 110 on the colony and 40 on
the inner beach.

Arctic terns to the number of about 200 bred on the southern
end of the colony. In this instance the Arctic as well as the
roseate terns were later than the common terns in egg-laying,
and therefore also in hatching. Many eggs had not yet hatched
on July 17. The young appear to be hardy and are less sus-
ceptible to unfavorable weather than the common terns. By
August .6 good numbers were hatching. The adults fed the
smaller fledglings with minnows, but the larger ones, nearly
ready to fly, were given the young mackerel 3 to 5 inches long
with which Chatham Bay was swarming. On August 14 there
was a heavy gale of wind with rain, but the young birds, though
shivering, were hardy enough to stand the storm. About 575
of this species were reared to maturity.

Roseate terns bred on the southern end of the colony, to the
number of about 325. A count July 18 showed —

Per Cent.

Young able to fly, 60

Running about, 15

Unhatched, 18

Perished in rain, 7

Like the Arctic tern, these bred this year later than the
common tern. The young were fed by the parents after the
manner of the Arctic terns. Both Arctic and roseate terns
joined the Monomoy Colony from outside, and began to lay
about the end of July, when the breeding season would usually
be over. Therefore, to give this second hatch every protection,
warden service was extended to the end of August. It is esti-
mated that at least 625 young were hatched.

No great amount of vermin was about the colony. Only a
few cat tracks were found. Two cats were killed and another
crippled, and none were seen thereafter.

Gull Island Colony. — This small uninhabited island, about
300 yards long and 30 yards wide, is located in Buzzards
Bay about 2 miles northeast of Cuttyhunk. Tt is very rocky,
having but a very little grass along the crest of the beach; com-
paratively level, standing about 10 feet above sea level. Only

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 53

one species breeds there, the common or Wilson tern. This
colony was placed in charge of Mr. Seva Howes of Cuttyhunk.
By covering the stones above high-water mark with seaweed he
arranged more attractive nesting places for the birds than the
place naturally afforded. By May 27 there were about 100
terns and a dozen nests with 15 eggs. The number of birds in-
creased by June 3 to 200, and varied from 100 to 200 through-
out the season. Laying proceeded, eggs numbering 54 on June
3 and about 200 on June 10, when the first set was completed.
By June 24 about 100 young had hatched, and by the 26th all
but 6 of the first nests had hatched. On that date 5 new nests
(1 and 2 eggs each) were found, the beginning of a second set.
On June 30 there were 30 new nests, the remainder having
hatched. By July 5 there were 41 eggs; July 6, 73 eggs; and
July 14, 50 eggs and 30 young.

The caretaker visited the colony every three or four days,
but found very little throughout the season to disturb the birds.
Though hawks and crows were seen, there was no direct evi-
dence that they destroyed eggs or young. There was a good
deal of rain, but only a few bad storms during the hatching and
growing period, and as a whole, the general result of the season
was satisfactory.

Nauset Harbor Colony. — This locality has been a breeding
ground for the common terns for some thirty-five or forty
years. They breed in three localities, — North Beach, Stony
Island and Sandy Flat. North Beach is 33^2 miles long,
covered with beach sand, and the birds nest in the debris
that washes in. Sandy Flat is about 40 acres of sand dunes
and salt meadow. Stony Island is small in area, and its
name describes its character.

Mr. Daniel B. Gould of Orleans was appointed caretaker,
and visited the colony practically every day. His first in-
spection on June 1 showed about 3,000 birds, and egg-laying
was well under way. There were then about 1,000 eggs, and
laying continued for a considerable time. Hatching began
around June 20; by the 26th young were seen in good num-
bers; and by July 19 the birds of the first hatch were flying.
Normally the breeding season would be over by the end of
July, but about the middle of the month other terns joined

54 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

the colony and began to lay. In order to give this new set
every chance to mature, warden service was continued to
August 31. The second set began hatching August 6, and
young were seen in good numbers. They grew rapidly, and
by the 31st eggs were all hatched and the young flying.

Mr. Seymour Hersey reported to us that the roseate terns
which formerly nested here have left the colony at Nauset
Beach, and it is probable that the bulk of them went to
Monomoy. The few that remained at Nauset began laying
May 31, when 8 or 10 nests with single eggs were found.

No vermin was seen through the entire season. Weather
during the hatching and growing period was reasonably favor-
able, but high tides and storms broke and washed away
quantities of eggs. Possibly one-quarter of the set was thus
destroyed. A considerable number of young were killed by
high tides and sandstorms, but on the whole it was an average
good season, and at the close the colony was estimated at 5,000.

The State Ornithologist, as a part of his general inspection
of sea-bird colonies, visited the five breeding grounds just
described. He found in general that in all the colonies to the
south and west of Cape Cod there had been a great mortality
of young birds. Practically all of the colonies, except those in
ponds, had been washed more or less by the sea, but this is
generally due to the habit of some of the birds of building
their nests on too low ground. The chief cause of the destruc-
tion of the young is not known, but evidently many were
killed by severe rainstorms and others by cats; still others,
as well as some of the eggs, were destroyed by birds. The
crow is the only one which can be positively convicted, though
some suspicion attaches to the gull, and in one case to night
herons.

It would be a satisfaction to be able to place wardens on
all the sea-bird breeding grounds in the State, but thus far
appropriations have not permitted. The more inaccessible
ones, however, stand less in need of care. A general survey
of the principal colonies, made through the district deputies,
showed that the gulls and terns are increasing in numbers
along our shores, though in some localities the growing summer
population is driving the birds to more remote spots.

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 55

Nantucket Colonies. — The colony of laughing gulls at
Muskeget Island (the only place on the Massachusetts coast
where they breed in large numbers) is increasing rapidly in
size. This species was once near extermination in this State.
A small breeding colony of laughing gulls started kst year
at Monomoy. The breeding season on Muskeget was good,
and least and 'Wilson terns, in addition to the laughing gulls,
bred in thousands. Here, as was also the case on Marthas
Vineyard, many of the young were destroyed, possibly by
cats.

There was formerly a large colony of terns at Siasconset
Beach, but the number of visitors in recent years has broken
it up, and now only about 500 birds breed. There is no
increase.

At Wauwinet Beach a small number of least terns, from
300 to 400, breed, but the presence of people prevents in-
crease.

At Surfside Beach about 2,000 common and least terns
breed. They had a good season, and are on the increase.

Marthas Vineyard Colonies. — The shores of Marthas Vine-
yard and many of the ponds support numerous small colonies
of terns, in addition to the large one at Katama Beach, al-
ready reported on.

Job's Neck Pond colony consists of Wilson and least terns.
A count by the deputy on June 8 showed 64 least and 52
Wilson tern nests, with eggs. On the 17th there were 15
Wilson tern nests, 55 least tern nests, and several young of
the latter. Last year the eggs were destroyed by a heavy
storm at sea which caused the breakers to wash over the
beach where the eggs were, but this season the eggs were
hatched with no such mishaps. The State Ornithologist informs
us that most of the young on Marthas Vineyard have been
destroyed by some agency. Very few young were found by
him on the shore, and almost none on the wing.

The Cape Pogue colony of Wilson terns, located on Little
Neck, had about 40 nests this season.

\ Edgartown Great Pond colony, on Swan Xeck Island, at
the extreme east end, consists of Wilson terns. There were
27 nests.

56 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

Eel Pond colony — a new one — consists of about 30 nests
of Wilson terns.

The Chilmark Pond colony of Wilson terns is extinct on
the island on which they bred, but a new colony has started
on the outside beach. This includes some least terns.

Other colonies which, owing to lack of funds for close in-
spection, we are unable to report on, are Cirson's Island
colony of Wilson terns and Oyster Pond colony of least
terns.

Ram Island Colony. — This island, a quarter of a mile
south of Mattapoisett Neck, is the resort of about 2,000
common or Wilson terns. Hatching was proceeding under
ideal weather conditions when our deputy inspected it on
June 22. He counted about 400 eggs, 15 young and 4,000
adult birds. Two snowy owls were on the island last winter,
which no doubt reduced the number of mice. There is nothing
to disturb the birds in this place, and they are increasing.

Truro Colony. — This colony, which is located on a long,
narrow, grass-covered sand bar off the Truro shore, has been
growing up during the past few years, the numbers steadily
increasing. At the beginning of the season it consisted of
over 1,000 Wilson terns.

Upland Game Birds.

Pheasants.

In those portions of the State where pheasants have estab-
lished themselves they came through the winter in excellent
shape. It was an ideal winter for all birds, — mild and open,
with little snow, no sleet and no continuous cold. There was
practically no time when grass and weed seeds could not be
obtained above the snow, and gravel was accessible throughout
most of the winter.

It is reasonable to state that throughout the winter range
there were probably fewer birds for brood stock than during
the preceding year. This condition, however, was offset by
the unusually favorable breeding season. The numbers of
young birds were reported as larger than usual. The only
exception to the foregoing is the condition in Berkshire County.

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 57

There the pheasants are reported few in number, and they ap-
pear to have made little headway in establishing themselves,
though this county receives its share of birds for stocking
purposes each year. While it is true that in this area the
birds must face the most rigorous winter conditions of any
part of the State, nevertheless a good food supply exists and
they will get by. Pheasants will "bud" apple trees, and they
have been reported budding birch trees. We will continue
our investigations as to the causes which seem to work against
the bird in this region.

At the present rate of stocking the pheasant is about hold-
ing its own. As a result of the scarcity of the grouse in the
season of 1918, many conservative sportsmen hunted the
pheasant almost exclusively. The closed season on grouse
this year compelled many sportsmen to hunt pheasants where
heretofore they had given them very little attention. The
result has been heavier shooting, and this means that in-
creased efforts to distribute larger numbers of the birds should
be made. Oftentimes the advisability of introducing a new
species is debatable, but this is one case where it is a great
satisfaction to report that a bird artificially propagated in
the first instance has provided good sport, and has been the
bulwark in protecting a native species during a critical period
of its existence.

Open Season. — An open season on pheasants was declared
by the Board in accordance with chapter 401, Acts of 1914,
from Oct. 20 to Nov. 20, 1919, in all counties except Dukes,
with the usual regulations of two in one day or six in the
season to each hunter, and all birds killed to be reported to
the Commission within twenty-four hours.

This year, for the first time, the season was opened on
pheasants on Nantucket. The sentiment on the island favored
this action, and the number of birds warranted it.

The total number of pheasants reported as having been
taken this season exceeded the total of the previous year by
583, and each year's open season proves that the annual in-
crease of these birds is just about sufficient to provide a
month's shooting and keep the birds at average numbers.
Following are the statistics of the open season of 1919: —

FISH AND GAME.

[Nov.

Pheasants shot in Open Season of 1919.

County.

Cocks.

Hens.

Total.

Barnstable,

Berkshire,

Bristol

104

184

Essex,

166

105

271

Franklin

Hampden,

101

174

Hampshire

116

188

Middlesex,

524

331

855

Nantucket,

144

Norfolk

205

124

329

Plymouth

124

Suffolk,

Worcester

151

Locality not reported

Totals,

1,548

958

2,506

Very few cases of damage by pheasants have been reported
to us in the past year, and the insect-destroying habits of
the young bird are beginning to be better understood. Like-
wise the value of the bird as a food supply is being recognized,
and its qualities as a sporting bird are improving.

Ruffed Grouse.

The reports of our deputies and all other observers at the
end of the open season in 1918 showed the advisability of
suspending shooting of ruffed grouse during the season of 1919.
Our Board recommended this to the Legislature, and such action
was taken (chapter 153, General Acts of 1919). In the other
New England States legislative measures of one kind or another
for the protection of the ruffed grouse were enacted in Maine,
New Hampshire, Vermont and Connecticut.

The number of birds which appeared during the winter of
1918-19 showred a further decrease. It is a common remark
among sportsmen, wrhen the grouse do not appear during the
open season, that when the cold wreather comes and the birds

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 59

are driven out on to the edges and into the runs, plenty of
birds will be found. Our observation is that if the birds do
not show up in good numbers during the open season, as-
suming usual conditions, they are not likely to appear later
on in any relatively increased numbers. This was true during
the winter of 1918-19.

The favorable breeding season of 1919 was looked upon as
a good omen for the grouse. The general opinion is that such
birds as were left bred exceptionally well.

Speaking of the State as a whole, our survey indicates that
there were more birds this fall than during the preceding
year. It is too early to state definitely what the survey will
show during the coming winter, when there will be the op-
portunity to make a most careful study (this report ending
November 30). In a few localities the birds have been re-
ported in greatly increased numbers. Some areas seem to
have been little affected by the causes which brought about
the general decrease. If it were not for the fact that in a
few areas good numbers of birds are to be found, the outlook
for the grouse would be very discouraging indeed.

Quail.

As was the case with wild life in general this year, the
quail came through the winter well and there was no great
degree of mortality. We are coming to appreciate more and
more the many benefits to be derived from bringing the
brood stock through the rigors of winter in good physical
condition. It is a common statement that many of the birds
can take care of themselves in the most rugged weather.
While this is true in many cases, nevertheless the struggle
necessary for survival in many localities impairs the vitality
of the birds, and this is reflected in the quality of the follow-
ing year's hatch.

The amount of brood stock at the opening of the mating
season was normal, or even a little above the average of
abundance in the natural quail section. It is interesting to
note that in certain sections of the middle western part of the
State the quail seem to be gradually on the increase. We

60 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

refer particularly to the region of southwestern Worcester
County and eastern Hampden and Hampshire counties.

The results of the breeding season were very satisfactory,
the broods being many and large; and the year's increase was
proportionately large in those parts of the State less abun-
dantly stocked with quail.

Close seasons the year round prevail in certain counties
which had become almost entirely destitute of quail, namely,
Essex County (since 1914); Middlesex County (since 1917);
Hampden County (since 1917); Nantucket and Dukes counties
(beginning with 1918). Present conditions in these counties are,
briefly : —

On Nantucket there have been very few quail for the last
ten years, and the hard winter of 1918 killed off what few
remained. Only one was heard of by the district deputy during
1919.

On Marthas Vineyard (Dukes County), in the fall of 1918,
the coveys were quite large for that locality, flocks of 25 being
common, and they came through the winter very well. In the
early spring of 1919 several flocks were noted by the superin-
tendent of the heath hen reservation, though none as large as
during the early part of the previous winter. Wood cats, which
abound on the island, and some illegal shooting are doubtless
responsible for the reduction in the size of the flocks. The
breeding season was good, and residents of Menemsha claim
that there have been more quail in the western half of the island
than for the past ten years. Favorable reports came also from
Edgartown.

In Middlesex County there are very few quail; and, owing
to the great scarcity at the time protection was extended to
them, there has thus far been little increase.

In Hampden County our deputies' reports indicate that in
some portions of the county there was an increase in the
number of breeding birds, though in other portions the numbers
were smaller. Several broods of young were reported, and
from the eastern part of the county farmers report that quail
are showing up in places where they were formerly extinct.

In Essex County a few single quail were heard in a number
of localities at the opening of the breeding season. A few

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 61

small broods were reported, and at least one brood is known
to have resulted from the liberation of six adult birds in the
spring. The fact that at least 25 persons have reported
hearing quail during the summer of 1919 goes to prove that
they are slowly re-establishing themselves where for twenty
years they were practically extinct.

New Species.
The attention of the Board was called by Mr. James W.
Meloon to the tinamou, a bird native to South America.
It was his opinion that it might be successfully reared in
captivity for propagation purposes. Correspondence was
opened with officials of Chile and Argentina as to the
possibility of importing some for experiments in breeding,
and for observation, to judge whether they would be a valu-
able addition to the game birds of this Commonwealth.
Through the American Consular Service at Buenos Aires,
Argentina, it was learned that unsuccessful efforts along this
line had been made in France, in view of which it seemed
inadvisable to repeat the experiment in this country.

Game Animals.

Deer.

A comparison of the number of deer at the beginning of
this year with the last few years shows that in the south-
eastern section there was no very marked change over their
range, the numbers remaining about normal. Variations in
certain localities may be attributed to the disposition of the
deer to roam. Northeastern Massachusetts is not a deer sec-
tion, and there a gradual falling off in numbers takes place
from year to year. In the west central part, too, there are
fewer. In the region still further west they are holding their
own.

Winter conditions were favorable, food abundant and easy
of access, with no deep snows or severe cold. Owing to this
the deer did not yard to the usual extent. The physical
condition of the deer was good, and such as could be examined
were smooth-coated and fat. There was little chasing of deer

62 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

by dogs, owing to the small amount of snow and lack of
crust.

We have almost uniform reports from all districts that very
few complaints have been made of damage by deer. Farmers
have availed themselves of the law permitting deer to be shot
while damaging crops to the extent of 141 deer in 1919; 64
of this number were shot in Franklin County. The amount
paid on account of damages by wild deer was $4,891.90.

Since this report covers the period of the fiscal year (Dec.
1, 1918, to Nov. 30, 1919) statistics of the open season of
December, 1918, coming within this period, are given here.
The season was open in all counties except Suffolk.

1919.1

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

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1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 65

Squirrels.

In our report for 1918 we recorded a decided decrease in the
numbers of both the red and the gray squirrel. A survey in
1919 revealed that throughout the entire State the scarcity con-
tinues. Although in some sections the numbers remain about
the same, in most instances the report of lessening numbers is
the rule. The only reports of increase which came to our notice
were from the west shore of Buzzards Bay and in western Nor-
folk County. They are extinct on Nantucket. The red squirrels
are extinct on Marthas Vineyard, and the grays show no increase.
While the food supply on Marthas Vineyard is abundant, the
large trees suitable for squirrel homes are lacking in a large
portion of the island. Squirrels are hunted there but little,
but the red -tailed hawk has frequently been seen to feed them
to its young, and these hawks inhabit the large woods which
are suitable for squirrel homes.

What the cause of the decrease throughout the State is, no
one can say positively; but the failure of the nut crop, due
to chestnut blight, was doubtless a large factor in the de-
crease in the first instance. It is a well-known fact that the
squirrels will travel over long distances in quest of food. And
while we have no facts to prove the case, it is a fair inference
that many of the squirrels have moved into new localities.
Especially is this true of those regions where the timber suitable
for them has been cut down and where the general conditions
have been rendered uncongenial to them.

Rabbits and Hares.

The amount of brood stock in the covers in the spring, it
is generally agreed by our deputies, was less than usual, or,
in most favored localities, at best, normal.

Everything combined, however, to make a favorable breed-
ing season and about normal numbers were reported this fall.

The rabbit is one of the game animals which thus far has
received only a small measure of protection. At the present
time we have an open season of four and one-half months,
and no bag limit. While it is true that some injury is done
by the rabbit, it is nevertheless also true that there are large

66 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

areas in the State which can and should support large numbers
of rabbits. They not only afford great sport to the hunter,
but they are a valuable food supply, and are too great a
State asset to be hunted as they are at present. As con-
ditions are to-day in Massachusetts, no animal can stand an
open season of four and one-half months and survive. The
rabbit is the prey, not only of man, but of owls, foxes, weasels,
self-hunting dogs and wood cats. Periodical epidemics of
disease, cutting off of covers, hunting with ferrets and night
hunting combine to reduce their numbers.

There is no greater sport than following a rabbit with a
small pack of well-trained beagles. The increased interest
along this line is shown from the following extract of a letter
from the New England Beagle Club regarding the number of
associations hunting with beagle hounds in the State: —

At present there are about fifteen clubs and associations hole ing trials
for beagles, which shows a remarkable increase of interest in the sport,
as there were but five in existence in 1912.

White Hares. — The Commission has purchased trapped
hares in Maine (the northern varying hare, or so-called white
rabbit) and liberated them in suitable swampy areas in the
State for several- years past. This year 585 were so liberated.
It is too early to predict what will be the results of the
stocking.

Cottontail Rabbits. — We have had in mind the advisability
of liberating a number of Belgian hare bucks in favorable
localities to see if they would cross with the cottontail rabbit,
in the hope of increasing the size of the wild species. This
year 56 Belgian hares were purchased and liberated on Marthas
Vineyard. We chose this island because here the experiment
could be localized. It is too early to report whether the experi-
ment has been successful.

Fur-bearing Animals.

Fur-bearing animals as a source of income to the citizens
of the Commonwealth are not fully appreciated. WTith the
increasing value of furs it will be advisable to provide a reason-

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 67

able protection to certain of the fur-bearing animals, especially
the skunk and the muskrat. It is always difficult to state a
general proposition that will apply to all parts of the State.
For example, some complaint has been made from the cran-
berry region that much difficulty has been experienced by the
muskrats digging through dams which are necessary in cran-
berry culture, and likewise there would be some opposition
by the poultry growers to the protection of the skunk. But,
as we have had occasion to say in other parts of our report,
there are large areas in the State which could support valuable
stocks of wild life where there would be no occasion to empha-
size any possible damage to property.

Muskrats.
It was reported to us by a Boston taxidermist that, ac-
cording to his own experience and that of one of the largest
fur buyers of Xew England, practically no kitten rats were
caught in New England during the winter of 1918-19. It
would appear that either the rats did not breed, or if they
did, the young died. The winter preceding was very severe,
and the ice froze so deep that probably 50 per cent of the
live muskrats in New England were killed. Notwithstanding
the fact that rats were trapped very hard during the winter
of 1918-19 on account of the price doubling, he estimates
that the winter's catch was not over 40 per cent of the catch
of the winter before.

Raccoons.
The enactment this year of a law providing a closed season
on raccoons during breeding time was a step in the right
direction.

Foxes.
The value of fox pelts continues to advance from year to
year, and it is remarkable that in spite of this foxes con-
tinue to increase. It is reported by our deputies, with few
exceptions, that the amount of trapping done in 1919 ex-
ceeded that of the previous year, and many boys took it up.
Very high prices for furs have prevailed.

68 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

It will be interesting to watch during the near future the
extent to which high prices and the increased number of
trappers will affect the status of this animal.

Winter Feeding Work.

Upland Birds.

The winter of 1918-19, in direct contrast to the previous
winter, was a very mild, open one. The greater part of the
time the ground was bare, and there was an abundance of
natural feed in the covers. This made artificial feeding un-
necessary, though the district deputies had arrangements per-
fected to care for the birds should weather conditions make
it necessary. Under the circumstances very little feeding
was done. Except in times of scarcity it is not good policy
to build up feeding stations, for feeding tends to tame, and
it is better, both for the health of the birds and to keep them
vigorous and wary, to leave them to work for their living in
the natural way. It is interesting to note that robins wintered
on Nantucket.

Farmers are acquiring the habit of leaving buckwheat and
other feed standing for the birds, and the practice is growing,
due to the publicity given through the newspapers and the
individual work of the district deputies and others interested
in bird welfare.

From the storeroom in East Boston 1,200 pounds of feeding
material were sent out to individual applicants.

Water Fowl.
There was no occasion to feed the water fowl. The work
started last year along this line will be continued when condi-
tions require.

Bird Enemies.

Cats.
In the data for this year, received from 27 of our deputies,
11 reported that wild hunting house cats were increasing,
in many cases very rapidly; 11 reported that the number re-

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 69

mained about the same; and only 5 claimed that there are
less. One of these five added that in his district the local
agent for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
had humanely killed 200 cats during the year.

Nearly all say they receive many reports of cats catching
birds and rabbits. Two quail were brought to the Marshfield
Game Farm by a man who said his cat had brought them to
the house. One was brought in during the morning, and
later the cat went out and got the other. A deputy reported
four cases on his own knowledge, and seven on reports from
other persons, where cats had caught birds. In one instance
a rabbit nearly as large as the cat itself was the victim. An
instance came to the attention of another deputy where a
house cat was seen to have five song birds in the course of
one day. Another saw a cat which had a young partridge,
and another, a full-grown woodcock.

We feel that we should emphasize the statements made in
our previous reports relative to the destructiveness of this
animal, not only the wild hunting house cat, but likewise the
cats maintained throughout the State as household pets. It
is elementary that the song birds are friendly and choose to
live in and about thickly settled and cultivated areas. It is
reasonable to state that few fledglings ever reach the ground
in a locality where they are free from this menace.

The time is close at hand when this growing menace must
be dealt with if we are to experience the increase in bird life
which protective laws should make possible. For the time
being a great deal can be done if the owners of house cats
will restrain them during the nesting period of the birds, and
until the young birds are old enough to fly and take care of
themselves. If, during the period from May 15 to August 15,
every owner of cats would make it a business proposition to
see that their cats were so restrained that they could not do
damage to wild life, much of the problem would be solved.

To this end we caused the following poster to be displayed
in prominent places throughout the Commonwealth : —

70 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

SI]p (CcmtrummvaUiT of 4Haa«tfijujB*ttfl

COMMISSIONERS ON FISHERIES AND GAME

William C. Adams,

2£S I fiSSr ARE BIRDS WORTH PROTECTING ?

Commissioners.

The nesting season for the wild birds has arrived, and we again
call attention to the necessity of keeping the family cat in control
while the eggs are being hatched and the fledglings are helpless,
either in the nest or when first on the ground.

It is common knowledge that on the activities of the insect-
eating birds depends, in a large measure, the success of the crops
and the preservation of the forests.

It is not so well known how enormous are the inroads on the
wild birds and young rabbits by the family cat and the abandoned
hunting house cat. Often the owners honestly believe their
cats to be innocent of killing, because the work is not done where
they can see it.

Our observations lead us to believe that 1,000,000 birds are
killed annually by cats in Massachusetts.

The Commissioners appeal to every person who owns a cat to
make it a personal matter to see that the family pet is not per-
mitted to roam at large in the day or night during this critical
period, when the success of the hatch of birds depends on the
freedom they have from molestation.

The season extends from May 15 to August 15.

Over the weather conditions, which may reduce the number
of the hatch, we have no control; but this other danger can be
minimized if every one will make an effort to do his or her part.
The birds can be depended on to do theirs.

Every bird lover is asked to see that homeless and wild hunting
house cats are humanely killed.

COMMISSIONERS OF FISHERIES AND GAME.
May, 1919.

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 71

Lynx.

There are indications that lynx are increasing in the State.

A Canada lynx weighing 30 pounds and measuring 35 inches

from nose to tip of tail was shot just outside the boundaries

of the Taunton Reservation by Roland H. Davis of Taunton.

Starlings.
From practically all districts came reports of the rapid
increase of the starling, larger flocks being found, and greater
numbers of nests in the spring. In a few sections they are said
to be merely maintaining their numbers. None were seen on
Nantucket this year, but on Marthas Vineyard they are
present and increasing.

Hawks, Owls and Other Vermin.
The abnormal visitation of goshawks in 1917-18 was not
repeated the past winter. In most parts of the State the
ordinary number of predatory birds was present. Here and
there a particular species was more numerous, but no change
common to the State or to any considerable section.

Eagles.
Eagles are not increasing in numbers to any extent. Some
districts show none at all, and where they are found, it is
only a pair or so. They are increasing in a small way in the
district along the west shore of Buzzards Bay. One pair
was observed in Bourne, and one pair near the Lynnfield
Reservation. A bald eagle has for several years wintered
around the banks of the Merrimack River in Dracut and
Methuen, attracted by the sheldrake which also winter in the
river. It is not seen in the summer. In the extreme western
portion of the State there are a few.

Reservations.
Millis Reservation.
Black ducks bred well in the Millis reservation during 1919,
and pheasant and quail have increased. It is an ideal reser-
vation for pheasant, and as intensive farming operations are

72 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

carried on within its bounds, this makes it a favorite haunt
for quail. Eight quail, 8 wood ducks, 8 black ducks, and 16
mallards were liberated by the Commission. Sportsmen as a
rule have not been disposed to trespass, and there have been
no violations.

On Oct. 11, 1919, the term of years for which this reser-
vation was established expired, but the landowners have sig-
nified their intention of filing a petition for its renewal.

Sconticut Neck Reservation, Fairhaven.
Sixteen mallard ducks were liberated this year on the Sconti-
cut Neck reservation. They have remained within its bound-
aries and are doing well. There are three or four flocks of
quail, and a few squirrels and rabbits, but no partridge or deer
have been seen in the reservation for the last five years.
The large property owners are making an attempt to extermi-
nate the great number of crows, woodchucks, skunks, muskrats
and the few foxes which infest the reservation.

Andover Reservation.

Pheasants, ruffed grouse and rabbits have increased during
the past year to a great extent on the Andover reservation,
especially the pheasant, which, by overflowing on the outskirts
of the closed area, makes good hunting for the sportsmen.
Seventy nesting boxes for song and insectivorous birds, all
of which were used by the birds in the past season, are main-
tained by the Andover Natural, History Society. Buckwheat
and other grains, which were sown here, have a tendency to
hold the birds inside of the protected area.

Six white hares, 7 pheasants and 16 mallard ducks were
liberated on the reservation by the Commission during the
year.

Pitts field Reservation.

No great amount of time could be given by the district
deputy to the Pittsfield reservation, but a certain amount of
attention was given it while patrolling the shores of Onota
Lake in connection with regular work. Two patches of buck-
wheat were planted for winter feed, and a small amount of
grain distributed.

1919.1 PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 73

Marshfield Reservation.

Game birds of all kinds continue to increase, as they have
done year by year since the establishment of the Marshfield
reservation. Quail are increasing rapidly, and several large
coveys were seen in the fall. Pheasants are more numerous,
and this is also true of the ruffed grouse. To date several
reports of deer have been received, and they also seem to be
on the increase.

It is an ideal reservation for ducks, containing fresh water
and practically adjoining the ocean. Substantial numbers of
black duck and mallards released from the game farm breed
in the meadows every year.

Before the opening of the shore bird season the entire
reservation, both the outer boundaries and the interior, was
posted with new signs, placed so closely that no one could
enter except intentionally. The reservation is patrolled very
thoroughly during the gunning season by the superintendent
of the bird farm. On the opening day for shore bird shooting
he examined 50 licenses, and has examined 211 up to November
30, to which date this report is made.

Twelve white hares, 12 pheasants and 16 mallard ducks have
been liberated on the reservation during the year.

Great Island Reservation, Yarmouth.
This reservation is not so much a breeding place for ducks
as it is a refuge for them after they have hatched. There is
good feed and water, they are not molested, and they gather
in large numbers and show little fear even when automobiles
approach them. Six arrests were made during the year for
hunting on this reservation, and all the defendants were con-
victed and paid fines. Eight quail, 8 pheasants, 16 mallard
and 6 black ducks were liberated this year by the Commission.

Taunton Reservation.
In the Taunton reservation the game has increased very
satisfactorily during the short time that the area has been closed
to hunting. There is a substantial number of pheasants (one

74 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

man reported in September that he had seen 10 different broods
in a single day), quail are plentiful, and grouse have shown up
well this season. Rabbits, hares and gray squirrels, besides in-
sectivorous birds, are numerous. It was near this reservation
that the 30-pound lynx mentioned elsewhere in this report was
shot this year. Grain and other feed was planted for winter
feed for the birds. Six white hares, 14 pheasants and 16
mallard ducks were liberated.

Mansfield-Foxborough Reservation.

This reservation is very accessible to the public, as it may
be entered after a seven-minute walk from the Mansfield
railroad station, or by stepping across the railroad track at
the East Foxborough station. Nevertheless, there has been
a notable increase in pheasants, and some of the landowners
say there have been more young pheasants on their land this
year than ever before. Owing to the nature of the cover
it is one of the best reservations in eastern Massachusetts
for all kinds of game. Quail and ruffed grouse have increased,
while in the small ponds black ducks can be seen at almost
any time during the season. It is no uncommon thing to see
7 or more deer, and rabbits are very abundant. An acre of
buckwheat was sown and left standing by Walter M. Lowney,
and two half-bushels were sown by the district deputy, one in
the portion of the reservation in Mansfield, and one in the
Foxborough portion. There have been only two small fires
on the reservation during the year. The law has been well
observed.

Six white hares, 7 young pheasants and 16 mallard ducks
were liberated by the Commission this year.

Marblekead Neck Reservation.
There is little to report in regard to the Marblehead reserva-
tion. No changes have taken place during the past season. It
is so much built up with summer residences that its chief value
is as a stopping place for the early migration of song, insectivo-
rous and shore birds. Though the Neck is nearly encircled
with homes, it is interesting to note that a number of pheas-

A Canada lynx weighing 30 pounds and measuring 35 inches from nose to tip of tail. Shot
just outside the boundaries of the Taunton Reservation.

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 75

ants breed in the open area in the center. It is the best place
in that district for the observation of these species by bird
students.

Hingham Reservation.

The birds wintered well on the Hingham reservation. Quail
thrive here, and they were very plentiful this spring. A person
standing anywhere on the reservation could hear three or more
calling almost any time. Ducks, squirrels and pheasants are
coming along well, and rabbits have shown up this year. The
liberated mallards on the ponds serve as decoys, and the black
ducks have used the reservation in good numbers.

Vermin is more plentiful than it should be for the welfare
of wild life. This is specially true of cats.

The reservation is well posted, but as the State highway
runs through it there is a great temptation to hunters to take
a shot from an automobile while driving through. Six hunters
have been in court this year, charged with hunting on a
State reservation. Two fines of $25 and four of S3 each were
imposed, and all paid except one, which was appealed.

This is an excellent example of what can be done on an
area sprinkled with residents and which has a large summer
population. Eleven pheasants, 16 mallard, 10 wood and 10
black ducks were liberated on the reservation during the year.

Bare Hill Reservation, Harvard.

The Bare Hill reservation covers over 1,700 acres. In general,
the ground is irregular, consisting of a system of knolls and
rocky ridges, interspersed by swamp and rolling farm land. The
greater part is wooded to some extent. Natural fruits, berries
and nuts grow in abundance, and there are several old aban-
doned apple orchards.

Bare Hill Pond, one of the largest lakes in this section, oc-
cupies the center of the reservation. Its upper end, con-
sisting of several large, shallow, weedy bays, bordered by
swale, furnishes splendid breeding, feeding and nesting grounds
for water fowl.

The desirable wild life at present inhabiting the reservation
is disappointing in point of numbers. Gray squirrels have in-

76 FISH AND GAME. [NovJ

creased to a marked extent. It is baffling to note the slight
increase of grouse. The few pheasants located have not
multiplied. No quail have ever been seen on the reservation.
Rabbits are barely holding their own despite the fact that
there are hundreds of acres of suitable cover for them. Water
fowl have resorted to the lake in greater numbers this fall
than for many years. The few wood duck which usually
have been reared every year along Bowers Brook were not
seen this fall.

The unsatisfactory rate of increase among the game birds
and rabbits may be safely attributed to the increase of
vermin, which appears very numerous. Steps have been
taken to improve this condition.

Seven pheasants and 16 mallard ducks were liberated during
the year by the Commission.

Tyngsborough Reservation.

No violations of the game laws have been committed on
the Tyngsborough reservation during the year, and none of the
owners complained of trespassers or of depredations to property,
though such have occurred in neighboring camps. Pheasants
are very numerous, but ruffed grouse are scarce. They are
entirely missing from a grove of pine trees which was formerly
a favorite haunt.

Suet cages and feeding stations, maintained by one of the
landowners for the small winter birds, are well patronized.
During the summer and fall work has been going on over a
large portion of the southern end of this reservation, converting
it into a golf course.

Eight pheasant chicks from the Marshfield Game Farm
were liberated.

Lynnfield Reservation.
The Lynnfield reservation, which includes Suntaug Lake, is an
exceedingly favorable location for the propagation of birds. It
has good cover and water, and mallard ducks liberated there
from the estate of the late J. B. Pierce have bred in large
numbers. In June of 1919 the district deputy saw 40 young
mallard ducks. It is estimated that over 200 mallard ducks

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 77

use the lake, and at times numbers of black ducks are among
them. Quail (some of which were liberated there in 1917) were
heard this season, and pheasants are thriving.

Seven pheasants and 16 mallard ducks have been liberated
by the Commission during the year.

Hubbardston Reservation.

Ruffed grouse, deer, white hares, coney rabbits and gray
squirrels are increasing on the Hubbardston reservation.

The second three-year period for which this reservation
was established expired Oct. 18, 1919. The re-establishment
of this reservation is under consideration, and it is expected
that the matter will be disposed of early in the coming year.

New Reservations under Chapter 410, Acts of 1911.

One new reservation, to be known as the Randolph reservation,
was established, for a term of five years from June 21, 1919.

It is located in the extreme northeastern part of the town
of Randolph, bounded on the west and north sides by the
Blue Hill reservation. The other boundaries are clearly
defined by highways.

The tract includes approximately 650 acres of land, quite
hilly and well dotted with large rocks and ledges. Though
the entire reservation is well crossed with wood-roads, making
all parts accessible by carriage, there are no thoroughfares,
traveled roads or public ways within the lot, and no farms or
buildings other than a small summer camp.

The greater part of the reservation is covered with a young
growth of scrub oaks, with tall timber standing here and
there. There are a number of pine lots, well covered with
large pines and a small growth of young hemlock, making
excellent cover for ruffed grouse, of which there are good
numbers. There is no great amount of suitable cover for
pheasants and quail on this area. Still, quail frequented it
to some extent in past years, but none have been seen for
the last two years. This summer, however, the caretaker saw
two good bunches. There are only two open or mowing
fields, and these have passed to almost the stage of pasture

78 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

land. A number of blueberry swamps and bogs furnish an
excellent cover for white hares and rabbits. The latter are
in good numbers on the reservation. There are also a few
gray squirrels. Foxes are quite numerous. The reservation
will be patrolled regularly during the hunting season by the
caretaker of the property of the principal landowner.

Marthas Vineyard Reservation.

During the early part of the year (from Dec. 1, 1918, to
the middle of the following March) the trapping of vermin,
and patrol work for the enforcement of the laws protecting
the heath hen, fully occupied the superintendent's time.

The weather during this period was very mild, very little
snow fell, and natural food was abundant over most of the
island. This prevented an accurate estimate of the number
of heath hens, for the reason that the birds remained scattered.
About 100 were seen there on January 7, and on February
21, 75 were seen feeding on the high ground.

Breeding Season. — Through inquiries in the different parts
of the island, and from his own observations, the superin-
tendent's best estimate of the number of birds on the island
in the spring was 165. It is impossible, of course, to get an
exact census. During the nesting season the weather was
quite favorable, and it is probable that many broods hatched.
More broods were seen by the superintendent than the previ-
ous year. The summer was rainy, but by that time the
young had reached a size at which they were able to stand
the dampness. Eight broods of heath hens were counted on or
near the reservation, and several other broods were reported
in various parts of the island. One found by the superin-
tendent near Oak Bluffs consisted of 11 chicks. The average
brood was 5 chicks.

Cultivation of Land. — Thirty-seven and one-half acres of
land were under cultivation during the year. Six acres of
corn were planted, but owing to the damage to the growing
seed by rats, a smaller crop was raised than had been expected.
Eighteen acres were seeded to hay and oats, and the latter
cut for feed. In the fall 5 more acres were planted to hay.
An acre of carrots yielded 65 bushels of food for the horses.

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 79

The 7 acres of buckwheat for the heath hens grew well, but
the half acre of sunflowers, planted twice, was each time dug
up and destroyed by rats. Some sunflowers came up among
the corn from last year's seed, reached maturity, and were
fed upon in the fall by goldfinches and chickadees, who show a
great partiality for this kind of feed.

Vermin. — Nineteen cats were killed on the reservation.
Again we must comment on this situation. This reservation
is located 4 miles from the nearest town, and there is no
house within 23^ miles where it is likely that a cat would be
harbored. We do not believe that this area is any exception,
and feel convinced that not only Marthas Vineyard but vast
areas in other parts of the State are continually combed over
by house cats. If 19 of these animals were disposed of on
this reservation it is not difficult to visualize what would be
taking place in respect to our wild life over the more popu-
lated regions of our State. Hawks were very numerous during
the summer and fall of 1919, and on several occasions were
bold enough to kill barnyard fowl near the house. Thirty-five
were shot and trapped in the course of the year.

A very great increase in rats was noted, not only on the
reservation, but in all sections of the island, and many farmers
reported large losses from this pest. A vigorous warfare was
maintained against them on the reservation, where they
raided the newly planted corn field and even dug up tarred
seed. Two hundred and fifty-eight were killed and counted,
but there is reason to believe that many more were killed by
poison and not discovered. In a period of thirty-six days the
superintendent killed and counted 103, aside from those
killed by poison that were not found. It was noticed that
thereafter but little damage was done. Sufficient corn for
the heath hens was raised in spite of the rats.

Fires. — There was an entire absence of fires on or near
the reservation.

Fall Conditions. — Flocks of heath hens were reported in
the fall from widely separated parts of the island, and the
superintendent himself saw several flocks in widely separated
localities, averaging 9 birds in a flock. This indicates that
the birds are widely scattered. For this condition the fire of

80 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

1916 is no doubt partly responsible. The heath hens at that
time were driven to the edges of the plain country, notably
to the northeast, east and south. As it was nesting time,
and there was no cover on the plain, they were obliged to
nest on the outskirts of the fire area, and thus they are found
to-day around Katama, Edgartown Great Pond, and other
ponds as one works west, and around Sengegantacket Pond.
The land around these ponds was not burned over to any
great extent, food was abundant, and therefore the young re-
mained in the places where they were hatched. The heath
hens are once more gaining ground, and no doubt will con-
tinue to do so with protection from gunners and vermin and
freedom from the greatest menace, — fire.

Myles Standish State Forest.

This was the first full year of work on the Myles Standish
State Forest (so far as fish and game operations were con-
cerned), and it was a satisfactory one, both in the increase of
wild life and in the destruction of enemies to the latter.

Ruffed grouse, which were very scarce when the reservation
was taken in hand, have made a marked increase, and from
6 to a dozen birds could be seen in a day by the superin-
tendent when on patrol work. Quail are not very numerous,
and only two bevies were on the reservation during the sum-
mer, which may perhaps be due in part to the small amount
of tilled land. The superintendent is attempting to hold one
of these covies on the reservation by feeding. Rabbits are
more numerous. Deer, too, are increasing and are constantly
seen around the buildings and tramping over the nursery.
In fact, they are a detriment to the young pines. Thirteen
were seen in one day the week after the open season in Decem-
ber, 1918. Black ducks are very plentiful, but mallards do
not stop to any great extent. A few have been seen, but
even those reared on the reservation went away soon after
liberation. Wood ducks are quite numerous, but there were
few teal. Pheasants are seen quite frequently, and cocks
could be heard all around the buildings in the spring. Three
young broods have been seen which were raised by the pheas-
ants reared and liberated on the reservation in 1918.

1919.1

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

Through the efforts of the superintendent substantial in-
roads were made in the enemies to bird and animal life. The
toll up to November 20 was —

Foxes, 17

Cats, . ... . . .8

Skunks, 27

Weasels, 5

Snapping turtle, ... 1

Rats, .

Great horned owls,
Red-tailed hawks,
Sharp-shinned hawk,

4
6

The propagation of pheasants and mallard ducks was contin-
ued in a small way. Pheasant eggs, taken from stock on the
reservation, were set under bantams. Seven bantams raised
an average of 8 chicks each, and 1 Rhode Island Red hatched
15 and raised 12. Following last year's method, the chicks
were not penned up, but allowed to roam at large when two
days old. This caused them to thrive and gave good vitality.
Two adult pheasants, which were set in captivity, were liber-
ated with their 12 young. Two lots of. eggs from the Wil-
braham Game Farm were hatched and 74 chicks liberated.
Fifty-one mallard ducks were raised and liberated.

Japanese barnyard grass, rye and buckwheat were planted
as feed for the wild birds. Wild rice was planted in the most
suitable places, but did not thrive in the still waters of the
ponds on the reservation. Probably wild celery is more suit-
able for these waters, and will be tried another year. The
wild ducks were fed during the winter with rice feed.

Seven pheasants, 16 mallard, 15 black and 30 wood ducks
from the game farms were liberated on the Myles Standish
State Forest in addition to the birds reared there.

The reservation has been patrolled early and late, the
various parts being covered at irregular periods so that the
deputy should not be expected to be in any particular place at
regular times. No cases have been taken to court.

Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary.

The Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary at Sharon was established

in May, 1918, by the Massachusetts Audubon Society as a

model wild-life sanctuary where methods in bird protection

and all matters pertaining to bird welfare might be studied

82 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

and practically demonstrated. This area was already a
State reservation, being occupied by our Board under chapter
178, Acts of 1902, "for the making of scientific investigations
upon the propagation of all useful wild birds and quadrupeds."
By special arrangement with the Audubon .Society and this
Commission the sanctuary has for the past year been carried on
jointly by the two organizations, with a resident superintendent.

The sanctuary consists of a tract of approximately 225
acres on the hills of Sharon, 25 miles south of Boston. This
tract seems especially well situated for demonstration pur-
poses and experimental work, being sufficiently isolated to
allow for its maintenance under wild conditions, yet easily
reached by visiting parties. About a mile southeast of the
property lies the well-known Lake Massapoag, and 2% miles
southwest is Foxborough Pond, the headwaters of the Nepon-
set River, while a few miles to the north begins that broad
expanse of open marsh known as "the Canton Meadows."

Within this area are cedar, maple and alder swamps; open
meadowland; cultivated and half-wild fields and orchards;
and forest areas of mixed growth. There is a small woodland
pond near the center of the tract, and an artificial duck pond
by the roadside near the farmhouse.

Within this area during the past year more than 100 dif-
ferent kinds of birds have been observed. Sixty-three species
nested here. Seventy-live nests have been under observation
during the summer, and many interesting facts concerning
them have been brought out. Repeated observations of our
bird population during the breeding season have resulted in
an estimate of 300 pairs of nesting birds within the sanctuary
grounds, and it is believed that about 1,200 young birds were
raised here this season. Several of these are of unusual occur-
rence in this locality, or otherwise of special interest.

Woodcock sang nightly about the orchards and alder swamps
during the mating season, and at least two pairs probably
nested on the grounds. Ruffed grouse have been plentiful
here, and bobwhites have been seen throughout the season,
though not in abundance.

About 50 house wrens were successfully raised in the bird
boxes, and probably a greater number of tree swallows. The

1919.] ' PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 83

hairy woodpecker, the solitary vireo and the hermit thrush, —
birds which ordinarily have a more northerly breeding range, —
all nested within the sanctuary grounds.

Studying, identifying and card-cataloguing these various
species, experimenting with feeding and nesting devices, and
keeping records of observations made are part of the daily
work of the superintendent, whose headquarters are in the old
farmhouse on the property, situated on Moose Hill Street, 2
miles west of the Sharon depot. In his office are kept on file
specially designed cards recording information on all birds
nesting in or visiting the grounds. This study and observa-
tion is also extended to cover the plant growth and other
wild life to be found within the sanctuary, and already about
a hundred different trees, shrubs and vines, many rare ferns,
and over 300 varieties of wild flowers have been identified
here. Aside from being of vital interest in connection with
the birds, these records form a valuable compendium of in-
formation for the visiting student.

In this room — which is a combined office and museum
room — may also be found exhibits of bird work; bulletins —
both State and national — regarding methods of attracting
and protecting birds; exhibits of mounted birds and nests;
photographs and exhibits of destructive insect work; a col-
lection of 800 birds' eggs; a miscellaneous collection of insects
numbering about 400 specimens; a compound microscope for
study; and a library of more than 200 volumes on natural
history and the sciences, all of which is the property of the
superintendent and is placed here for the benefit of the visiting
public.

Many attractive trails have been laid out, named and
marked, and the grounds are also being mapped and charted
with a view to more intensive study and to show at a glance
the character of the ground and where nests and bird boxes
are located.

Visitors may examine and compare the various types of bird
boxes and feeding devices, and observe them in actual use.
Many of these, as well as bird books, charts and educational
leaflets, may be purchased here. They may also receive ad-
vice upon any problems in bird work. It is planned to keep

84 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

down destructive birds and animals only where necessary, so
that these also may be studied in their natural environment.

Regular "bird walks," under the direction of the superin-
tendent, were conducted here twice weekly during the spring
and early summer. A special "bird day" was also held on
May 17, attended by about 200 people, coming from 40 dif-
ferent cities and towns throughout the State.

The Moose Hill Bird Sanctuary is becoming widely known.
During the past year about 1,300 visitors were entertained
who registered from 77 cities and towns in Massachusetts,
and from 13 States and provinces.

The sanctuary grounds have been posted with specially
designed posters which have been effective in maintaining
safety for the birds.

Food of various kinds has been kept out for the birds
throughout the entire year, and experiments are being made
with wild fruits, weed seeds and various grains, with the hope
of inducing other species to lengthen their stay with us.

In addition to the work mentioned, patrolling of surrounding
woodland areas, about 10 square miles considered as a tenta-
tive State reservation, has been undertaken.

With special relation to the game birds, 10 wood ducks,
10 black ducks and 18 pheasants have been received. Some
of these have been liberated, and others kept for breeding and
exhibition purposes.

1919.1 PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 85

INLAND FISHERIES.

Fishing License Law.

Probably the most important and far-reaching piece of legis-
lation in respect to fresh-water fishing enacted in many years is
the extension to fishermen of the license act.

The provisions of the new law, in so far as they relate to fish-
ing, are as follows : —

1. The act took effect Oct. 10, 1919.

2. It provides that all persons must have a license to fish in
any inland waters of the Commonwealth stocked by the Com-
missioners on Fisheries and Game since Jan. 1, 1910, with the
following exceptions: —

(a) Any legal resident of Massachusetts may fish without a
license in any inland waters bordered by land owned by him.

(6) Minors under the age of eighteen, and women, require no
license to fish.

3. Licenses are to be issued only by city and town clerks,
except that any person appointed as a deputy registrar by a
city or town clerk may issue fishing licenses only.

4. Fees for licenses are as follows: —

Resident citizen, combination hunting and fishing license, . SI 00

Resident citizen, fishing only, 50

Non-resident citizen, combination hunting and fishing license, . 10 00

Non-resident citizen, fishing only, 1 00

Non-resident property owner to value of 8500, and non-resident
club member (providing the club owns taxable property equal
to $500 for each member), same fees as are charged resident
citizens if the State from which non-resident comes extends
similar privileges.
Alien owning $500 real estate, combination hunting and fishing

license, 15 00

Alien owning $500 real estate, fishing only, 1 00

No other alien can secure a license to hunt or fish.

5. All city and town clerks are to retain a fee of 15 cents for
each license issued.

6. A non-resident, properly licensed to fish, may carry from

86 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

the Commonwealth into any other State according similar
privileges 10 pounds of brook trout in one calendar year.

7. Licenses are forfeited on conviction of violation of the
fish and game laws, or any provisions of the license act.

8. If licenses are lost, duplicates (without cost) can be secured
only from the office of the Commissioners on Fisheries and
Game on presentation of a sworn statement setting forth the
facts of the loss. Town and city clerks are not authorized to
issue duplicates, though they may issue a new license on pay-
ment of the regular fee.

Pamphlets giving a list of waters stocked by the Fish and
Game Commission since Jan. 1, 1910, were prepared and dis-
tributed.

The new law has a great deal to commend it, and works no
hardship to any one, since its operation does not extend to
women, minors or landowners. The fishermen themselves have
shown a disposition to be willing to pay their share of the ex-
pense of maintaining their sport, in the same way that the
gunners have done for theirs in the past, and the revenue
should be substantial. The principle involved is not a new one.
Indeed, in this respect Massachusetts has lagged far behind
many other States of the Union, in 24 of which fishing license
laws applying to one class or another of fishermen are already
in successful operation.

In its application to the part of the alien population which
has not yet achieved citizenship the effect of the new law will
be far-reaching. It will be noted that no alien may secure a
license to fish (or hunt) unless he owns real estate in this Com-
monwealth to the taxable amount of S500. The free fishing
privilege which the alien population has hitherto enjoyed is
one of the big factors which in the past has been responsible
for the rapid depletion of the fish in our ponds and streams.
Aliens have been permitted to fish at will, and no limit has
been placed on the quantity of some of our common food
fishes which might be taken. They have small conception of
the principles of conservation, and in most cases no conscience
in the matter of taking fish by illegal methods. As a result in
many instances our waters have been literally stripped of fish,
and nothing in the law has prevented it. The restriction

1919.1

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25.

placed on the alien by the new law is an entirely proper one.
It is eminently fair that he should be prevented from exploiting
the natural resources of the State until he assumes the obliga-
tions of citizenship. It serves to hold him in check until he is
familiar with our laws and can understand that this is not a
country to be stripped of its wild life with no thought of the
future.

Trout.
The trout fishing season opened with the streams in excellent
condition. The water was not unduly high, and temperature
conditions were right. In most of the streams and ponds
normal conditions prevailed. Throughout the trout districts it
was pretty uniformly reported as being the best season in years,
with good catches and heavier fish.

Chinook Salmon.

In the Merrimack River.
We have followed our program of the past three years of
planting Chinook salmon fingerlings in the Shawsheen River
and its tributaries, with a view to stocking the Merrimack
River with these fish. During the past year 278,500 fingerlings
were so distributed.

In Inland Waters.
During the year 3 to 6 inch Chinook salmon were planted in
the following ponds: —

Peters Pond, Sandwich,
Cliff Pond, Brewster, .
Bloody Pond, Plymouth,
Neck Pond, Barnstable,
Spectacle Pond, Lancaster,
Onota Lake, Pittsfield,
Long Pond, Plymouth,
Great Pond, Otis,
Big Alum Pond, Sturbridge
.Quarry pits, Gloucester,
Norwich Lake, Huntington

10,200
5,000
4,100
3,400
5,160
9,900
9,900
10,000
10,000
2,000
5,200

Between 1913 and 1919 we have stocked 15 of the great ponds
in the State with Chinook salmon of this size. The fish have been

88 FISH AND GAME. [Nov,

distributed each year beginning about September 15. The total
number planted amounts to 359,585. The salmon have shown
up in substantial numbers in only one pond, — Long Pond,
Plymouth. There are some prospects in Peters Pond, Sandwich,
and Cliff Pond, Brewster, where a few fish have been taken.

Peters Pond, Sandwich, wTas stocked in 1917, 1918 and 1919
with a total of 28,200 fingerlings. Cliff Pond, Brewster, has
been stocked from 1914 to 1919 with a total of 42,275 finger-
lings. Neck Pond in Barnstable, Spectacle Pond in Lancaster,
Great Pond in Otis, the Quarry pits in Rockport and Norwich
Lake in Huntington were stocked this year for the first time.

In view of the fact that the fish have not appeared to thrive
we have discontinued stocking the following ponds: Lake Gar-
field in Monterey, Long Pond in Wellfleet, Stockbridge Bowl in
Stockbridge, and Lake Quinsigamond in Worcester.

Various explanations have been advanced as to the reasons
why these salmon have not taken hold in some of the ponds
which we have ceased to stock, and in other ponds which we
are still stocking. Some of the ponds have outlets which are
screened, and the theory has been advanced that the screens
are too coarse and the young fish have passed through them;
also that some of the ponds have had too large a supply of
pickerel. Lake Quinsigamond, Long Pond, Cliff Pond and
Onota Lake have a substantial supply of smelt in them. All of
the ponds stocked are either landlocked or have screened out-
lets. In this connection the following questionnaire, setting
forth the opinions of Dr. W. H. Thayer of New Bedford, will
be of interest: —

Q. Are there any changes in our method of propagation that you would
suggest? A. I believe fully that the pickerel is much more the enemy of
the small salmon than the bass, and I am convinced, in my own mind,
that the placing of the salmon, beginning a month earlier than is now the
custom, would be beneficial. (In all my fishing I have seen few bass on the
shore after September 15. This falj, the last of October, I saw pickerel
chasing the freshly introduced salmon at night in Long Pond.) Either
that, or introducing the salmon at the latest possible moment, letting
them grow as large as possible before placing in the ponds. Ponds having
weedy shores where small pickerel live (fish that I call string pickerel,
never growing over 10 or 12 inches long) are particularly dangerous to
the small salmon.

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 89

Q. Does there appear to be any explanation in your mind as to why
these fish have not shown up in all of the other ponds which we have
stocked? A. The pickerel question, to my mind, partly answers this
question also, and I believe that a study of the vegetation on the bottom
of the pond, which is very important to small fish, furnishing hiding
places their first year, and the microscopic life of the water itself, is the
only explanation.

Q. What is your opinion of the probable permanent success of attempt-
ing to stock our ponds with this fish? (The great ponds which we have
stocked will average about 200 acres in size, and this is about the average
size of our largest ponds, with the exception probably of two or three which
are quite large but very shallow.) A. I think that the ultimate success
of the Chinook salmon in our great ponds is assured. After studying these
fish carefully for three years I find them different in habits and character-
istics from any fish I have seen. Still, I believe that a study of Long Pond,
with possible experiments in other ponds, will eventually provide a favor-
able answer.

Q. Is there any other species of salmon which you would consider more
adapted to this scheme of landlo eking in fresh-water ponds than the
Chinook? A. The steelhead of the Pacific coast. This is, of course,
a salmon and not a char, and is superior in every way to all the Pacific
fish; a free riser to the fly, it is ideal; wonderful size, and does not die
after spawning. I would like to see the fontinalis of Lake Superior
introduced into some of our ponds. This fish, living among thousands
of European pike and Mackinaw trout, should thrive here. The square-
tail of Sebago is yearly increased even in this, one of the greatest of all
bass lakes.

Q. In 3rour opinion is there any species of trout or salmon which can
survive in a pond where there is a substantial number of bass and at least
a scattering of pickerel? A. I believe the possibilities of the brown
trout in waters not fitted for the fontinalis (that is, the great ponds) are at
present undreamed of. In European waters these fish provide wonderful
fishing, and should receive more consideration where the stocking of our
great ponds is concerned.

In Long Pond, Plymouth, it is reported that at least 50
salmon were taken by anglers on the opening day, April 1.
Most of these were taken trolling, although a few were taken
with the use of a small paper minnow casting, as in fly fishing.
The two largest weighed nearly 10 pounds.

Mr. E. L. Bassett reports: —

During April and May probably 1,000 fish were caught, weighing from
2\ to 4 pounds, but during the summer only a few fish were caught, about
3-pound fish. In the fall (September and October) quite a lot of fish were

90 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

caught about the same weight. Small salmon the last month running 10
to 12 inches were biting very freely, and often boats would catch 40 or 50
of these small fish, putting them back, so it made it hard work to get the
bait out for any length of time, as these small fish would take the bait as
soon as it struck the water.

Dr. W. H. Thayer of New Bedford reports: —

Last spring I caught perhaps 50 salmon, mostly on shrimp, weighing
from 2 to 4^ pounds each. ... In the fall I caught large numbers of one-
half pound fish, and very few went to 2 pounds. ... I know of one man
who caught between 40 and 50 salmon weighing from 2 to 4 pounds in
August and the first half of September with shrimp, surface fishing, in the
big cove above the Boy Scouts camp on the west shore. After the crowd
found this out and gathered there, few big fish were taken, but hundreds
of small fish were caught. Where the 4-pounders of last spring were I
do not know; also I saw only three fish of the thousands seen a year ago, —
fish weighing from 10 to 12 pounds.

At the close of the season Mr. Edward E. Bassett reported as
follows : —

I think the large ones have all been caught up this last season. I think
that there were as many as 800 caught. I know of 400 caught down my
end of the pond. They weighed from 2 to 3 pounds. There were only two
large ones caught that I know of. Ernest Bassett caught one of 6 pounds,
and a man from Revere one of 8 pounds. . . . The last two months of the
season a very few salmon were caught. There were plenty of them 10 and
11 inches long. Some said the water was alive with them, and one man
caught 70 and one caught 20 in one hour. . . . They put them all
back. I have not heard of any one finding a dead salmon on the shore
of the pond.

Mr. Homer H. Hervey of New Bedford states: —

A few other fish weighing 4 and 5 pounds each were taken, but the
great majority ranged in weight from l\ to 2\ pounds. During the spring
and summer a few salmon were taken. I have a report of one of 6 and
one of 5 pounds taken early in May. But all the rest would hardly
average 2 pounds. The salmon gradually disappeared toward the fall,
and during the last two weeks in October no salmon at all were caught.
During the whole summer the pond was alive with small parr weighing
from 4 to 6 ounces each. . . . These small parr rose freely to the fly,
but were too small to afford much sport, and of course were below the
legal size.

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT --No. 25. 91

Reporting later, Mr. Hervey said : —

During the summer and fall of 1919 about 100 fish of the average weight
of 2 pounds were caught. . . . There were also several hundred small fish
taken weighing from one-quarter to one-half pound each. These appeared
to be very hungry, and would snatch eagerly at anything that looked
like food on the surface of the pond.

There are large numbers of suckers in this pond, and it was
believed that seining some of them would be beneficial, in that
they eat large quantities of smelt spawn. On the 9th of April
500 large suckers were taken out. Two fishermen of Plymouth
did the work, using a seine of 75 fathoms which was 18 feet in
depth.

The supply of smelt appears to be decreasing. At the end of
the season Mr. Edward E. Bassett reported: —

In regard to the smelt in Long Pond I think that the salmon and suckers
have eaten them about all up. I do not think that the bass eats them.
The pickerel are about gone out of the pond. I have not seen but two for
two years. Why I do not think the bass and other fish eat them is because
in the thirty-four years that I have fished Long Pond I have seen a smelt
in only two fish, and in that time I have cleaned hundreds of them. . . .
I can tell you next March if the smelt are all gone.

Mr. Hervey states : —

During the summer no schools of smelt were seen at the surface any-
where, and in the fall those smelt came to the shore the way they have
done for the last few years. All indications point to the fact that the smelt
are disappearing in this pond.

With reference to the policy of stocking Long Pond and the
other ponds in the future, the consensus of opinion appears to
be that these ponds have been overstocked, and that it will be
advisable to plant fewer fish in them for some time.

Large-mouth and Small-mouth Bass.
The bass is increasing in popularity, as is evidenced by the
demands for stock from all parts of the State. Its game quali-
ties are unquestioned, and its edible qualities are good. As an
introduced species it has probably taken hold better than any

92 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

other. Moreover, it has the advantage of being a satisfactory
breeder, and will hold its own, and better, with the pickerel.
In view of the fact that most of our ponds contain either
pickerel or bass, or both species, it seems logical to increase the
propagation of them. The report of the past year's fishing is
one of the most favorable ever received, indicating that our
efforts in stocking, though limited, have begun to show results.

PlCKEKEL.

Despite the many undesirable qualities of the pickerel, it is,
nevertheless, a popular fish throughout the State. It affords
the bulk of the sport of winter fishing. Its popularity may be
due to the fact that it is one of the few species that can be
found in comparative abundance in our waters; but, neverthe-
less, there is something fascinating in the sport which appeals to
a large number of our fishermen. The edible qualities of the
pickerel are unquestioned, and it annually contributes substan-
tially toward the food supply received from our natural re-
sources.

The time has come, however, when this species, as well as all
others, must have increased protection. At the last session of
the Legislature we advocated stopping the sale of pickerel, and
limiting the catch, but no action was taken. The time has gone
by when any individual should be permitted to commercially
fish any of our great ponds; and, moreover, a catch limit
should be established insuring a day's sport, but not permitting
the fish to be taken, as they are to-day, in unlimited numbers.
The season should be shortened to the extent of cutting out the
late winter fishing, for many fish now taken after January 1 are
found to be full of spawn.

Reports seem to indicate that pickerel fishing in the year past
was not as good as usual. In some localities this may have
been due to the mild winter and the more limited opportunities
to fish through the ice, but the general opinion is that the
number of fish is falling off in most parts of the State.

Early in the summer one of the deputies salvaged about 200
fingerling pickerel in the setbacks of the Connecticut River, and
placed them in the Oxbow.

1919.1 PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 93

Pike Perch.

While pike perch are being taken in good numbers and of a
good size in some ponds, they are confined to a few scattering
localities. A general survey of the State shows that the ponds
which were stocked a number of years ago with pike perch are
still producing a fair supply, while the more recently stocked
ponds are not yet yielding many fish. Pike perch are well
established in the Connecticut River and its tributaries.

In the belief that this is a very valuable food fish the Com-
mission is making special efforts to rear and distribute pike
perch in good numbers each year. They are not present in
sufficient numbers, however, to furnish a proper supply of eggs
for our work in artificial propagation, and we still have to de-
pend on securing eggs from the spawning grounds around Lake
Champlain and Missisquoi Bay in Vermont.

Negotiations were started during the winter of 1918, with
Commissioner Linus Leavens of Vermont, looking to the estab-
lishment of a field station to be operated jointly by the two
States, expenses and eggs to be shared equally. Commissioner
Leavens selected West Milton, Vt., on the Lamoille River, as
the site for the operations of the joint crew, and in December,
in company with a representative of the Vermont commission,
one of our superintendents inspected the grounds and perfected
details for the work in the spring.

The United States Bureau of Fisheries takes its supply of
eggs at Swanton, Vt., on Missisquoi Bay. It was agreed be-
tween the United States and the Vermont officials that in case
the fish appeared in one locality, but not in the other, opera-
tions would be carried on by both, at whichever place the fish
might happen to be.

On April 16 word was received from Vermont that no pike
perch had been running at West Milton, though at Swanton the
L^nited States Bureau of Fisheries had been taking them in
good numbers. Commissioner Leavens decided to depend on
Swanton rather than to risk a failure at West Milton. Our
superintendent and assistant went to Swanton on April 22,
where they were allowed the use of the camp and equipment
of the United States Bureau of Fisheries. In return for the

94 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

courtesy, our men helped the United States Bureau of Fisheries
crew in taking eggs. On arrival our men found the big run
over, but by April 25 they were able to ship 50 quarts, or
7,500,000 eggs, and some were on hand that were too green to
ship. The weather was extremely cold, with snow, and the
wind blowing a gale. This made fishing impossible until the
weather settled. On April 27 our superintendent, learning that
the fish were running in the Lamoille River, went on and
joined the Vermont men at the West Milton location, leaving
his assistants to finish up the work at Swanton and follow him.
About 7 quarts more of eggs were shipped from Swanton. At
West Milton Superintendent Monroe found that the Vermont
crew had caught up and were holding 125 females and 250
males to ripen. The fish came along slowly as the snow water
served to hold them back. Our crew took eggs and the Ver-
mont crew did the seining for fish, our men helping when not
otherwise occupied. Conditions were not very favorable for
seining, as the river bottom was covered with logs and limbs
of trees brought down by the spring freshets.

Three hundred and fifty females and 500 males were secured
and placed in crates to ripen. The eggs taken were sent by
express to Palmer. An additional 60 quarts were taken at this
location. By May 8 the Palmer Hatchery had received all the
pike eggs it could handle, and our men were recalled. The
total amount of eggs collected by our men was 117 quarts.

The eggs shipped to the Palmer Hatchery were in the green,
not the eyed, stage. The green eggs transport better, and good
results have been secured from them in the past. However, to
guard against any possibility of unusual losses, our superin-
tendent filed a request with the officials for a consignment of
eyed eggs. Out of a shipment of eyed eggs received, 1,500,000
eggs were added to the above. From all the eggs received there
were hatched and distributed 8,240,000 fry.

The pike perch season this year was an unusual one. The
fish came three weeks earlier than usual at Swanton, and on the
Lamoille River the season was two weeks earlier. The weather
conditions were very unfavorable, and all of the crews worked
under unusual handicaps.

The Board takes this opportunity to acknowledge the courte-

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 95

sies received from the officials of the United States Bureau of
Fisheries, and of the Vermont commission, in loaning equipment
and in giving our men the use of their camps and buildings.

White Perch.

White perch are increasing in many of the inland stocked
ponds. Usually several years elapse after a pond has been
stocked before results begin to be evident. During the past
year white perch have shown up well in the ponds at Falmouth;
Lake Archer, Wrentham; Lake Lashaway, East Brookfield;
some in Russell Pond; Congamond Lakes, Southwick; Hamp-
ton Ponds, Westfield; Hardwick Pond, Hardwick; and Gravel
Pond, Hamilton, the first, to speak of, since stocking a few
years ago. They have shown up very well also this season at
Watuppa Lakes, and this year they are being taken in Forge
Pond, in Westford and Littleton. They were abundant in this
pond up to some five years ago, but during 1914 to 1918 very
few were taken, and many white perch came ashore dead,
believed to have died of disease. Those being taken now are
not so large as formerly, averaging one-half to three-quarters
of a pound against 1 pound previously.

The white perch salvage work was begun on March 13 at
Lake Tashmoo, Vineyard Haven, with a crew of three men.
The gear consisted of one large 16-foot seine boat; one 14 foot
skiff equipped with an Evinrude outboard motor; one seine 60
fathoms long and 3 fathoms deep in the bunt, three-quarters
inch mesh; four fyke traps, 9 feet long, 4-foot hoops, 40-foot
wings and 7 holding pockets 3 by 4 by 9 feet, capable of hold-
ing 1,000 fish each; with considerable smaller gear.

The weather was very unfavorable all through March and the
early part of April, the temperature often getting as low as 25°,
and on some occasions down to 17°. This low temperature was
accompanied by very high winds which made seining difficult,
as the fish would seek the deep water. After a cold north wind
the men could seine the spring holes at the head of the pond in
25 feet of water with fair success.

A new method was tried of setting fyke traps in deep water
(20 feet) in the early spring, with fair success. The perch do
not begin to work into shallow water until the temperature of

96 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

the water in the pond reaches 48° or 50°, when the alewives
come around the shallow water to spawn and the perch in
large numbers follow them in, eating the spawn as fast as the
herring deposit it. At such times the run of perch into the
fykes is very good. They were fairly abundant, running in size
from 2 to 5 inches, but not so numerous as they were in 1918 at
the same pond.

The same methods of holding the fish for shipment were used
as last year, — staking the pockets out in 30 inches of water.
However, when the wind beat across the pond into the pockets,
the rough water and cold combined tired the fish and many
died. Those that survived did not ride well during transportation
to their destinations. This will be overcome another season by
building a wooden breakwater around the holding pockets.

Shipment was begun on March 18 and continued every
week day without interruption until May 29. There were
113,000 distributed to public waters, and 10,600 to the Webster
selectmen for Webster Lake, under the usual arrangement by
which our men catch the fish and the selectmen pay the ex-
penses. This made a total of 123,600 white perch distributed
in all, some 56,750 in excess of last year. Trial was made of a
water pump for aerating the fish in transit, with excellent
results.

Smelt.

Salt-water Smelt.

The taking of salt-water smelt spawn is now a regular feature
of the year's routine. This year a three-year lease was taken of
the land at the site of the smelt operations, together with the
right to use the brook within the leased area for the purpose of
fish culture.

A 10 by 20 portable house was set up near the falls at Weir
River and fitted with berths, stove and cooking utensils to
accommodate six men. Here the crew lived, and the arrange-
ment proved very satisfactory, for a considerable saving re-
sulted in the amount of time and money spent in traveling, and
the men were available at all times. An open shed 7 by 8 was
built as a shelter for the spawn takers. Specially made benches
made it possible to handle more fish and take more spawn in

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 97

less time than last year. A 40-foot bridge was built across the
stream to replace the old one which had been carried away with
a high tide last winter. The new one is built so that it can be
removed and stored at the end of the season.

The salt-water smelt season of 1919 was an unusual one.
With an open winter the fish came to tidewater in the rivers in
January and lay there until March 1, when the run was on,
earlier than is usually the case.

Xo plants of eggs on burlap were made this year, last year's
work having demonstrated that the eggs could readily be
hatched into fry.

On March 6 there was a large run of fish at Weir River and
Fresh River, and they were in perfect condition for spawn-
taking. On March 10 the first spawn, about 35 quarts, was
taken. Cold weather and low water temperature followed
immediately and lasted until March 23, when eggs were again
taken. Unfavorable conditions continued, and on April 14 part
of the crew was sent home as the run was over, and what fish
came were very few and small. Enough men were kept for
patrol work. On April 22 there was a good run of fish, and on
April 23, 55 quarts of smelt spawn were taken. As a result of
the season's work, 100,572,000 green eggs were shipped to the
Palmer Hatchery, each shipment accompanied by a messenger.

The fish to be stripped were captured this year by setting a
60-foot seine, at sundown, at an angle on the river. When the
fish came in it was drawn across the stream and beached below
the spawning bed. By this method one man could bring all the
fish the strippers could handle, whereas by the old way two, and
oftentimes four, men were hunting fish and walking over the
spawn bed. The first few nights of the run, it has been noticed,
are the best for taking eggs, as the fish are full, having shot
none of the spawn. After ten days a great difference can be
noticed in the fish. They soon begin to harden, and the quan-
tity of spawn is less. On moonlight nights the run is not so
heavy and the fish are very wild, whereas on dark nights they
lie very still and have no fear of a noise. In previous years
spawn has been taken at night (when the smelt run) and
shipped to Palmer on the first train in the morning. Another
year, by putting a net behind the fish after they have come up

FISH AND GAME.

[Nov.

at night, they can be held until the next day and work done by
daylight. By experimenting it has been found that the eggs
can be held forty-eight hours without injury. By so doing the
spawn-taking crew can be reduced one-half.

Temperature records of water were kept as follows: —

Noon
(Degrees F.).

March 6,
March 7,
March 8,
March 9,
March 10,
March 11,
March 12,
March 13,
March 14,
March 15,
March 16,
March 17,
March 21,
March 22,
March 23,
March 24,
March 25,
March 26,
March 27,
March 28,
March 29,
March 30,
April 4,
April 5,
April 6,
April 7,
April 8,
April 9,
April 10,
April 11,
April 12,
April 13,

1 Ice on ponds and rivers

2 Ice on falls.

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 99

At Weir River there was a large deposit of spawn on the first
run, which, owing to the method employed in seining the smelt,
was not injured by being walked over. On account of the ex-
tremely cold water and the unusually low water for springtime,
which left the spawn exposed to the sun, the percentage hatch-
ing was small, but on the last run there was a large deposit of
eggs and a good hatch.

Great numbers spawned in Straight Pond, Cohasset. At
Back River, East Weymouth, there were very few fish, and
spawn could be found only on close examination. At Fore
River, Weymouth Landing, there was a small deposit on the
last part of the run. In other small brooks, where in other
years smelt and spawn have been seen, none was noticed this
spring. Without attempting to make a detailed survey, the
reports indicate that smelt are increasing in the coastal streams
which still continue to be suitable for them.

An experiment was made in stocking the Jones River, Kings-
ton, with smelt. When the smelt spawn in the brook at Hing-
ham had reached the eyed stage, about 2 bushels of grass and
pieces of sod to which eggs were attached were collected. Parts
of the river bed had previously been prepared for the reception
of spawn by building, of stones, fourteen pockets, or stops, in
the shape of a horseshoe, to break the current and make quiet
water where the spawn could be left to hatch naturally. Some
of the grass and sod was placed in boxes 4 by 14 by 20 inches,
covered with netting to keep the eels from eating it, and the
boxes anchored in these pockets. The experiment was carefully
followed, and it is believed that nearly two-thirds of the eggs
placed in the boxes hatched.

When not occupied in taking spawn the deputies patrolled
the brooks against poachers. There were no prosecutions this
year at the Fore and Back rivers, for there were no fish to
tempt people to go after them. It would take an hour for a
person to get half a bushel of smelt, whereas the year before 2
bushels could be taken with a few dips of the net in fifteen
minutes' time. This scarcity does not signify a decrease in the
number of smelt, but merely that they did not run into the
brooks in the usual numbers, owing to the peculiarities of the
season. The season was a long one, with spells of cold weather

100 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

which drove the fish back, and extended the spawning season
from the usual four weeks to eleven weeks. The fish came
along in small numbers instead of large runs, as would have
been the case had the season been normal. Press of other work
made it imperative that the men attend to other matters, and
they were gradually taken from the brooks. The last went
before the final run of smelt in the rivers. During this last run
a few complaints were received that smelt were being taken by
boys at Weymouth Landing, but the run was over before this
could be followed up. On the whole, there were few violations
during the season.

Fresh-water Smelt.

Fresh-water adult smelt were collected as usual at Parker
Brook, into which the fish run from Onota Lake. The working
force consisted of from two to four men, as the work required,
and last year's methods in collecting and shipping were followed
with a few slight modifications. The run started on the night
of April 4 and continued until the 12th.

Distribution began April 8 and continued, with from one to
three consignments a day, until the 24th. This was the best
that could be done on account of limited train service. There
was no loss of fish in the holding tanks as in former years, for
with an adequate number of men distributions were completed
before warm weather.

The smelt were larger than any taken the past four years,
averaging 7 inches, and 49,700 were distributed from Onota
Lake to other waters. Twenty-six shipments of eyed spawn
(about 26,000,000 eggs) were planted beginning May 10.

The work of taking smelt at Onota Lake has a twofold pur-
pose: first, to supply brood stock for ponds in which it is de-
sired to introduce or increase smelt as a food supply for other
fishes; and secondly, to reduce or keep down the smelt in
Onota Lake.

The taking of smelt has always been regulated by law, but
it is evident that salt-water smelt only were in the minds of the
legislators. There is no reason why certain numbers of the
fresh-water smelt should not be used for bait for fishing in in-
land waters. In order to make this supply available the Legisla-
ture, during the past session, upon the recommendation of our

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 101

Board, provided that the Board may make rules and regula-
tions, subject to the approval of the Governor and Council, per-
mitting such use.

Hokxed Pout.
The horned pout is increasing in popularity, as judged by the
number of applications which have been received for this fish.
During the past year we have distributed 63,100, seined from
waters which had a good supply. There were 800 stranded
horned pouts salvaged from the setbacks in the Connecticut
River by the district deputy and put into the Oxbow.

Winter Fishing.

Winter fishing has always been a popular form of sport and
is steadily growing in favor.

Throughout the whole Connecticut River region we had uni-
form reports of larger catches during the winter of 1918-19, — ■
larger than for years past. The winter before that (1917-18)
was an exceptionally severe one, with bitter cold days and
thick ice. This was unfavorable for fishing, and practically
amounted to a closed season for the fish. The winter just past,
with mild weather and no undue amount of ice, brought out
large numbers of fishermen.

Through the Housatonic River region about average catches
were made. In the northeastern and southeastern parts of the
State, near the coast, so little ice formed that there was almost
no opportunity for ice fishing.

Ponds Stocked and Closed.

The regulations on Hardwick Pond, Hardwick, applied at the
time the pond was stocked and closed in 1918, were changed in
1919. Under the new regulations fishing is permitted in the
pond from June 1 to October 31, and in its tributary streams
from April 15 to the following July 31, inclusive, with a hand
line or with a line attached to a rod or pole held in the hand.

During 1919 the following ponds were stocked and closed to
winter fishing, pursuant to chapter 285, Acts of 1911: Quabbin
Lake, Greenwich, and Long Pond, Littleton.

Each of these ponds has been closed to winter fishing from

102 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

Nov. 1, 1919, to Nov. 1, 1922. Fishing is permitted in the
pond from June 1 to October 31, and in its tributary streams
from April 15 to the following July 31, inclusive, with hand line
or with a line attached to a rod or pole held in the hand.

Great Ponds Leased.
Under chapter 39 of the Acts of 1919 Tisbury Great Pond, in
Dukes County, was leased to the riparian owners, for the pur-
poses of fish culture, for an additional period of five years.
The lease was dated Nov. 12, 1919, and takes effect Jan. 1,
1920.

Screens.

We are more than ever convinced that unless the great ponds
which have outlets are suitably screened, much of our effort to
stock them will be futile. This is work which we recommend
be done by the Commonwealth and paid for as a State enter-
prise, for the reason that we are dealing with waters which for
all time shall be open to the public for free boating, fowling and
fishing. In fact, the great ponds of the Commonwealth are the
only inland waters where we are certain that public interests
will be preserved, and for this reason they should be put into a
physical condition that will insure favorable results from stock-
ing. At the present time the expense is borne by individuals or
clubs who may have a particular interest in a given pond. In
our budget for the coming year we have asked for an appropria-
tion of $1,000 with which to continue this work.

Mr. Don V. Messer has had a screen constructed and installed
at Norwich Lake, Huntington. It is made of steel bars set
one-fourth inch apart, is 5 by 6 feet in size, and is apparently
ample to take care of the flow of water from the lake. This is
a fine body of water, capable of producing an abundance of food
fish if stocked with smelt, which the Commissioners plan to do
to develop the fishing in it.

A screen was put in at the outlet of Spectacle Pond, Lan-
caster, by the Leominster Sportsmen's Association. It is of
galvanized wire, one-half inoh mesh, 8 feet long and 4 feet
deep. It was set in place soon after the plants of salmon were
made.

1919.1 PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 103

Fish ways.

The installation of fishways has progressed steadily during the
past year. Our efforts have been directed almost entirely to the
alewife streams, as these presented the greatest need for
immediate action in order to insure the preservation of the
alewife fishery.

Two conditions present difficult problems, ' — (1) impassable
dams and (2) pollution.

The decline of this valuable fishery has been due largely to
obstructions in the form of dams which prevented the fish from
reaching their spawning grounds. Dams are the inevitable re-
sult of the inroads of colonization following the waterways.
The mere presence of dams is not dangerous. Only when they
are unequipped with fishways, or are not opened during the
spring run, do they become a menace. The installation of
proper fishways around these obstructions is therefore the first
consideration.

The requirements for a successful fishway are: (1) easy and
rapid passage for all species of fish, with uniform flow of water,
gradual ascent and absence of high barriers; (2) a minimum
sacrifice of water in the interest of dam owners; (3) an en-
trance into which the fish are readily directed; (4) a firm, solid
construction, resistant to freshets, or one which may readily be
removed when not in use. The chief point to remember when
installing a fishway is that it is not only the type of fishway,
but how it is located, which determines its success or failure.
Each dam presents its individual problem. In installing a fish-
way the following conditions must be considered : —

(1) Water Flow. — Almost any device may be used which will
insure a sufficient and steady volume of water (but no more) to
operate the fishway.

(2) Entrance. — Instinctively the fish follow the current as
they come up the stream to the obstruction. Therefore the
entrance must be located so that the fish will easily find it and
enter it from the main current of the stream. Sometimes in
order to prevent the fish from " pocketing" at the base of the
dam, where by reason of the large volume of water coming over
it they may be slow in detecting the small current coming from

104 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

the fishway, the entrance to the way is located down stream at
some distance, and the fish are directed to it by a temporary
screen or barrier put across while the fish are running.

(3) Materials. — Our Board has never insisted on any special
quality of materials. Most concerns prefer to build of steel
reinforced concrete as being the most economical in the long
run.

Standard Fishways.

A fishway which will take all species of anadromous fish
successfully has never been invented. In our work two types
have been designed and have proved satisfactory, meeting all
the requirements for the alewife streams. No claim is made,
however, that these are the long-sought universal fishway, or
that they are suited for other species of fish.

David Fishway. — This fishway may be either of concrete or
wood construction. With its sloping bottom and irregular
baffles it resembles the Brackett type, but possesses the addi-
tional qualifications of frequent rest pockets and a steady, uni-
form flow of water, which is controlled by the upper gate.
Although more expensive than the second standard type, it can
be advantageously installed in a limited space over an irregular
course.

Straight-run Fishway. — This fishway is especially adapted
for low dams where the contour of the river bank below the
dam affords a footing on a gradual slope. This primitive form
of fishway resembles rapids in a natural stream, with water
spilling from each pool into the one below.

Section 9, chapter 91, Revised Laws, as amended by chapter
365, Acts of 1904, and sections 10 and 11 of chapter 91, Re-
vised Laws, require that dam owners shall, on the order of the
Fish and Game Commission (which furnishes plans and speci-
fications for every fishway), install suitable fishways at their
own expense, and keep them open at specified times, under
penalty of a fine of $50 per day for non-compliance. Some
owners of dams have immediately responded to our efforts to
open up the streams; others have almost forced us into taking
legal measures to insure the work being done. Installations arc
steadily progressing, and it is hoped that soon all the poten-
tially productive streams will be completely equipped.

Dam at the Stanley Works, Bridgewater, May 13, lftlfi. Impassable to fish. Engineer
laying out proposed fishway.

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Completed fishway (straight-run type) at dam of Stanley Works, Bridgewater.

1919.1 PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 105

Taunton River Fishways.

The first fishway to be installed under the standard plans
designed by the late Allen A. David and R. Loring Hay ward,
consulting engineer to the Commission, was built in 1918, at
East Taunton. This was of the David type. The building of
this way comprised the first step in opening the Taunton River
for the restoration of the alewife fishery. Results during the
spring run in 1919, as reported by Mr. Merrill Dean, the watch-
man for the towns interested in the fishery, were even better
than expected. The fish passed up the new fishway in a small
fraction of the time taken in the old Brackett fishway which
formerly occupied the same site, and all the alewives coming
up the river were easily and readily accommodated.

By the proper installation of fishways upon the upper
branches of the Taunton River alewives will be given a chance
to spawn in the Assowompsett, Monponsett, Robbins and
Nippenicket ponds. During the year fishways at the dams of
the G. O. Jenkins Company and the Stanley Works, situated
on the Taunton River and the Town River, respectively, in the
town of Bridgewater, were satisfactorily completed, and are all
prepared for use during the coming spring.

The first of these to be finished, that located at the Stanley
Works, on the north side of the Town River, is of the straight-
run type, built of re-enforced concrete, and comprises a concrete
flume, a portion of the south wall of which extends downward
to form a retaining wall for the north bank of the river. The
floor of the flume has a gradual slope from the intake at the
top of the dam to the level of the river bottom below. Cross
walls, called steps, are placed at regular intervals along its
bottom in such a manner as to divide the flume into a set of
pools, with water spilling from one pocket to another when in
operation.

The other, located on the property of the G. O. Jenkins Com-
pany, is somewhat similar in design to the description set forth
above, except that it is not nearly as long, and is equipped
with removable timber baffle boards instead of the cross walls
of concrete present in the Stanley Works structure. As origi-
nally planned, this way was to have been one of the David

106 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

type, but unfortunately certain reverses were met with at this
location which resulted in a serious setback to the early com-
pletion of the work. Early in the month of September, follow-
ing heavy rains, the water rose one night at the dam of the
company to the extent of 5 feet 4 inches in a period of four
hours, flowed over the top of what new construction had been
placed, and washed away the earth where it had not been
banked up against the back of the fishway walls, with the
result that the structure was so undermined as to cause its
collapse. Thereafter, at the request of the contractor and the
company, modifications in the plans to the extent of permitting
the installation of a straight-run fishway were assented to. The
undaunted manner in which operations on the project were im-
mediately recommenced after this catastrophe is worthy of
commendation.

Much credit should be given these concerns as being among
the first to do their part in opening up the river.

Lawrence Fishway.

Renewal of the legislative appropriation for the construction
of a fishway at the dam of the Essex Company in Lawrence
having been secured for this year, work on this project was
prosecuted with as much expedition as the adverse circum-
stances of the case would permit.

The type of fishway finally evolved as best satisfying the re-
quirements of this particular location on the Merrimack com-
prises a series of tanks or pools leading from the level of the
river bottom below the dam to that of the pond above. Each
pool, when in operation, will have a depth of 3 feet and a floor
space of 64 square feet. Openings 4 feet wide lead from one
pool to that next above and below, and the grades are so regu-
lated that at each one of these openings a little waterfall will be
formed. For the sake of economy, and to secure a maximum
grade in a minimum total length, the boxes or pools are
arranged in a double row, the waterway zigzagging first to the
right and then to the left. Owing to the great violence of the
river at the southern end of the dam, the particular locus of
the way, especially during the season of ice jams in the spring,
it was deemed necessary to construct the whole way of re-

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT— No. 25. 107

enforced concrete. To give it as solid a foundation as possible,
and also to avoid reducing the cross section of the river at flood
stages, a portion of the ledge present on the site was blasted
away, and the shelf thus made was used to support the fishway.
Where the ledge was lower than the desired level of the fishway,
the latter was built up of rubble concrete, to the end that
economical use might be made of the materials at hand. The
result is that the irregular rock river way is replaced with a
stronger mass of homogenous material with smooth exterior,
offering less obstruction to the river.

A space was left between the feed flume of the way and the
crest of the dam in order that there might be no obstruction to
the free flow of water over the dam, and to the end that this
upper portion of the way might be saved from the destructive
influence of ice and other debris in the spring season. This
space is to be spanned by a steel flume open at both ends. This
flume is operated by means of an overhead track, and may be
placed on the crest of the dam at such times as are deemed
necessary for the passage of fish. Whenever considered essen-
tial to its safety, this steel flume may be easily withdrawn into
the feed flume of the fishway proper.

Rising cost of materials and labor made the original appro-
priation inadequate. This year the Legislature made an addi-
tional appropriation which, in addition to the balance of the
first appropriation and the sum of $2,500 to be contributed by
the Essex Company, made the sum available sufficiently large
to accept the lowest bid submitted for the work, that of the
firm of George T. Seabury, Inc., of Providence, R. I., — $23,-
455.90.

The novelty of the problem, the lack of successful examples
from which to obtain ideas, and the care necessary to avoid the
mistakes of other designers made preliminary progress much
slower than in the case of other structures by this time more or
less standardized.

After numerous preliminary negotiations incidental to the
work, including the obtaining of required permits from the
Commission on Waterways and Public Lands of Massachusetts
and from the United States War Department, physical work on
the proposition was commenced on Aug. 25, 1919. The con-

108 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

tract was dated Aug. 12, 1919, and provided that the contractor
should commence the work within thirteen days after that date,
the whole work to be performed in accordance with the terms
of the contract in or before ten weeks. At that time this
seemed perfectly feasible. But all manner of unforeseen, ex-
traordinary natural conditions made this impossible. Two eco-
nomic factors in the delay were labor troubles and difficulty in
obtaining the structural steel necessary owing to the strike
in the steel industry. In addition to this, the continual rise
of the river became so great in volume as on November 1
to seriously bend and loosen the flashboards of the dam, par-
ticularly near the scene of operations, and demolished a con-
siderable portion of the false work, thus nullifying some of the
work accomplished. From this date on the continuing high
water submerged a considerable part of the site all of the time,
the water flowing over the dam having attained a maximum
depth of 6 feet over the masonry of the dam during this period.
Moreover, this displacing of the flashboards, in addition to
spilling immense volumes of water over the bent boards, allowed
even greater quantities to leak through along the crest of the
dam. As this lower stream came in contact with the main
stream flowing over, a heavy spray was produced. This spray,
carried by a prevailing strong wind, enveloped the work in a
continual shower of moisture, with the result that it was almost
impossible to keep men at work. On November 20 a fall in
temperature caused this dense mist to freeze as soon as it
struck the fishway and adjacent land, resulting in the formation
of a heavy coating of ice over the whole lower portion of the
structure, the part at that time under construction, and making
the prosecution of further work impracticable.

At the end of November three-fifths of the total length of the
fishway, including the highest and most difficult portions, was
quite complete, with the exception of three of the pillars for the
support of the movable flume and a portion of the third section
of pools. Mr. George T. Seabury, the contractor, at that time
was continuing with the work with as many men as the offer of
a generous bonus could induce to face the severe physical con-
ditions under which work had to be done. He was of the
opinion that at least this much could be finished this year, and

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 109

continued operations in spite of the severe weather conditions,
in the hope that the work might be progressed to a point
which would make it usable next spring. With the upper three-
fifths of the fishway completed, it was felt that a temporary
wooden structure leading down to the river bed would be
sufficient in all respects to serve the requirements of any fish
which might seek to ascend the dam this coming season. It is
doubtful, however, if with the money in hand this temporary
expedient will be possible.

In accordance with the requirements of chapter 174, General
Acts of 1918, and subsequent appropriation acts, which stipu-
late that all receipts and expenditures shall be set forth in the
annual report of the Commission, we herewith make the follow-
ing report: —

Appropriations.
Balance of chapter 161, Special Acts of 1918,

brought forward from 1918, .... $8,934 17
Chapter 211, Special Acts of 1919, . . . 5,000 00
Chapter 242, Special Acts of 1919, . . . 11,000 00

$24,934 17

Expenditures.
Expenses of engineer, including travel, serv-
ices, tracings, blue prints, models, etc., . $1,189 55

Travel of employees, 3 98

Blue prints, 32 28

Advertising (proposals), 161 44

Contract for construction of fishway, . . 23,455 90 !

■ 24,843 15

$91 02
Lowell Fishway.
At the time plans were adopted for the installation of the
Lawrence fishway the location at the dam of the Locks and
Canals Company at Pawtucket Falls, Lowell, was also studied.
While the physical proportions of the work are not so great,
nevertheless there is a substantial problem at this dam if a
fishway is to be designed which will accommodate the alewife
as well as the salmon.

1 Of this amount only $8,415 had been disbursed previous to Nov. 30, 1919.

110 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

A model has been constructed of a proposed fishway around
the above obstruction, and through our engineer we are now
working on the problem in conjunction with the officials of the
Locks and Canals Company.

Water Pollution.
The most serious problem confronting our fisheries is water
pollution. If allowed to increase it means the serious depletion
or even the ruin of a large part of our fresh-water fisheries, and
the longer it remains unregulated the more difficult will become
the solution. Indeed, it is to be questioned whether many
grossly polluted streams can ever be completely restored.
Massachusetts is both a fishing and a manufacturing State.
The pollution evil which vitally affects the future of her valu-
able fisheries is intimately connected with her manufacturing
interests, a situation which renders especially difficult the appli-
cation of remedial measures.

Forms of Water Pollution.

Although water pollution is a public nuisance and a menace
to public health, we are concerned only with the destruction of
fish life by sewage and trade wastes. Owing to its prominence
as a public health factor, methods of disposal have been devised
for eventually controlling sewage pollution entering the streams
from private toilets and cesspools and in the form of effluents
from municipal systems, thereby causing damage to water
supplies and manufacturing interests, contaminating shellfish
beds and injuring fish life. Trade wastes, which include all
forms of waste material from industrial sources, present a far
more difficult problem, and fish conservation will deal chiefly
with this type of pollution, which not only renders the water
unfit for bathing and drinking, but directly and indirectly de-
stroys fish life.

Considerable experimental work must be done before we shall
be in a position to judge how great an amount of pollution a
fish can survive over a long period. In flagrant cases the effect
of severe, new or transitory pollution is readily indicated by the
presence of dead or dying fish, yet slow, continuous pollution
may be fully as harmful when its cumulative effect over a long

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. Ill

period is considered. The cases which show an appreciable
effect upon the fish life in the streams should be remedied as
soon as possible, since they are causing the greatest damage.
In instances consideration must be given the value of the stream
for fishing, the nature of the polluting substance, and the cost
of its elimination.

The direct effect of pollution is to injure the fish so as to
cause their death or render them susceptible to disease; reduce
the natural supply of free oxygen in the water; render the flesh
unfit for food; or to drive the fish away. The indirect effect
may be even more disastrous through the destruction of the
eggs and young, the restriction of spawning and feeding grounds
through changes in the bottom vegetation, and the destruction
of the food supply.

In Massachusetts all classes except the deep-sea fisheries are
affected by water pollution. Sewage is a source of danger to
the public health not only through contaminating shellfish, but
also closing large productive shellfish areas, and causing the
wholesale destruction of the spawn. Trade wastes destroy shell-
fish, particularly the larval forms, render them unfit for food,
and diminish the spawning grounds, while the presence of con-
centrated quantities of sewage or trade wastes drives migratory
fish from our coasts. The coastal streams by sewage and
chemicals are rendered unfit for the passage of anadromous fish
on their way to their spawning grounds, thus directly injuring
the ale wife fisheries and indirectly affecting the shore fisheries.
The greatest pollution is to be found in the inland waters, where
nearly every stream of importance receives a variable amount
of sewage and trade wastes.

Work during 1919.

During 1919 three 'cases of pollution were investigated, and
the opinion of the Commissioners was requested in another
under chapter 460, Acts of 1910.

1. Athol Machine Company. — The opinion of the Commis-
sioners was requested in regard to the disposal of sand from
the company's sand blast in Millers River. After reviewing the
facts in the case it was decided that no harm to fish life could
result from this material entering the stream.

112 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

2. Brewer's Sawmill. — Reports were received that the Konk-
apot River, a splendid trout stream, was being damaged by
shaving wastes from the sawmill of C. B. Brewer at Mill River.
Upon investigation the amount of polluting substances entering
the stream proved so small, and the damage so questionable,
that further action was deemed inexpedient.

3. Thomas A. Kelley & Co. — Little River, a tributary of the
Saugus, was reported on April 25, 1919, as polluted with acid
from the plant of the Thomas A. Kelley Company factory at
Lynn. Investigation showed that the damage was caused by
the plugging of the sewer, and the company was proved quite
innocent in the matter. The trouble was speedily remedied by
the prompt action and ready co-operation of Hon. Walter H.
Creamer, mayor of Lynn, and the Lynn board of ways and
sewage.

4. Russ Gelatine Company. — Pollution of Sandy Mill Brook.
Westfield, by caustic soda and muriatic acid, was reported on
July 7, 1919. The matter was brought to the attention of the
company by letter on July 17. In a personal interview on July
22 the president of the company stated that he would look into
the matter of establishing filter beds. On August 18 and
September 29 the death of fish was observed to have continued,
and the company's attention was again called to the fact by
letter on September 17 and October 3. At that time the com-
pany promised to take the matter up with Commissioner
Graham at Springfield. On November 17 a diagram of the
proposed settling pit was submitted by letter to the Board, and
the ready co-operation of the company assured.

1919.1 PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 113

PROPAGATION OF FISH AND GAME.

Report of the Sandwich Fish Hatcheries.

On Dec. 1, 1918, William M. Monroe, formerly foreman of
the Palmer Fish Hatchery, was appointed superintendent of
the Sandwich Fish Hatcheries in place of Frank E. Hitchings,
deceased.

Along with the regular work but few alterations were made
at the hatcheries during the past year. A small hatch house
was set up to give the space necessary for eyeing out all
the eggs before shipment. It will hold a similar number of
trout fry for a time. A portable garage was set up at Sandwich
for housing the truck, and a new Stewart truck added to the
equipment. Wherever possible springs or streams were utilized
in the construction of rearing pools; wells were driven; and
eight wooden pools from the Adams Hatchery (now discon-
tinued) were set up at the Sandwich Hatchery on the north
side of the meat house. The clearing of grounds and some
minor changes completed the improvements for the year.

Brook Trout.

When the present superintendent took charge of the Sand-
wich stations on Dec. 1, 1918, the spawning season had closed
and three or four consignments of eggs had been distributed.
The brood stock on hand consisted of 21,000 yearlings and
16,578 adults.

A total of 4,248,552 eggs had been taken, part of which were
disposed of as follows : —

Sutton Hatchery, green eggs, 783,552

Mr. L. B. Handy of Wareham, for experiment in new method

of planting, eyed eggs, 100,000

Sutton Hatchery, eyed eggs, 515,000

Montague rearing station, eyed eggs, 800,000

Canada (in exchange for Atlantic salmon eggs), eyed eggs, . 200,000
California Fish Commission (in exchange for salmon eggs),

eyed eggs, 250,000

Wisconsin Fish Commission (in exchange for rainbow trout

eggs), eyed eggs, 200,000

2,848,552

114 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

The remaining 1,400,000 eggs were retained for hatching,
which was completed January 22, resulting in 1,200,000 fry.
Some were distributed as fry, and part reared to fingerlings.
These were disposed of as follows: —

To Southeastern Fish and Game Association of Brockton for

rearing to fingerlings before liberation, fry, .... 40,000

Amherst rearing station, No. 2 fingerlings, 352,575

Distributed to public waters, No. 3 fingerlings, .... 219,750

612,325

Nearly all the losses of fry occurred in the lower cement
pools at the Sandwich Hatchery, by reason of insufficient water
supply through these ponds.

There were 2,930 adult fish distributed during the year.

The 19,444 wild brook trout received from the Palmer
Hatchery were retained as brood stock.

In the fall 5,000,000 eggs were taken for the coming year's
work.

Rainbow Trout.
On March 22, 171,000 rainbow trout eggs were received from
Madison, Wis., in exchange for 200,000 brook trout eggs. When
unpacked they were found to be in very poor condition, large
numbers having formed into masses covered with fungus, and
the losses were large. They started hatching March 27, and
were carried at the station until fall, when 30,425 fingerlings
were distributed to public waters.

Chinook Salmon.

Between September S and 17, 14,100 Chinook salmon finger-
lings were received by auto truck from the Palmer Hatchery
for rearing, and in the course of the fall were planted in
ponds.

We had an opportunity this year to experiment with the
propagation of landlocked Chinook salmon, and to test the
commonly held theory that salmon die after spawning. At the

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 115

East Sandwich Hatchery 12 mature salmon hatched in 1915
had been kept for show and experimental purposes. On
October 2, when 8 appeared ready to spawn, the fish were
caught and 3 females at this time and 5 small males were found
to be ripe. Three large males were not ripe. Eleven ounces
(1,650 eggs) were taken on October 2, and on October 6, 6
ounces (900 eggs) more. The 2,550 eggs placed on trays at the
Sandwich Hatchery hatched well, and at the time of making
this report had developed into strong, healthy fish. When the
Chinook salmon are ready to spawn they turn dark yellow.
The eggs are much lighter in color than those taken from the
fish in salt water. After the adults were stripped they were
put back into the pond, and in a few days both male and
female began to show signs of fungus, and died ten days after
stripping. The fungus began on the tail and back fin and
finally covered the whole fish, the fins rotting away. The fish
grew thin rapidly, the flesh wasting away so that at the time
of death they were mere shadows of their good condition ten
days previous at the time of spawning. As an experiment one
female was left in the pond to spawn naturally. This fish, too,
eventually died. Some time ago a number of Chinook salmon
which were held in the pond at the Palmer Hatchery were
found dead and covered with fungus in the spring, after the
ice had gone out. Probably these fish had spawned and died
in the same manner.

This is the first time, to our knowledge, that the eggs of the
Chinook salmon have been taken in fresh water and success-
fully hatched in Massachusetts, and possibly, with one or. two
exceptions, in the world.

The young Chinooks were retained at the hatchery. It is
our intention to rear them to mature fish and breed from them,
with a view to ascertaining whether Chinook salmon hatched
and reared in fresh water die after spawning, as is the case with
the salt-water species.

116 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

Atlantic Salmon.
The 220,000 Atlantic salmon eggs received from the St.
Johnsbury Hatchery in Canada came through in excellent con-
dition. They were placed on trays at East Sandwich and
finished hatching March 17, but a great many of them, being
weak, died in the sac stage. A rather large loss was experienced
at the hatching period, many breaking open and dying just
before they hatched. This may have been due to imperfect de-
velopment of the fish in the eggs. It was noticed that most of
these eggs were a little lighter in color than a healthy one, and
by holding the egg to the light it could be plainly seen that the
fish was immature. Some of such fish survive the hatching
period, but generally result in blue sacs or cripples of some
kind. Some die in the eggs and break open. Atlantic salmon
are more susceptible to injury through handling than any other
fish. This was the first year Atlantic salmon have been
handled at the Sandwich Hatcheries. The only place they
seemed to thrive was in the new wooden pools at the Sandwich
station. There were 3,000 distributed.

Alewives.
Some experimental work in the artificial hatching of alewives
was carried on, an account of which will be found in the section
of this report on "Alewives."

Report of the Palmer Fish Hatchery.

The work has been conducted on about the same scale as in
former years, but owing to the shortage of labor the propaga-
tion of certain species fell below normal. The plan is to carry
a moderate-sized permanent force, and to employ temporary
help during the busiest part of the season. The inability to
obtain such help was a great handicap, and reflected in the out-
put of the year.

Very little was done in the way of improvements to the
station. An 8 by 10 foot building was built near the rearing
pools for housing the refrigerator and storing the material used

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 117

in caring for fish. A rearing pool was started between the high-
way and bass pond No. 1, of temporary construction, and
finished so that it could be used this season in rearing salmon.
This made it possible to rear to fingerlings 40,000 salmon for
which otherwise there would have been no accommodations.
Work was begun in grading and filling in back of the superin-
tendent's house.

Chinook Salmon.
There were 450,000 Chinook salmon eggs received from the
Pacific coast. They arrived in good condition, were hatched in
the usual way, and retained until they had reached fingerling
size. They were distributed thus: 14,100 were sent to the
Sandwich Hatcheries for further rearing; 278,500 were planted
in tributaries of the Merrimack River as 2 to 6 inch fish; and
the remaining 60,760 were planted in ponds.

Brook Trout.
Sixty thousand eggs collected from wild brook trout in one
of the hatchery brooks and supply ponds were hatched with
very small loss. All were put into one large pool and held until
time of shipment. At this time about two-thirds were feeding,
and the remainder still had the food sac. On July 14 (at which
time the fish were 2\ to 5 inches in length) shipments were
commenced to the Sandwich Hatchery, to which 19,444 finger-
lings were shipped to be reared for brood stock. The remaining
fish were held in one large pool, an experiment to determine
what per cent could be raised in this manner. The experiment
was not a fair one, however, as the fish were of different ages
when put into the pool, owing to the unevenness in hatching.
However, the results show that without doubt if the fish had
been all of the same age when planted, this scheme of raising
them would prove a much better success than to rear them in
numerous small pools. There were 9,800 fingerlings distributed
to the public waters.

118 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

Yellow Perch.
The eggs of this species were procured, as in the past two
years, from the Ludlow Reservoir; 20,000,000 were taken and
hatched by the battery system, and 14,900,000 were planted in
public waters as fry and 500 as fingerlings.

Pike Perch.
The supply of pike perch eggs for this year's hatching was
collected in Vermont by our own men. (For detailed account,
see the section on "Pike Perch" in another part of this report.)
From the 14,625,000 green eggs collected and shipped to the
Palmer Hatchery, about 47 per cent, or 7,000,000 fry, were
hatched and planted, — a very good hatch from green eggs, as
there is always a large loss in the hatching of pike perch. There
were 1,240,000 additional fry hatched from eyed eggs received
from the United States Bureau of Fisheries, and distributed.

Lochleven Trout.
On January 8, 10,000 Lochleven trout eggs were received
from the California fish and game commission. They arrived
in good condition, and about 9,000 fry were hatched following
the methods of hatching brook trout and salmon eggs. Soon
after hatching, however, the young fish commenced to die from
some unknown cause, and the losses continued until they had
made growth to about 2 inches. It was noticed that they were
very slow in taking food, especially in the fry stage. There
were 1,000 good-sized fingerlings reared and liberated.

Small-mouth Black Bass.
The bass culture work at the station this year was not as suc-
cessful as we had hoped, owing to the loss of some of the brood
stock early in the spring, and to the inability to obtain the
necessary labor at the time when it was most required. We
had no facilities for obtaining additions to the brood stock, and
there was unavoidable delay in putting the ponds into con-
dition and in getting the beds set for the brood stock. During
the fall about 50 adult small-mouth black bass were obtained,

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 119

and these, together with the stock which we expect to get next
spring, should be sufficient to supply all of the brood fish which
will be required. There were 3,400 fingerlings distributed.

Salt-water Smelt.
There were 100,572,000 eggs of the salt-water smelt received
for hatching from the field station at Weir River, Hingham,
more detailed account of which appears in the section of this
report on "Smelt." There were 83,000,000 fry distributed in
the coastal streams.

Report of the Sutton Fish Hatchery.

The Sutton Hatchery throughout 1919 was operated merely
as a rearing station (no brood stock being carried), and as such
it has been distinctly successful, though not yet developed to
the extent of its possibilities. The work of improvement was
carried on to only a limited extent, and was confined wholly to
replacements, the removal of abandoned equipment, and such
changes on the grounds as would simplify the care and improve
the general appearance.

Late in 1918 the reconstruction of the dam was undertaken
to improve facilities for handling fry, and to provide a perma-
nent structure, in consideration of the value of the pond in pro-
ducing fry. The original dam was built over sixty years before,
and was rebuilt in 1891 when the hatchery was located here.
It was again rebuilt in 1905, and has stood from that time with
no further repairs.

The embankment carrying the road past the pond was not
disturbed, but the old wasteway and underdrain was dug out,
replaced with concrete and tile, and a concrete wall built in
place of the plank facing. Screen frames and flashboards were
provided for both above and below the road to facilitate han-
dling the fish, and a conduit was provided for use in running the
fish into a sorting pool below, to be constructed later. The
dam was completed late in December, 1918, and the pond
filled for cutting ice. The road was graded to a higher level in
crossing the dam, and also on the west side, where it was
widened to give a better approach. The shores of the pond

120 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

approaching the dam were graded and walled with field stone
to conform to the other finished shores, and a pipe railing built
across the dam, to follow the shore a short distance by later
construction.

The water supply for the house was further improved by
drawing the supply from the hatchery pipe and pumping it
with a pump operated by the motor that runs the meat chopper.
The motor brought from Andover rearing station being found to
have power sufficient for other machinery was belted to an 18-
foot line of shafting, and placed so that it would run any other
small machinery found useful.

Trout.

Near the close of 1918, when the fingerlings had been dis-
tributed, the station was stripped of all stock, and the last of
the year was spent in making improvements to facilitate work
for the next season.

On Nov. 21, 1918, the first of the eggs were received from the
Sandwich Hatchery. There were 783,552 eggs shipped immedi-
ately after stripping, as green eggs, in distinction from the
partly matured, or eyed eggs, received later. Between Dec. 18,
1918, and Jan. 3, 1919, three shipments of the eyed eggs were
received, amounting to 515,000, making the total of eyed and
green eggs received 1,298,552. The first two shipments of eyed
eggs were normal in size and condition, but the last contained
many late yearling eggs in mixture with the larger ones. Con-
sequently many of the fry, from later hatching and feebleness,
were unfit for rearing, and increased the proportion of losses in
the beginning of the rearing season. A condition like this could
be well met by a distribution of fry sufficiently large to elimi-
nate all the undersized and weak ones, as such could be easily
separated from the stronger. This would not mean that the
fry discarded would be in any way a waste product or added
loss, for the fish that in the crowded rearing pools would weaken
to the point of loss would, if scattered in suitable nursery
brooks, result in a fair percentage of survivors.

The green eggs came through in fair condition, with a loss
from the transfer but little heavier than normal, and they con-
tinued with no apparent change for about ten days, when the

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 121

germinal disc was becoming plainly defined. But this, instead
of undergoing the usual changes, developed a white spot indi-
cating the death of the germ, and in a varying time involved
the whole egg. The loss resulting continued at an increasing
rate until early in January, when the number of eyed eggs
represented less than 10 per cent of the shipment. Through
most of this period it was possible to distinguish the loss of the
dead fertile from the ordinary loss of infertile, which came late
in the season but was no heavier than usual. This trouble has
occurred in three out of the six years that eggs have been
transferred from Sandwich, and has been identical each year,
always among the green eggs and following the same develop-
ment very closely. But so many shipments have come through
in good condition during the same period that the difficulty
cannot be wholly due to the transfer of the eggs green, but
rather to doing the work at the wrong time, or with eggs so
deficient in vitality that they could not be handled in that way.
The loss in this lot of eggs was nearly 700,000, and the loss in
the hatching of the eyed eggs increased the total losses to 765,-
000. The fry that resulted from the hatching of the remainder
numbered 569,000. All were reserved for rearing, and all ponds
suitable for holding them were well stocked. The proportion of
unsatisfactory fry from the last shipment of eggs previously
mentioned brought some of the ponds down below capacity, but
the most of them carried a full quota of fingerlings.

The large pond was stocked with a smaller number than the
year before (when it was used to take the large numbers
weakened by overcrowding), and this smaller number gave in-
creased results (from about 23,000 last year to nearly 30,000
this year), with no decrease in the usual large size of the fish
produced the first year. This year it approximated 600 over 6
inches, 6,000, 5 inches, about 20,000, 3 to 5 inches, and several
thousand smaller.

The year before some fish were kept in an experimental way
in the brook channel that carries the waste water from the
brook above the fry ponds to the main pond. The results were
so satisfactory that for this year's work the channel was
deepened and obstructions placed at intervals, so that the water
flowed down through a succession of pools, falling from 6 to 9

122 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

inches from one pool to the next below. A large part of the
fish intended for the main pond were placed in these pools, and,
as no screens were used, it was expected that enough would
work down to the pond after a brief period of feeding in the
brook. However, they retained their stations so well that it
was necessary to put a stock directly in the pond and let the
first lot remain in the brook pools. Through the summer there
was relatively little change in the numbers of fish in the pools,
except where shade was lacking, and from such shadeless pools
they dropped down to the shaded ones or to the pond. This
channel, formerly unused because the drift and flood water
made it impossible to maintain screens and keep the fingerlings
separated from the adults below, yielded a stock of nearly
20,000, smaller in size than the pond fish, to be sure, but very
hardy and active.

The distribution covered a greater extent of territory than the
year before, and it was necessary to distribute a larger proportion
by rail. A motor truck was used, however, to load the fish at
the Worcester station, and all near assignments, including
nearly all that went into Worcester County, were taken out by
truck. Several extended trips were taken with large truck loads
in cases where a cross-country trip could take in one day what
would require two or three days by rail. Motor truck delivery
was as satisfactory as the year before, and should be followed
to an increasing extent when the assignments of fish can be
made within a practical distance. The distributions of finger-
lings totaled 209,600.

Report of the Amherst Rearing Station.

The station was opened March 25 and was in charge of
Arthur S. Tinkham. Between that date and April 21 shipments
of 2-inch fingerlings were received from the Sandwich Hatch-
eries to the number of 352,575. These fish had been feeding
from four to six weeks, and arrived at the rearing station in
excellent condition.

Early in June Deputies Ruberg and McCarthy installed 6 new
tandem pools about 25 feet north of the pools originally built.
They are buried so that the top is flush with the ground, and

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 123

they are fed by a small surface stream. This was the only im-
provement on the grounds during the year.

On June 30 and July 1 there were heavy losses among the
fish, due to the neglect of the man in charge of the station in
properly caring for them. The situation developed so rapidly
that the damage was done before it could be remedied.

The number of fish reared and distributed, commencing July
16, was 12,400.

On April 18, 1,500 smelt were received in good condition from
the field station at Pittsfield, and were placed in some of the
pools for experimental purposes. They did not feed, and died.

Report of the Montague Rearing Station.

In 1918 the Montague rearing station was conducted as a
rearing station for fry, but no hatching was done. The con-
ditions at the station as revealed by the first year's trial seemed
so promising for the hatching of eggs that an experimental
hatch house was constructed at the close of the year, and
equipped, ready for trial this year.

The rearing capacity of the station was increased by setting
up 8 additional pools from the dismantled station at Andover,
giving a total of 38 rearing pools. A shanty at the Andover
station furnished lumber for the construction of an ice house,
and the appearance of the station was improved by clearing
away brush along the pools and in the swamp.

Shipments of eyed eggs for hatching were received from the
Sandwich Hatcheries between Nov. 30 and Dec. 28, 1918, total-
ing 800,000.

The eggs were accompanied by a messenger in every case, and
were found to be in good condition when unpacked, except that
the second lot contained an unusual number of bad eggs.

On December 25 a part of the first lot had hatched, but the
hatching period of the other lots averaged thirty days. On
February 1, when some of the fry had commenced to feed, one
trough, or 60,000, were transferred into three rearing pools.

The fry grew so rapidly that on February 4 all of the first
two lots of fish were transferred into 18 rearing pools, 20,000 to
a tank, where they did so well that the remaining fry were also
brought down in the pools as soon as they were feeding.

124 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

On February 24 there were large losses in the first lot of fish,
which had been feeding for three weeks. Next day matters
were worse, and on the 26th Superintendent William M. Munroe
of the Sandwich Hatcheries visited the station to ascertain, if
possible, the trouble. Clay and salt baths were administered
and certain changes made in feeding methods, but the trouble
continued, and by the time the second lot had been feeding
three weeks the same trouble manifested itself. The fish
appeared to be in a healthy condition, with no fungus, and
upon examination no trace of anything unusual could be noticed
to indicate the cause of the losses. Losses continued until the
last lot of fish was about three months old, and then decreased
to only a few a day. The fish were fed on fresh liver &ve times
a day at the beginning, and four times the remainder of the
time. Growth was slow during the spring months, but from the
middle of May to the distribution season they kept up a
steady growth.

Distribution was started June 25, and made by auto truck
direct to the streams. Total number of fish planted in the
public waters was 36,000 fingerlings from 2 to 3J inches in
length. Distribution was completed July 10, and the station
put in shape to be left for the winter.

The 70 acres of land on which the rearing station is located,
which was leased until the suitableness of the water had been
fully tested, was purchased on Nov. 28, 1919; 40 acres from
John Bitzer for SI, 100; and 30 acres from Joseph T. Fournier
for $750.

Pittsfield Rearing Station.

Our experience with this station during the one year that it
was operated convinced us that the water was unsuitable for
trout culture, and it was not deemed advisable to conduct
operations there this year.

Report of the Marshfield Bird Farm.

Very little construction work was done at the Marshfield Bird
Farm during the year, owing both to lack of finances and lack
of labor, for help was difficult to obtain, and only one assistant
was kept during the winter.

Arrangements were made to transfer the incubators from the

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 125

cellar of the superintendent's house to the basement of a newly
constructed building, where it was possible to have greater
space for the work, and improved facilities for testing out the
eggs. Eight new Prairie State incubators were installed. One
coat of paint was given to the buildings.

For housing the deputies who from time to time were assigned
to assist in shipping stock from the game farm, the portable
house from the smelt field station wras set up and furnished,
and thus the men were on the grounds and instantly available
when needed.

A piece of land was broken up and laid down to clover to
furnish green food for the birds. Resodding and the laying out
of flower beds added to the appearance of the station. Being
located next to the railroad station and near the State road
leading from Boston to Plymouth, the game farm attracts
large numbers of visitors, especially week ends and holidays.
On several occasions there have been as many as 300 or
400 visitors in a day. Many children, too, visit the farm, and
the testing room has proved a great attraction. It gives the
superintendent an opportunity to teach the children the life
history of a bird from the time the eye first shows in the
egg, until it is ready to hatch, and to explain to them the dan-
ger of disturbing an egg in the nest during incubation. The
testing room is no less interesting to the adults than to the
juveniles. Early in May a Pathe photographer took pictures of
the farm and the broods of young ducklings. The display of
the pictures brought many visitors to the farm, who mentioned
that they had seen the birds on the screen, and had wished to
see the live ones.

Mallard Ducks.
The brood stock was 400 ducks from the previous year.
They came through the winter well, and were in excellent shape
for laying. The first eggs were laid about the middle of March,
but as the new cellar was being set in order for work, the
incubators were not set until April 2. At that time three were
set together, and from that time on they were kept full until
5,560 eggs had been set. When sufficient eggs had been taken
for the hatching operations at the station, the shipment of
settings of eggs to applicants was commenced, totaling 1,671.

126 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

Once hatching started the work moved along rapidly. On
some occasions two hatches came off in the same day. The
ducklings came so fast that the brood house, equipped with
brooders, was not large enough to care for them, and the heat-
ing system in the brood house had to be changed to floor heating
to take care of the young.

The hatch from the 5,560 eggs set was 4,298, and the per
cent of hatch per incubator was remarkable, ranging from the
lowest, of 70.2 per cent, to the highest, of 90.7 per cent.

The ducklings grew so rapidly that in order to give the 4,000-
odd individuals the space they needed, yards were put out back
of the large brood house, and finally the large orchard was
fenced off for them. Pools were put in, connected with the
water system, making the needed shade and water available at
all times.

Shipment of the young birds began June 24. There were
2,156 of the young ducks distributed to applicants for liberation,
and 425 retained. These, with 25 wild drakes kept from the
previous year's stock, will form next year's brood stock.

The adult ducks, after they had produced enough eggs for the
incubators and the distribution lists, were shipped out, also for
liberation in the covers, to the number of 339. Ten were freed
in the meadow adjoining the farm to see if they would hatch
there. Several fine broods were raised, and they were allowed
to fly, with others raised near here, in the wild state. The adult
birds were sent out in May, in sufficient time for them to nest
and bring off a brood in the open. In this connection it is
interesting to mention a flock of mallards, now numbering 47,
which have established themselves in a river in Marshfield only
a few hundred feet from the main highway, where automobiles
pass continually. The flock has grown from a few pairs of the
wild brood stock released from the game farm one spring, after
having given the required quota of eggs. A flock of about 60
wild black ducks has joined them, and remained through No-
vember of this year. Another flock of about 40 in North Dux-
bury, about 5 miles from the game farm, has grown from two
pairs which migrated from the game farm before they were
caught up and wing-clipped.

1919.1 PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 127

Pheasants.

At all our game farms the hatching and rearing of pheasants
has been done thus far entirely by the use of bantam hens.
This is an expensive method, and as an experiment to test the
possibilities of hatching by incubators and rearing in brooders,
600 pheasant eggs were sent to Marshfield from the Wilbraham
Game Farm.

The first test showed very poor fertility, 276, or 46 per cent,
being taken out then, and among the eggs remaining there
were some quite doubtful; 185 were hatched, and 19 more were
helped out of the shell, being too weak to struggle out them-
selves, thus making the total hatch 204. Out of this number,
165 were reared. There were 100 distributed, and the remainder
held for brood stock next year.

The young made rapid growth. They were all feathered
before they were three weeks old, and had a wing-spread of 14J
inches at that time (two days before they were three weeks
old). The regular prepared pheasant feed was not used, but a
special mixture prepared by the superintendent.

The whole experiment with pheasants was made under some-
what adverse conditions, for the germs were weak, and the
hatch came off at a time when the distribution of ducks was
claiming the workers' attention. There were no suitable
quarters for the pheasants, and they were reared in the dis-
carded quail pens.

Quail.
No work was done this year in trapping quail to secure a
supply of eggs for hatching, for the lack of snow made trapping
impossible.

Report of the Sandwich Bird Farm.
The winter of 1918—19 was remarkable for its mildness, in
contrast to the great severity and deep snows of the previous
winter. This condition was favorable for bringing the brood
stock through the winter in strong and healthy condition for the
breeding season. Time not occupied in the daily routine of
caring for the stock was spent on construction work, repairs

128 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

and preparations for the breeding season, and controlling the
ever-present vermin.

Five winter duck pens, 30 by 40 feet, were built inside the
large duck yard known as No. 1. They are located on the
south side of a steep bank, and so constructed that the bank
protects them from the cold north winds. Each pen encloses
some upland, beach and open water, and is supplied with
spring water issuing from the banks, which keeps the water
area open through the coldest winter days. The ducks had no
other protection throughout the cold weather.

In duck yard No. 2 bushes and limbs were trimmed away,
and low places filled with gravel to elevate the walk above the
mud and water.

Duck yard No. 3, located on the shores of Great Pond, was
enclosed one-third of its total area, taking in that portion next
to and part of the pond. The other two-thirds remains to be
finished next season.

Duck yard No. 4, taking in the northeast swamp adjoining
the pond, was completely enclosed by a wire fence.

The dams in yards Nos. 1, 3 and 5 were repaired.

The remainder of the eight winter quail houses were com-
pleted, painted and placed in position, and the covered winter
yards that go with them nearly finished.

A small building used as workshop and storage place for grain
and feed, which has been resting on timbers since it was moved
from the old location, was set on a cement cellar and founda-
tion, making a suitable storage place for roots, vegetables and
incubators.

Repairs on the bantam house were completed, and numerous
other small repairs made.

The agricultural operations were carried on by the regular
employees of the station, as labor was scarce and impossible to
obtain. On April 1 the resignation of one member of the force
still further handicapped the work.

Native Quail.
The third season of quail rearing on this location has come
and gone. While the results were not so good as last season's,
if weather conditions had been seasonable through the latter

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 129

part of the summer, instead of the continuous rain and fog, re-
sults would doubtless have been satisfactory. While the winter
houses for the adult quail were not all completed, several were
finished in time to demonstrate that they are satisfactory to the
birds.

There were 132 adult quail on hand December 1. Eight were
distributed, 8 killed by vermin, and 20 died, leaving 96 breeders
at the beginning of the breeding season, — 40 females and 56
males. The first egg was noticed May 19. The total yield was
801 eggs, — 8 were broken, 75 distributed, and the remaining 718
set under bantams.

Of the 718 set, 516 hatched (of which 48 were crushed in the
nest); the remaining 202 set were infertile, contained dead
germs or were crushed. Two hundred and thirty-four chicks
were lost from all causes (vermin, death and disappearance
when young), and 234 were raised. This shows a hatching of
about 71 per cent of all eggs set, practically the same as last
year, and a raising of 45 per cent of what young were hatched,
which is 10 per cent lower than last year.

The weather which started in very favorably for young quail,
and gave so much encouragement with the first hatchings,
suddenly changed to a continuous rainy and foggy spell that
lasted until late in the fall. For days and weeks the sun hardly
shone, and the death rate was high, such conditions being
especially unfavorable for artificial propagation.

No change was made in the method of caring for the young.
They showed strong vitality while weather conditions were
favorable, but the later hatches came when the severest rainy
weather was at its height, which destroyed all chances of im-
proving on last year's record. There were 156 young dis-
tributed, and the remainder kept for brood stock.

Mexican Quail.
The 14 Mexican quail on hand December 1, the survivors of
the experiment with this species in 1918, dwindled during the
winter and spring to 3, 1 female and 2 males. The one female
laid 26 eggs. Twelve young hatched, 6 were raised and dis-
tributed, and the adults kept for next season. The odd male
was killed bv vermin in the late summer.

130 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

Wood Ducks.

The wood ducks have^again given considerable encourage-
ment. Seventy-seven adults were placed in breeding yards.
More than half were females, and apparently the extra female
did not mate. The first eggs were found on April 2, and the
last picked up on June 8. The total yield for the season was
477, of which 13 were distributed, 19 broken and the remaining
445 set under bantams. Sixty-three proved infertile, 18 showed
dead germs, and 364 hatched, nearly 82 per cent of all eggs set.
The mortality of the young varied greatly. One particular lot
of eggs, all from one female, gave excellent results. She laid 19
eggs, one of which was infertile, and 18 hatched and were all
raised. Other lots went to the opposite extreme. As an experi-
ment several lots were placed under brooders set up in close
proximity to the water and then placed in houses so that vermin
could be excluded at night. The results with the first brooder
were good, but poor with subsequent ones. Another season
may demonstrate whether or not it is the most practical way to
raise them.

The 364 young hatched are accounted for as follows: 106
distributed, mostly to reservations; 39 kept for additions to
brood stock; 177 died from all causes. Thirty-nine disappeared
after two-thirds grown, probably from vermin. The disappear-
ance of these latter, as well as the loss of some of the adult
ducks, may be somewhat accounted for by the finding in
September of a 25-pound mud turtle in the duck yard. There
is no way by which this turtle could have gotten into the yard
since the erection of the fence, and it must therefore have been
in the yard the last two seasons. Thus about 40 per cent were
raised from the wood ducks hatched, — about the same per-
centage as was raised last season. There are on hand for next
year's breeding, reckoning both old and young, 101 birds.

Black Ducks.

Starting in with 79 ducks on December 1, 78 survived the

winter and were placed in breeding yards about March 1, and

the first eggs were found April 11. It was difficult to get all the

eggs laid, especially the second litters, as almost invariably

1919.1

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

131

these litters were either partially or wholly destroyed or the
ducks broken up. Crows, rats and red squirrels were respon-
sible for this, and before they could be controlled the period for
second litters had about passed.

The three species of ducks have been found to lay as set forth
in the following table : —

Black Duck. Wood Duck.

Mallard Duck.

Number of litters a season,

Number of eggs to a litter (old duck),

Number of eggs to a litter (young duck),

9 to 12

7, 8 or 9 1

10 to 17

7 to 10 i

3 or more.

Generally lays litters
a little larger than
the blacks, and some-
times lays continu-
ously.

i First litter.

Out of the 122 eggs that were collected 2 were broken, 8
infertile, 18 contained dead germs and 94 hatched. Twenty-
nine of the young were lost from all causes, and the 65 that
were raised were distributed. All that were liberated were
banded, and up to November 30 only one (No. 189) had been
heard from. That duck was shipped to Millis Reservation on
October 11, and was shot November 22 by Mr. Talcott Chan-
nels in Absecond Bay near Atlantic City, N. J. There remain
on hand to carry through the winter 62 ducks, as during the
year 2 died, 2 were accidentally killed, 2 were killed by vermin,
and 12 old ducks disappeared in late fall, having probably
flown away.

Mallard Ducks.
At the beginning of the year there were on hand for breeders
for the summer of 1919, 29 mallard ducks. In January, 8 of
these were shipped to different persons, and later in the winter
and spring 2 were killed by vermin, leaving 19 that were put
into the breeding pens. This included the 10 Louisiana wild
mallards received from the Marshfield Bird Farm after the
breeding season of 1918 for certain breeding experiments. They
were placed in the most natural conditions, with no blacks or
mallards, but while they appeared to mate, not an egg was laid.
This makes the third summer since captured in the wild state

132 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

that they have failed to produce eggs. These birds will be kept
under observation another year.

From the mallards that mated 119 eggs were secured. The
same difficulty was experienced in getting the second litters as
with the black ducks. One hundred and seven of the mallard
eggs hatched and 74 young were reared, of which 62 were dis-
tributed, 8 disappeared in the late fall, and 4 remain on hand,
so that at the close of the year 4 young and 19 old birds are
available for next year's work. The rearing of mallard ducks is
not a part of the regular work of the Sandwich Bird Farm, and
what is done is purely experimental.

Vermin.

The vermin problem has considerable bearing on affairs at
any game farm. Not only has one to stand the amount of
actual damage, but it is also necessary to spend considerable
time in what at first appears unnecessary work, such as setting
and tending regularly the traps in different sections of the bird
yards, oftentimes with no results, or with indifferent success.
Then suddenly an attack may come from some quarter where
least expected, — a bantam, mother of young quails, may be
found dead and partly eaten by a hawk. To be sure,
the hawk can generally be caught, for it is almost sure to
return to finish its meal; but this does not mend matters for
the young quail that seek in vain for their foster mother.
The marsh hawks have been unusually troublesome the past
season.

Rats were fought day in and day out, and they were killed
in such numbers that no record was kept. Efforts are directed
toward confining them near the feeding places of the ducks,
where they can do the least harm; and when a freshly dug
burrow is noticed in the more open land near the quails, the
animal is immediately sought out by an employee armed with
gun, shovel and gloves, and the rat almost invariably meets his
end by one of the three implements. Otherwise he would soon
prey on the quails, which, when wing-clipped, are an easy mark
for a rat.

1919.1

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25.

133

But the animal that strikes terror to the adult quail (and
incidentally to the game breeder) is the weasel, for that animal
kills and continues to kill until it is destroyed. In two nights
during the latter part of August a large male weasel cleaned out
18 breeding quail from their summer quarters. For fear he
would do more damage every live quail was at once removed
from that section, but he was caught that night. With the
exception of several bantams, that was the only damage by
weasels this season, though 12 were caught.

The vermin score for the past year has been a little less than
usual, with perhaps the exception of rats: —

Great horned owls, .

Sparrow hawks, .

. 2

Screech owls,

Marsh hawks,

. 4

Red-tailed hawk,

Weasels,

. 12

Red-shouldered hawks, .

Skunks,

. 5

Goshawks, ....

Black snakes,

. 6

Cooper's hawks,

Snapping turtles,

. 10

Sharp-shinned hawks,

Several hundred rats.

Pigeon hawk, .

Report of the Wilbraham Game Farm.
In the course of the year the tenement house was repaired
and painted, shop and bungalow clapboarded and painted, and
92 rearing pens constructed. A number of food-bearing shrubs
and 500 pines were set out. During the winter months, besides
taking care of the stock, repairs were made, so far as possible,
and everything put in readiness for the season's work. Approxi-
mately 5 acres were sown to grass in the spring, and in the fall
4 acres were cleared of small birches and other undesirable
growths, ploughed and sown to winter rye; and 12 acres were
ploughed which will be sown to grain and grass later. In addi-
tion to the bird-rearing work there have been produced 125
bushels of rye, 50 bushels of shelled corn and 50 bushels of
wheat. A quantity of green food for winter feeding has also
been grown. Some of the grain was left in the field to supply
the escaped pheasants with food, and thus hold them on the
farm where in the spring they will rear their broods.

134 FISH AND GAME. [Nov-

Pheasants.

There was a larger loss among the brood stock of pheasants
during the winter of 1918 than in the previous year, due, no
doubt, to the inability to procure wheat and the consequent
necessity of using grain of an inferior quality. The conditions
that caused this winter's loss undoubtedly affected the breeding
lots through the following summer. When the fiscal year
opened on Dec. 1, 1918, the brood stock consisted of 534
pheasants. For the purpose of introducing new blood and to
supplement the brood stock 57 pheasants were purchased during
December and January. At the beginning of the laying season
(April 1, 1919) the brood stock consisted of 411 hens and 133
cocks. At this time a part of the breeders appeared to be in
very good condition, but those from the late hatches, and some
of the oldest birds (which would not have been retained as
breeders except that it was impossible to obtain others from
outside parties at this time), were not up to the average. The
former were immature and the latter in a weakened state, and
some of these died early in the season.

More eggs than usual were consumed by hens as soon as laid.
This trouble greatly reduces the average per cent of egg pro-
duction. Pens are marked, and some of the birds that have
formed the habit are liberated, but the next season others have
the same destructive habit. Of the many remedies tried none
have proven effective for any length of time. This is one of the
difficulties for which no satisfactory solution has been found.

The total number of eggs laid was 16,568 (an average of 40
to a hen). One hundred and twenty-five inferior eggs were
eliminated; 100 broken in handling; 7,045 distributed to appli-
cants (this included 230 to the Myles Standish State Forest and
600 to the Marshfield Bird Farm); and 9,298 set (1,000 in in-
cubators and 8,298 under hens). As soon as a sufficient number
of hens became broody the eggs were removed from the incu-
bator and placed under hens to complete incubation. At the
close of the egg-laying period 158 adult pheasants were dis-
tributed to applicants.

The number of infertile eggs, and eggs with dead chicks, was
large, and only about 58 per cent hatched, — 5,402 chicks in all.

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 135

Last year a feeble development of the embryos was noted,
causing loss in the shell, and measures were taken to ascertain
the cause. This has been a serious problem the last two seasons.
Experiments have been made in the matter of moisture, time of
cooling and temperature of hatching cellar, but so far results
have been far from satisfactory. Due to war-time conditions
which prevailed throughout the greater part of the summer,
quite a different mash has of necessity been fed prior to the
laying season, and it is reasonable to suppose that this is a
cause of some of the weakness in the chicks.

The losses in rearing were large, and the number reared to
the age of liberation (six to seven weeks) was 1,206. There
were distributed 981, and 225 were retained as additions to the
brood stock. The young pheasants were liberated, as hereto-
fore, at the age of six to seven weeks. All were in first-class
condition. When the heads are fully feathered a young bird
will stand as much exposure as an adult. In connection with
the distribution of pheasants to the covers, it may be men-
tioned that 400 young birds were purchased from dealers and
liberated.

In rearing the chicks, though the same methods employed
last year were followed, the results varied. The heavy rains
which occurred during the most critical period for the young
birds were responsible for severe losses. The nights especially
were exceptionally cold and damp, and mold accumulated on
the feed boards over night. Rearing pens had to be moved to
new ground every few days. Bantam hens are being used in
place of the larger breeds for propagating purposes as fast as it
can be accomplished. With this in mind, about 300 bantam
chicks have been hatched this fall. All bantam eggs are used
for feeding young pheasants.

Vermin.
To rear birds in the open is to invite a constant loss from
predatory enemies. Very few foxes had been killed in and about
Wilbraham during 1918, compared to other years, and the in-
crease in the fox population in 1919 was very marked. Gray

136

FISH AND GAME.

[Nov.

foxes are most numerous, and are increasing rapidly, and some
of both species are living on the product of the game farm at
the present time. During the year the following vermin has
been destroyed : —

Skunks,

Sparrow hawks,
Cooper's hawk,
Red-shouldered hawk,
Marsh hawk,
Crows,

36
5

Snakes,
Rats, .
Barred owls,
Weasel,
Cats, .

30
2
1
4

1919.1 PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 137

FISH AND GAME DISTRIBUTION.

The distribution of fish proceeded along the lines followed in
the previous year. The reduction in the train service in many
districts continues to be a source of great difficulty in reaching
all parts of the State. The baggage cars are often so completely
filled with merchandise that it is only with the greatest diffi-
culty that our men can aerate the fish en route. The automo-
bile truck has proved its value, and by means of the one at
Sandwich we have been able to distribute a large number of
fish at a relatively low cost, and with increased benefit result-
ing from the time saved while the fish are being transported.

Owing to the lack of funds we have been compelled to utilize
our deputies even more extensively than previously, with the
result that a number of them were kept out of their respective
districts over substantial periods of the year. No relief from
this situation can be given until we are able to have on our staff
fish messengers who will handle most of the shipments. The
stock is moved throughout so many months of the year that
men could be given almost constant employment in this work.
At other times they could assist in other field work and in law
enforcement.

All applications for fish were carefully considered in regard to
the suitableness of the waters in which the applicant proposed
to plant the fish. This was made possible through the use of
our pond and stream records.

The following tables show the amount of stock, both fish and
game, liberated in the State during the year: —

138

FISH AND GAME,

[Nov.

Fish Distribution

Brook Trout.

3
o
u
H
a
E

■a

■
Ed

Yellow
Perch.

County.

■

"9
-a

>>
u

oi
9

-2

Barnstable, .

7,500

150

1,000

8,000

7,300

Berkshire,

54,400

4,050

4,500,000

12,700

Bristol,

56,250

200

6,900

Dukes, .

5,500

Essex, .

63,850

308

4,150

7,600

Franklin,

46,750

200

2,000

1,500,000

4,300

Hampden,

27,800

407

2,075

1,500,000

10,200

Hampshire,

20,000

100

3,400,000

10,600

Middlesex,

57,150

550

9,300

Norfolk,

48,750

300

500

8,200

Plymouth,

100,000

40,000

22,500

100

8,000

1,500,000

10,500

Suffolk,

Worcester,

82,500

605

2,150

2,500,000

30,500

Out of State and fairs,

650,000

100

Totals,

750,000

40,000

487,550

2,930

1,000

30,425

14,900,000

500

123,600

1919.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

139

during the Year 1919.

■3.S

gpq
co

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bfl
3

5 M

1-2
co

8
|

f9 £

OSS
CO
_o

a
1

8.
%

co
&

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Fresh-water

Smelt.

Totals.

bfl
bfl

960,000

1,300

18,600

23,500,000

5,000,000

3,000

5,000,000

24,506,850

1,520,000

19,900

5,800

6,116,860

640,000

4,000

7,500,000

8,207,350

400,000

10,750,000

11,155,500

600,000

280,500

3,000

18,750,000

10,000,000

3,000

10,000,000

19,712,408

480,000

1,500

2,034,750

520,000

250

11,000

16,700

2,088,432

240,000

800

5,200

12,700

1,000,000

9,000

1,000,000

3,698,400

1,280,000

400

4,000

5,000,000

3,000

6,354,400

800,000

400

13,000

2,500,000

3,000,000

1,500

3,000,000

3,372,650

14,000

9,000

15,000,000

6,000,000

3,000

6,100,000

16,607,100

160,000

1,500

161,500

640,000

500

15,160

3,600

1,000,000

7,500

1,000,000

3,282,515

650,000

100

8,240,000

3,400

250

353,360

3,000

63,100

83,000,000

26,000,000

49,700

26,750,000

107,298,815

140

FISH AND GAME.

[Nov.

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1919.1 PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 141

MARINE FISHERIES.

Seldom have the marine fisheries, the State's oldest industry,
passed through a more eventful year than that of 1919 just
closed. Nevertheless, speaking broadly, the term "fairly suc-
cessful" can be reasonably applied to the industry as a whole.
The receipts have been large, and fish have been in good de-
mand. The high prices of the previous year, however, cannot
be said to have been generally well sustained, and there were
certain noticeable instances where the prices fell to a low level.
Certain features which appear to us to be the outstanding
high points in the marine fisheries of the past year are as
follows : —

Strikes and labor difficulties with some of the various labor
unions with which the men of the fishing fleet, and some of the
shore workers, are affiliated.

Court action, brought about by both Federal and State au-
thorities, against many of the fresh-fish dealers on the Com-
monwealth Fish Pier at Boston.

Report of a joint special recess committee of the Massachu-
setts Legislature, following an investigation of the fish industry
of the Commonwealth.

Very slight decrease in the catch of fish, despite the many
labor, legal and other handicaps under which the year's fishery
was conducted.

Extension westward of markets for fresh fish.

Increased demand of 1918 for fish continued, if not exceeded,
in some lines.

Continued decline of the sailing fishing fleet by selling of
crafts, and little replacement by building new ones.

Increase in the fleet of steam otter trawlers.

Introduction of electricity as motive power to fishing craft
(the first instance on record in this country).

Introduction of a system of inspection of fresh and frozen
fish by a State inspector of fish.

Inception of the use of aircraft as an aid to the fishermen by
locating from great heights schools of fish not visible from the

142 IISH AND GAME. [Nov.

masthead of a fishing vessel, and communicating that knowledge
to the fleet or to shore stations.

The re-entry of old T Wharf, Boston, as a wholesale fish
landing place.

The Deep-sea Fishekies.

The methods followed and the fishing grounds used by the
Massachusetts fishing fleet during the past year differed in no
appreciable respect from those of 1918.

The mackerel seining and netting fleet fared south in the
early spring as usual, the crafts of the former division going as
far to the southward as Cape Charles, while the netters began
their operations off the New Jersey coast. Both divisions were
fortunate in making good catches, following the fish in their
northward run, and landing their fares at New York and New-
port, R. I. Especially good was the luck of the netting fleet,
and it is doubtful if, taking it "full and by," this fleet of little
vessels ever fared better, as far as amount of landings and high
prices are concerned.

The catch of the mackerel seining fleet on the " Cape Shore,"
or Nova Scotia shore, will rank with the best, although on
account of the large fleets piling in together the price obtained
for the fresh mackerel was not all that could have been desired,
while, on the other hand, the salted product brought what is
claimed to be the highest price ever obtained in this line for
" Cape Shore" fish.

From the arrival home of the seining fleet from the " Cape
Shore," and the diversion (as usual) of the larger craft of the
netting fleet to sword fishing, the mackerel season could not
exactly be called "prosperous." The "Cape Shore" fleet, after
arriving home about the middle of June, turned its attention
southward around No Man's Land and the South Shoal, South
Channel and Georges grounds, and for a while met with a fair
degree of success. But the strike of the fishermen's union tied
up the whole fleet from July 3 to August 23, practically the
"cream" part of the season, and when at last matters were ad-
justed and they set sail, it was to meet with rough and foggy
weather, and, worst of all, they had "lost run" of the schools.
The seiners scurried over all the coastal grounds, also South

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 143

Shoal, South Channel and Georges, and the Maine coast and
Bay of Fundy were thoroughly combed, but it seemed as
though the "jig was up." True, some good catches were made
and some craft did well, but for the fleet as a whole the success,
if success it can be termed, was very limited, and the season
ended with a decreased catch as compared with 1918.

The Massachusetts catches of fresh and salted mackerel from
Dec. 1, 1918, to Nov. 30, 1919, inclusive, and for the corre-
sponding period of the previous year, were as follows: —

Dec. 1, 1918, to ' Dec. 1, 1917, to
Nov. 30, 1919. Nov. 30, 1918.

Salt mackerel,

Fresh mackerel,

7,007
55,375

13,030
67,931

Totals,

62,382

80,961

Owing to the unusually open winter of 1918-19 the winter
haddock fleet prospered thereby to a large degree, for quick and
large trips were the rule; and owing to the increased demand
good and even high prices ruled, so the sway of the haddocker
was one of golden record.

The salt bank codfishing fleet, both trawl and dory handline,
was pitifully small as compared with the halcyon days of but a
few years back, when 40 and 60 sail comprised the fleet. Last
year the figure 10 would be more than enough to cover both.
Suffice to say that all the vessels engaged did well, and the
season for them as a whole was remunerative.

The swordfish fleet, in the summer months usually devoted to
that fishery, found very high prices awaiting every fare, and
the total catch was fair, although not approaching that of the
previous season, as the "heart" of the days of operation was
practically denied these energetic fishermen by reason of the
strike of the union fishermen, which tied up the fleet during the
best part of the money-making season.

No craft went on flitched halibut voyages in 1919, the
enormous expense and the long time entailed (from five to six
months in a trip), with the chance of big money for vessels on
short trips in other lines, having great weight, no doubt, with
the vessel owners.

144 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

The fresh halibut fleet enjoyed perhaps the apex of prosperity
of all the crafts engaged in the 1919 fishery while they were
going, but this line, like the rest, found the union fishermen's
strike embargo laid heavily on them in what would have been
their most lucrative weeks. Notwithstanding this, this re-
markably active fleet succeeded in increasing its catch record
over last year, and received for its labors the highest prices ex-
vessel ever known.

The fishermen's strike hit as hard, perhaps, as anywhere on
the fleet of "shackers," crafts that fare to the eastern banks for
trips combining fresh and salted fish, the former to go to the
splitting knife to be converted into salt fish eventually. Never-
theless, before and after the strike, this line of fishing was
marked by large and sometimes record fares, hence prosperity
was tempered only by nearly two months of lost motion.

The fleet which made short and quick trips, the "market
fleet," so called, outside of the time lost during the strike, did
well, making good catches and being greeted at times with
prices such as to cause the tired face of the most hardened old
fisherman to seam with inward joy, although there were marked
periods when prices were unusually low.

The season for the little boats which stray not too far from
shore was also one of profit, but of course it must be taken
into account that many, although not all, of these had an en-
forced vacation in the "money months" of midsummer because
of the strike.

Gloucester Fish Report.
The following table gives at a glance the Gloucester fish story
for the year. In spite of the strike of the fishermen's union in
July and August, just the time of year when generally the
largest quantities of fresh and salt fish are landed at that port,
the receipts in other months indicated a sufficient gain in
groundfish to show, even with the strike handicap, an increase
over similar 1918 receipts, and as a whole, about an equal total
with last year, with the exception of fresh herring, which are
caught in the spring and early summer on the shore fishing
grounds. The decrease in catch of these fresh herring is about

1919.1

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

145

10,000,000 pounds, which it will be noticed is practically the
amount that the Gloucester receipts fell behind the total catch
of last year.

Gloucester Total Receipts.

Dec. 1,1918, to
Nov. 30, 1919.

Jan. 1, 1918,

to Nov. 30,

1918 (Eleven

Months).

1917.

Salt cod

Fresh cod, ....

Halibut,

Haddock, ....

Hake,

Cusk

Pollock

Flitches

Not product of American fisheries,

3,004,673

28,087,983

306,570

16,127,331

779,840

779,972

18,524,658

8,476

25,733,450

4,449,825

27,977,652

610,123

8,568,578

581,222

627,016

16,154,131

6,535

27,073,565

93,352,953

,048,647

6,439,642

20,666,852

875,977

2,790,801

863,758

597,756

9,095,363

41,002

32,209,601

73,580,752

Fresh mackerel,
Salt mackerel, .
Fresh herring, .
Salt herring, .
Frozen herring,

Cured fish,

Miscellaneous: —
Small boats (estimated),
By rail, .
Flounders,

Pounds.
302,188

Barrels.
7,457*

Pounds.
1,777,844

Barrels.
32,231

Quintals.
12,265

Pounds.
5,000,000

23,410,979
200,000

Pounds.
1,885,122

Barrels.
12,000

Pounds.
11,204,480

Barrels.
39,927

Pounds.
187,205

Quintals.
20,037

Pounds.
7,000,000

22,870,000

Barrels.
10,713

Barrels.
24,349

Barrels.
50,229

Barrels.
41,268

Pounds.
487,946

Quintals.
43,569

Pounds.
8,250,000

13,260,000

480,000

Summary.

Total, 1917, ....
Total, 1918 (to November 30), .
Total, Dec. 1, 1918, to Dec. 1, 1919,

Pounds.
131,026,356

143,442,954
133,638,765

Boston Fish Report.
The following resume of the fish year at the port of Boston
is furnished by Secretary F. F. Dimick of the Boston Fish

146

FISH AND GAME.

[Nov.

Bureau, who is thoroughly posted on matters pertaining to the
fisheries and fish business of this premier fresh fish port: —

The year 1919 has been quite a successful one in the fish business, but
the restlessness of labor and the strikes that have taken place during the
year have cut into the profits, especially in the vessel fisheries. There has
been a good demand for fish, and a large amount has gone into consump-
tion. A feature of the year was the demand from the West, where Boston
dealers have been introducing the haddock to the public by advertising
and sending representatives into that part of the country to build up a
trade.

There has also been a big demand for finnan haddies the past 3rear,
owing to the large receipts and the lower prices that have ruled for
haddock.

The season on Cape Cod has been a poor one. The catch of mackerel
in the traps was very light. The catch of squid was light. There was a
good catch of whiting, but other kinds of fish were in light supply.

Halibut have been in better supply from the eastern vessels, but in
light supply from the West.

The season on eastern salmon was the poorest for many years.

The catch of mackerel was light, largely owing to the fact that at the
time of the year when the mackerel are caught on the shore the fleet was
tied up by a strike of the fishermen. The "Cape Shore" catch was good,
and all the vessels came home with fine catches.

The catch of swordfish was light, but receipts of these fish from Nova
Scotia increased.

The table showing the landings at the port of Boston fol-
lows: —

1 =

Dec. 1, 1918,

to
Nov. 30, 1919.

Jan. 1, 1918,
to Nov. 30,
1918 (Eleven
Months, ap-
proximately).

Codfish, .
Haddock,
Hake,
Pollock, .
Cusk,
Halibut, .
Mackerel,
Miscellaneous,

32,265,992
61,504,416
2,860,160
3,846,345
795,646
1,353,704
4,000,513
4,559,830

36,457,622

47,752,660

2,330,643

4,130,341

981,665

734,992

6,412,715

4,840,002

Totals,

111,186,606

103,640,640

1919.1 PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 147

Some "Prosperity Trips."

In the fisheries, as in many other lines of natural resources,
pursuits, and trade and manufacturing lines, there was much
unusual evidence of prosperity. The reports of many of the
vessel owners show that the past year was one of profit, gen-
erally speaking, and these mentioned were not the only ones to
share in the prosperity of the yield of the great sea farms, for
as the laborer is worthy of his hire, and as the workers on the
land farms are reported as profiting by the large crops and high
prices, so did the sea farmers, the fishermen, share, and share
well, in the harvest which wa's the result of their manual labor
and skill as seamen.

The object of the following paragraphs is not to select en-
tirely those who did the best in every line of fishing, who led
all the rest, but to record some of the high points, that some
idea may be gained, by those not entirely familiar with the
fisheries, of the reward garnered by some toilers of the sea. It is
fair, also, to warn the reader that the money-making trips re-
corded below are not fairly indicative of the money made by
the fleet as a whole. Indeed, they are above the average, and
while the average was high, there were many crafts and crews
whose year's work would not make interesting reading from a
big stock and share standpoint, and whose books barely bal-
anced, if, indeed, they did not show something on the wrong
side of the ledger.

What is believed to be the largest single stock ever made in the fresh
haddocking fishery by a sailing vessel was realized by schooner " Joffre,"
Capt. Wallace Bruce, who on a trip landed at Boston November 5,
stocked $10,057.31. The " Joffre " was out just ten days, her stock
averaging over $1,000 a day. The crew has as a result of their work
stocked $281.75 to a man.

Schooner "Killarney" of Gloucester arrived at Boston, Nov. 15, 1919,
with a fare of 130,000 pounds of fresh fish. It is the first trip of the craft
under Capt. Ernest Parsons, she being out only since November 8. The
crew's part was $280 to a man. The stock on the trip, which amounted
to $9,691.49, was one of the largest on record in the winter haddock
fishery.

On December 8 the "Killarney" arrived at Boston again with another
fine fare of fresh fish, on which $9,000 was stocked, and the crew shared

148 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

$220 each. For the period of one month, from November 8, the craft made
the remarkable stock of $23,000.

Among those whose work stands out prominently is Capt. Joseph J.
Mesquita of the schooner "Arethusa." This vessel, on July 11, settled
for her shacking trip landed that week, stocking $6,300, on which each of
the crew shared $148.95. The vessel was out but three weeks. Captain
Mesquita's total stock in five months, or, more exactly, since February 1,
was $41,768.38, on which each of the crew shared $908.37.

Capt. Jeff Thomas, in the new schooner "Marechal Foch," is another
who has done well. The vessel has made three trips from May 8 to early in
July, when she went into commission. The stock for these trips was
$15,369, on which the crew for their two months' work have shared $311.
Captain Thomas commanded the schooner " Benjamin A. Smith" had-
docking last winter, and rolled up a fine stock on this vessel. From Oct.
10, 1918, to April 7, 1919, the vessel stocked $61,160, and each of the crew
shared $1,284. This made Captain Thomas' stock in nine months $76,529,
and the share $1,595.

Capt. John G. Stream, in the schooner "Rhodora," from February 1
to early in July made the fine stock of $32,273.58 in the fresh halibut
fishery, and each of the crew has shared $861.80.

The schooner "Republic," Capt. Peter Dunsky, also made a fine stock
in the same branch of the fisheries. From February 1 to early in July
this vessel stocked $24,392.24, and each of the crew has shared $533.52.

A record of good stocks and shares would not be complete without
that of the schooner "Acushla," commanded by Capt. Iver Carlson. From
April 20 to June 25 this vessel, in the fresh halibuting branch, stocked
$25,381.90, and each of the crew for his two months' work has received
$584.48.

On the trip to the "Cape Shore" for mackerel, Capt. Wallace Parsons,
in the schooner "Saladin," stocked $9,948.04, on which the crew shared
$210.58. With his southern trip this made his total stock $13,013.71,
and the crew's share $263.12.

The schooner "Mary F. Curtis," Capt. Lemuel Firth, had a total stock
mackereling out south and to the "Cape Shore," of $16,813.83, and the
crew's share of $348.90 was a result of seining trips from April 25 to
July 4.

Capt. Percy Firth in the schooner "Norma," from April 25 to June 17,
in mackerel seining, stocked $15,049.60, and each of the crew shared
$301.08.

The little mackerel-netting schooner "Kitty A.," Capt. Paul Dorey, in
five nights of setting her nets for mackerel secured such good hauls and
fine prices that each of the small crew shared $538 each, clear of all ex-
penses for their five nights' work.

The schooner " Squanto," Capt. Guiseppe Strescino, on a ten days'
winter haddocking trip, stocked $7,724, on which each man of the crew
shared $279 clear of all expenses.

1919.] . PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 149

The schooner "Ruth and Margaret," Capt. Val O'Neil, on a ten days'
haddocking trip to Western Bank, stocked §8,715, the crew sharing §234
each, clear.

The schooner "Natalie Hammond, " Capt. Charles Colson, for a year's
return for fishing, part of the time haddocking and part of the time hali-
buting, stocked §85,328.83, and each of the crew shared §2,426.20 clear,
■ — one of the best financial showings ever made for a double-dory craft.

The schooner "Elmer E. Gray," Capt. Matthew Sears, haddocking, at
just one set of her trawls took 43,000 pounds of fish, and rushed to the
Boston market. The resultant stock was §2,832, and each man of the
crew shared §102.

The schooner "Cavalier," Capt. Robert B. Porper, in the spring of
1919, stocked §10,624 on a single halibut trip, the largest stock, with one
exception, ever made in this branch of the fishery. The craft was out
twenty-one days, and the crew's share was §225.81, while some who had
hand-line fish shared §243.50.

The schooner "Frances S. Grueb}r," Capt. Enos Nickerson, in the
haddock fishery, from trips landed from August 23 to October 23, stocked
§34,000, and each one of her crew profited to the extent of §770 clear.

The schooner "Imperator," Capt. Robert Wharton, on an October
halibut trip of short duration, stocked §9,300, the crew sharing, each,
S229 clear.

The schooner "Ellen F. Marshall," Capt. Manuel Goulart, on a had-
dock trip late in September, stocked §6,800, and the crew shared §210
clear.

The schooner "Hazel R. Hines," Capt. Fred Morrissey, one of the few
remaining crafts engaged in the salt banks trawl codfishery, and arriving
home in June, weighed off 331,350 pounds of salt cod, on which the fine
stock of §17,382 was made. The sharesmen of the crew each received
§555.51, while the average share was §338.45.

Electrically Driven Otter Trawler.

The past quarter century has seen marked advances in
marine fishing activities, the introduction of gasoline engines as
auxiliary motive power, and also the coming of the steam otter
trawler. Now in the latter class of fishing craft has arrived the
crude oil, "C-O," engine, and within only a few months a craft,
the only one of her kind in our fisheries, equipped with a heavy-oil
engine with electrical transmission, and also her auxiliary equip-
ment electrically driven.

This interesting craft, the "Mariner," owned by the Marine
Trawling Company of Gloucester, has recently completed very
successful trial trips off New London, which were watched

150 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

with great interest by the marine fishing world. The craft was
built by Arthur D. Story of Essex, and her machinery was in-
stalled by the New London Ship and Engine Company of
Groton, Conn., and the General Electric Company of Schenec-
tady, N. Y. She is of wooden construction and has the follow-
ing dimensions: —

Displacement, 500 tons.

Length overall, 150 feet.

Breadth, 24 feet 3 inches.

Mean draught, 11 feet 9 inches.

Power of Diesel engine, 480-shaft horsepower.

Number of engines, 2.

Number of propellers, 1.

Power of electric motors, 400-shaft horsepower.

Output of electric generators, 165 kilowatt at 125 volts.

Power of trawl motor, 100 B. horsepower.

Engine speed, 350 revolutions per minute.

Propeller speed, 200 revolutions per minute.

Propeller dimensions, 94-inch diameter by 68-inch pitch.

Ship's trial speed (at 195 revolutions per minute), 10 knots.

Cruising radius at 10 knots, 6,000 nautical miles.

Cruising radius at f speed, 9,000 nautical miles.

Fuel tank capacity, 17,000 gallons (425 pounds).

"Motorship," in a very detailed description of the craft, said
in part: —

The propelling machinery consists of twin eight cylinder, four-cycle,
Nelseco Diesel engines, each rated at 240 B. horsepower at 350 revolutions
per minute. These engines are direct-connected to two 165-kilowatt, 125-
volt generators. . . . Another important point in connection with this in-
stallation is that a large motor, that is to say, about 100 horsepower, is
required for the winch for handling the trawl. . . .

The official trial of the "Mariner" was held on "Saturday, Nov. 29,
1919. Dock trials had been held previously, but this was the first real
test at sea, and the ship lived up to expectations in every way. The first
test was more of an endurance trial, during which the engines were oper-
ated at increasing power, finally working up to full power and speed, which
was maintained for several hours. The speed of the boat was a little over
10 knots, and was obtained at about 195 turns of the three-bladed cast-
iron propeller. The "Mariner" ran very steadily, and the general absence
of vibration was very noticeable. In fact, at any part of the ship, except
in the immediate vicinity of the engine-room, there was nothing to indicate
the presence of any power in the vessel. . . .

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 151

Locating Fish Schools by Aircraft.
In a few years it may be a matter of newspaper report that —

The fishing schooner "Belle of the Sea" arrived to-day with a large
catch of fresh mackerel, estimated at 50,000 pounds. The fish were almost
alive when landed, for they had been caught but a few hours before off
Cape Cod. As prices are high the men of the "Belle of the Sea" will
profit well for their few hours' work. For their fattened pocketbook they
can thank the sharp-eyed chaps of the Xaval Aircraft Division, attached
to the United States Bureau of Fisheries as fish school scouts. The men
engaged in that work are mostly veteran aviators of the World War, whose
experience in spotting and potting the Hun undersea terrors is now being
turned to advantage in these peace times in assisting the fishing fleet which
was so sadly ravaged by these German underwater raiders, by locating
for them under water schools of fine fish which they otherwise could not
find, and thus enabling them to make quick and profitable trips, and at the
same time provide the fish-eating public with an increased supply of fresh
fish.

The matter of seeking fish by airplane was first suggested by
Secretary Wilmot A. Reed of the Gloucester Board of Trade,
and was taken up by that body and by the Master Mariners
Association of Gloucester as a valuable aid to the fisheries, if
feasible. Representations were made to the Bureau of Fisheries,
and a committee sent to Washington to talk the matter over
with Dr. Hugh M. Smith, Commissioner of Fisheries, who ex-
pressed the belief that the experiment was worth trying, and
intimated that the Bureau would take up the matter, which was
soon followed by action. A seaplane was secured from govern-
ment sources for the use of the Bureau, and W. W. Welch of
the Bureau recently made a trial trip in the sky flyer, a high-
powered affair, off Cape May, N. J. On this experimental trip
Mr. Welch actually located schools of fish beneath the surface
which could not have been seen from the deck of a vessel, and
directed a number of fishing crafts to them. He reported the
experiment a success, and in his report to the department said,
in part: —

At the time of flight no schooling fish were breaking water upon the
surface, and none would have been visible from the deck of a ship. The
plane ascended rapidly to about 800 feet, and most of the trip was made
at that altitude, and at an average speed of 75 miles an hour.

152 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

Few schools of fish were seen at first, but as my eyes grew accustomed
to the conditions many small schools of menhaden were observed, all
moving at some depth, and none of them breaking water. From a com-
parison of other objects seen at known depths it is estimated that the
depth of the schools varied from 2 to 10 feet, or possibly more.

A school of porpoises was seen and could be followed under water. The
deeper the school the more necessary it was to approach it in order to see
it. When the sun's rays were reflected from the surface it was impossible
to see anj^thing.

As to the aircraft being of assistance to fisheries research, Mr.
Welch says: —

A flight over any given region in which fisheries research work is to be
carried on would make clear at once the interrelations of land and water
and the character and extent of tidal currents, which may be distinguished
by their color, the eddies along their courses, and by their reaction to the
wind.

Besides the general value of such observations, in no other way could
such a clear idea be obtained of the abundance or scarcity of fish schooling
species, and the characteristic appearance of the schools, as well as of all
other surface forms of life. The most evident opportunity for the practical
use of aircraft in the commercial fisheries at the present time lies in their
employment as scouts for the fishermen.

The chief service rendered would be the notification of the fishermen
of the general location of the schools, and it would require actual trial and
practice.

State Inspection of Fresh and Frozen Fish.
Under the provisions of chapter 351, General Acts of 1919,
steps were taken to regulate the sale and cold storage of fresh
food fish. The act provides for the appointment of a State in-
spector of fish and deputy inspectors, to be under the jurisdic-
tion of the Division of Fisheries and Game of the Department
of Conservation. The principal regulations, as set forth in the
act, are as follows: —

Section 1. All fresh food fish shall be graded before it is offered for
sale or placed in cold storage. There shall be three grades. The first grade
shall include only such fish as are known in the trade as "new fish", and
fish of the first grade may be sold as "number one fish", or "shore fish",
or under any other truthful designation. The second grade shall include
all other fish which are in suitable condition to be offered for sale as fresh
fish, and fish of the second grade may be sold as "number two fish" or "off
shore fish". The third grade shall include all fish which are suitable for

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 153

splitting and salting, or otherwise preserving, but are not suitable for sale
as fresh fish, and fish of the third grade shall be sold as number three fish.

Section 2. It shall be unlawful to sell or offer or expose for sale fish
which have been graded as number two fish, unless at the time of such
sale, or offering, or exposing for sale, it shall be clearly stated or made to
appear by suitable designation that they are number two or "off shore"
fish.

Section 3. It shall be unlawful to sell or offer or expose for sale at
retail, for food, number three fish, or to sell or offer or expose the same for
food, except for splitting and salting, or otherwise preserving.

Section 4. It shall be unlawful to place in cold storage any fresh fish
not previously graded as number one or number two fish. All food fish,
unless deposited in bulk, shall, when deposited in cold storage, except in
private freezing plants, be plainly marked with the date of receipt on the
containers in which they are packed, and, if deposited in bulk, shall, at the
time of removal from cold storage, be plainly marked with the month and
year of receipt on the containers in which they are packed.

Section o. It shall be unlawful to sell or to offer or expose for sale
fish which have been held in cold storage without notice to persons pur-
chasing or intending to purchase the same that such fish have so been
held, nor without the conspicuous display of a sign "Cold Storage Fish";
and it shall be unlawful to represent or advertise or sell as fresh, fish which
have been held in cold storage.

Section 6. It shall be unlawful to sell or offer or expose for sale at
retail cold storage fish more than forty-eight hours after their receipt by
the retailer from cold storage, unless they are received by the retailer in
the frozen state and sold frozen to the consumer, except that during the
period from November first to March thirty-first in each year, halibut,
salmon, swordfish, steak cod and pollock may be sold and offered or exposed
for sale at retail during a period of one week after their receipt by the
retailer from cold storage, provided that they remain in the frozen state
until within forty-eight hours of the time of sale.

Section 7. It shall be unlawful to alter, deface or remove any marking
on cold storage fish which shows the date of their receipt in cold storage
until after the fish are finally withdrawn for the purpose of immediate sale
for consumption.

Section 8. It shall be unlawful to transfer the ownership of fish in
cold storage without previously making known to the purchaser of the same
the date on wmich they were originally placed in cold storage.

Section 9. It shall be unlawful to deposit, or cause to be deposited, in
cold storage fish received from any other state or country which have
previously been in cold storage in this commonwealth, or which have been
in cold storage in any other state or country, for a period exceeding six
months, unless, at the time of deposit, such fish are plainly marked with the
date of their original deposit in cold storage in this commonwealth or in
any other state or country.

154 FESH AND GAME. [Nov.

On Nov. 5, 1919, His Excellency the Governor appointed
Arthur L. Millett of Gloucester, inspector of fish. Mr. Millett
has been a member of the Board of Commissioners on Fisheries
and Game during the past four years.

Need of an Experimental Fishery Station.
This subject of a permanent experimental fishery station began
to assume substantial shape early in November, 1919, when Dr.
Hugh M. Smith, United States Commissioner of Fisheries, in a
talk before the Gloucester Board of Trade, left with his hearers
the thought that such a station would be of great importance
to the fisheries. Immediate action was taken by the municipal
council of Gloucester by the passage of a set of resolutions
favoring the establishment of such a station. The Board of
Trade took similar action. The matter was placed in the hands
of Congressman W. W. Lufkin, who caused the following bill to
be introduced in Congress: —

A Bill to authorize the Establishment of a Fishery Experiment
Station on the Coast of Massachusetts.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
States of America in Congress Assembled, That to aid in acquiring and
diffusing among fishermen and those engaged in the fishery industries
useful and practical information connected with the fisheries, the method
of capture of fishes, the handling, curing, and preparing of fishery prod-
ucts, and the methods of utilizing fishery products heretofore unutilized or
wasted, and to conduct scientific investigations and experiments respecting
the principles and application of science in relation to the fisheries, the
Secretary of Commerce be, and he is hereby authorized, empowered, and
directed to establish a fisheries experiment station on a site to be selected
by him on the coast of Massachusetts : Provided, That the cost of said sta-
tion, including the site, buildings, wharves and other structure appertaining
thereto shall not exceed $125,000.

This station, if established, would not be a step in the dark
or in the nature of an experiment, for already for the past two
years fisheries scientists, under the direction of the United
States Bureau of Fisheries, have pursued various valuable ex-
periments at a temporary station at Gloucester in the labora-
tory of the George Perkins & Sons branch of the Gorton-Pew

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 155

Fisheries Company. The officials of the Bureau of Fisheries
briefly describe their work for the year thus: —

During the past summer the Bureau continued, at the Perkins Labora-
tory in Gloucester, the investigation of the preservation of fish by methods
of dehydration. The investigations have shown the feasibility of preparing
fish for early consumption by desiccation, but it remains to perfect methods
which will permit of the storage of the product for long periods of time
and under different climatic conditions. Other studies pursued during
1918 have related to the cause of the reddening of salt fish. The organisms
which give rise to both the red and the pink coloring of salt fish have been
isolated and many of their characteristics determined. Further studies
and experiments will be required before economic and fully practicable
methods of prevention can be suggested.

During 1919, periodically in April, May and June, and steadily from
July to September, the Bureau conducted investigations, at the plant of
the Frank E. Davis Company in Gloucester, on the development of a
method of recovering brine and other products of value from old pickle in
mackerel barrels. It was found that brine could be recovered, and that a
precipitate which might have value for a number of different purposes is
left. The method is now being used at the plant of the Frank E. Davis
Company in a commercial way. This plant is, however, intended as a
commercial scale experiment, and public announcement has been with-
held until its performance indicates entirely satisfactory results.

Further work was conducted at Gloucester in the Perkins Laboratory
on the salting of fish by improved methods of salting. This is in continua-
tion of work conducted in Florida, North Carolina, Washington, Maryland
and elsewhere. This work was directed principally to methods of causing
more rapid penetration of brine into fish during the salting process and of
preventing the rusting of the fat, and in general producing an improved
product where the conditions of salting are particularly unfavorable, as in
warm weather. This work has been brought to a practical conclusion,
and an effort is now being made to establish this method in Florida, where
the climate is unsuitable for salting fish by any other known method. The
results achieved in Gloucester indicate that fish may there be satisfactorily
salted in the warmest weather and produce an entirely satisfactory product.

United States Fisheries Association.
Commissioner Arthur L. Millett represented the Board at a
meeting in New York City Feb. 14 and 15, 1919, when repre-
sentatives of the commercial fisheries interests met to organize
into an association, to be known as the United States Fisheries
Association. Its membership includes wholesale producers and
distributors of fresh, salted, smoked, canned or preserved fish,

156 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

and retailers and supply concerns furnishing provisions, gear or
equipment to any branch of the industry are also eligible. This
association bids fair to be an important factor in the future of
the commercial fisheries.

The association is organized to —

Bring about co-operation and a better understanding of conditions as
between producers and distributors.

Provide a place to which members can appeal for a solution of commer-
cial problems, misunderstandings and difficulties.

Provide a clearing house for valuable trade suggestions, and act as
arbitrator on mutual request.

Stimulate all agencies which can be used to advertise and increase the
consumers' demands for fish.

It aims, further, to work actively for the benefit of all
branches of the industry in certain important directions, such
as improving distribution and transportation methods; the re-
moval of pollution problems confronting the fishing districts;
securing government co-operation in extending the distribution
and use of fish in the nation's food supply so as to make the
commercial fisheries of maximum usefulness to the people of the
country; and the recognition by all governmental agencies that
the fishermen producers of the United States are pursuing a
calling of equal ultimate importance to, and more precarious
than, agriculture, and are entitled to the same broad measure
of encouragement and support that is now extended to agri-
culture. It also aims to guard the fisheries interests against ad-
verse legislation.

Commissioner Millett also attended the first annual conven-
tion of this association at New York City on September 26
and 27.

Both meetings were marked by attention to matters of im-
portance to the fresh, salted and preserved fish industry in
which Massachusetts is the leader.

The association has a membership of over 700, and is doing
a really valuable work relative to production, transportation and
distribution of fish, as well as in keeping a watchful eye on
and making itself heard on legislative matters pertaining to the
industry in whole or in part.

1919.1 PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25. 157

The Lobster Situation.

The whole lobster situation continues to show a healthy,
gradual improvement. This statement is made on a composite
reading of the deputies' reports for the various districts in which
lobster fishing is carried on. They bring out the noticeable and
very interesting fact that in sections not far removed from each
other the results of the season were at wide variance. Still, a
close reading of all the reports tends to show an increase of catch,
a better respect for the lobster laws, a gain in membership for
the lobstermen's associations, a marked increase in " shorts" and
" seeders," and the appearance in some waters of a noticeable
number of small lobsters of from 3 to 5 inches in length. It is
true that the progress noted is slow, but the improvement
seems marked and sure. It is due primarily, it would seem, to
three things : —

First, the realization by the lobstermen themselves that catch-
ing and selling short and seed lobsters meant the ruin of their
business, the ruin of the industry, and the extermination of the
lobster in the waters of the State, following which awakening
they formed, on the suggestion of the Fish and Game Commis-
sion, associations whereby they bound themselves not to take or
market shorts and seed lobsters, and, if possible, to prevent
others from doing so. With this may be linked the lobster
license law, advocated by the lobstermen themselves, which in
effect puts the violator of the law, if caught, "out of business."

Second, the persistent search for violators which is kept up
all along the coast by the deputies of the Commission, which
has resulted in bringing some of the worst offenders to justice,
and has given to the law-abiding lobstermen the feeling that
their interests and their welfare are being zealously protected
by the Commission.

Third, the policy of the Commission, pursued for the past
three years, of distributing, in the districts where the lobstermen
are living up to the laws, the short and seed lobsters confiscated
from Xova Scotia shipments. This policy, according to the
lobstermen, is showing good results, and has considerable to do
with the increased catch and the restocking of the fishing
grounds. This year, besides the lobsters thus seized and

158 HSH AND GAME. [Nov.

planted, the lobstermen received an unexpected legacy when the
Maine lobster smack "Gertrude Mabel," while bound from
Lockport, N. S., with 18,000 fine lobsters in her well, had the
misfortune to pile up on the uncompleted Sandy Bay break-
water off Rockport on May 23, 1919. The unfortunate craft
struck when a storm was going and the seas were rough. Con-
sequently, she soon pounded a hole in her hull, slid off, and
sank in deep water. The craft was afterwards raised, floated
and repaired, but the whole 18,000 lobsters went to increase the
stock in that vicinity, having found their way to liberty through
the hole which the breakwater rocks gnawed in the hull.

This year the number of shorts seized from Nova Scotia ship-
ments and planted in State waters was about 18,000 as against
8,000 the previous year and 37,000 in 1917. The number this
year would have been much greater but for the fact that the
Nova Scotia open season, formerly five and a half months, was
reduced to three months by the new Canadian lobster regula-
tions. Besides the planting of shorts, the Commission has ex-
pended $2,000 for the purchase from the Boston wholesale
dealers, at market price, of lobsters which become "berried" in
the storage cars. These, too, were distributed on the lobster
fishing grounds.

Storms caused the lobstermen to lose quantities of fishing
gear the past season, and consequently much loss of fishing
time. On the other hand, prices ranged higher than in 1918.

Statistics of the lobster fishery of 1919 will be found in the
back part of this report.

The following table- shows the figures of the catch over a
period of thirty-one years, and is therefore of historical
interest : —

1919.1

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

159

Massachusetts Lobster Fishery.

Date.

Fisher-
men.

Traps.

Number

Lobsters

above

ioy2

Inches.

Egg-
bearing
Lob-
sters.

Aver-
age

Catch
per
Pot.

Ratio of

Egg
Lobsters
to Total
Catch.

Average
Ratio of

Egg
Lobsters,
Five-year
Periods.

Average
Catch per

Trap,
Five-year

Periods.

1888, .

367

21,418

1,740,850

1889, .

344

20,016

1,359,645

61,832

1: 21.90

1890, .

379

19,554

1,612,129

70,909

1: 22.70

| 1: 27.06

76.0

1891, .

327

15,448

1,292,791

49,973

1: 25.80

1892, .

312

14,064

1,107,764

37,230

1: 29.75

1893, .

371

17,012

1,149,332

32,741

1: 35.10

]

1894, .

425

20,303

1,096,834

34,897

1: 31.14

]

1895, .

377

17,205

956,365

34,343

1: 27.80

1896, .

453

22,041

995,396

30,470

1: 32.60

1: 33.08

49.4

1897, .

388

18,829

896,273

23,719

1: 37.70

1898, .

340

16,195

720,413

19,931

1: 36.10

1899, .

327

15,350

644,633

16,470

1: 39.10

1900, .

309

14,086

646,499

15,638

1: 41.30

1901, .

331

16,286

578,383

16,353

1: 35.30

• 1: 38.82

36.3

1902, .

410

20,058

670,245

1903, .

300

20,121

665,466

1904, .

326

19,539

552,290

13,950

1: 39.60

1905, .

287

13,829

426,471

9,865

1: 43.20

]

1906, .

335

21,918

487,332

9,378

1: 52.00

1907, .

379

21,342

1,039,8861

10,348

1:100.40

1: 84.68

40.2

1908, .

349

19,294

1,035,123 x

9,081

1:114.00

1909, .

522

29,9^6

1,326,219!

11,656

1:113.80

1910, .

390

26,760

935.3561

7,857

1: 68.10

1911, .

341

19,773

822, 1071

5,488

1:149.80

1912, .

291

16,665

631,595!

4,744

1:133.10

1:121.16

37.8

1913, .

254

13,877

543,1291

3,408

1:159.40

1914, .

310

16,128

566,1911

5,932

1: 95.40

1915, .

253

15,042

563,5981

5,050

1:111.60

)

1916, .

244

13,707

491,9401

4,918

1:100.00

1917, .

230

12,355

402,4691

4,493

1: 89.57

\ 1: 98.96

38.0

1918, .

323

18,928

806,7961

8,053

1:100.19

1919, .

432

27,488

1,123,881/

12,026

1: 93.45

1 Number of lobsters above 9 inches.

This report would not be complete without quoting the fol-
lowing most significant paragraphs from the last annual report
of Dr. Hugh M. Smith, United States Commissioner of Fisheries,
in which he says: —

Lobster hatching has practically been abandoned. The Bureau was never
able to conduct it on a scale sufficiently extensive to produce any note-
worthy effects on the supply, in the face of incessant fishing and a very
general disregard for provisions of law affecting egg-bearing and short
lobsters.

From the remnant of 8,000,000 lobster eggs carried over from the pre-
vious year's operations at the Boothbay Harbor station, 7,500,000 larval
lobsters were produced and liberated in local waters in July. At the request
of the Maine authorities, 2,000 stripped lobsters which the State had pur-
chased and still owned were held at the Bureau's pound at Pemaquid

160 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

from the beginning of the fiscal year until September. When the lobsters
were collected, it was discovered that a very heavy mortality had resulted,
only 624 lobsters being found.

Lobster hatching in recent years Was possible only under conditions
that violated fundamental principles of business and biology. The
Bureau was willing to continue the work year after year in the hope of
bringing about a widespread observance of law by affording the fisher-
men a means of disposing of their berried lobsters, and by constantly
keeping before the fishermen the need for saving the lobster eggs and im-
mature lobsters. This course, however, could not be definitely continued
under prevailing conditions, and Congress has now placed such limitations
on the expenditure of the fish-cultural appropriation as to make it doubtful
whether the lobster hatching can be legally conducted in the existing sit-
uation.

The outlook for the lobster from the standpoint of the public is dis-
tinctly gloomy in most sections, but the fishermen, as a rule, are well
satisfied so long as the present outrageous prices prevail. A recent episode,
doubtless typical of numerous communities, serves to indicate how diffi-
cult is the task that confronts the State officials. The lobstermen of a
certain locality were called together and informed of the desire of the State
to secure their support in carrying out the provisions of law for the pro-
tection of egg-bearing and short lobsters. The meeting then voted on the
proposition, and more than 80 per cent of the lobstermen in the com-
munity signified their intention to continue to ignore the law.

Suffice it to say that the latter statement does not apply to
Massachusetts.

In accordance with the requirement of section 5, chapter 312,
General Acts of 1917, we herewith report that 970 resident and
17 non-resident lobster licenses were issued during the year
1919. The towns of issue and the names of applicants follow: — ■

Barnstable. — Resident licenses : Nelson Marchant, Henry
Mortimer, Shirley D. Lovell, Edgar Bearse, Jr., Marcus Howes,
E. A. Runnells, Winthrop D. Smith, Herbert A. Bacon, Jr.,
Chas. A. Hinckley, Chas. H. Bearse, Lazarus Cathcart, Rasmus
Klinn.

Beverly. — Resident licenses : Warland M. Hersey, William
R. Weeks, William Bouchard, Emile Bouchard, Oliver C.
Hersey, Arthur Daigle, John Shaper, James E. Thibedeau,
Martin A. Gustafson, Ernest S. Ostburg, Harry C. Hannable,
Isaac R. Eamauss, Carl W. Foster, Edward F. Spencer, Edward
R. Rowe, Stephen M. Richards.

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 161

Bourne. — Resident licenses: Arthur H. Gibbs, Elden M.
Cunningham, Edmund B. Robinson, Joseph Maxfield Butts,
Charles F. Benson.

Boston. — Resident licenses: H. Ross, F. Digon, W. A.
Belcher, Theodore Metcalf, Antoni Vieira, August Reckast,
Matthew P. Gill, Joseph P. Gill, Geatona Molett, Marim
Inicynar, John M. Porte, Louis Corez, Frederick H. Baker,
Frank Brengola, Carl J. F. Sanastrom, August A. Reekast,
Charles H. Jennings, Manuel Vieira, A. DeGust, John Thomas,
Antonio DeSouza, Norio Frank, Antonio DeNamo, Giuseppe
Bracol, Paclo Merliva, John Dravellan, John Dravellan, Jr.,
Manuel Grace, Vincenzo Ruggieri, Amello Ruggieri, John
Scimape, Francesco Autuon, Joseph Siverino, Guiseppe D. Orso,
Frank D. Orso, Walter E. Wyman, Sanford McCausland,
Lawrence P. DeGaust, James E. Espositi, John Bringola, F.
Viera, Anthony Ferrara, Frank Rose, Anthony P. Silva, Jule
Rose, James H. Wolf, Costas Zoulart, Joseph Hebert, Paul
Merlino, D. Holland Treavor, Joseph P. Serrila, John Manton,
Joseph V. Serrila, Albert E. Wyman, William G. Jacobs,
Pasquale Giodano, A. W. Glass, Guiseppe Stimoto, Frank
Mittleholzer.

Breicster. — Resident license : Joseph Connolly.

Chatham. — Resident licenses: William E. Eldridge, Jr.,
Willard H. Nickerson, Joseph A. Nickerson, Benjamin R.
Baker, Charles G. Hamilton, M. Meads, Augustus H. Eldridge,
Thomas W. Holway, Ralph W. Hunter, Joseph D. Bloomer,
George C. Dunbar, Walter C. Bloomer, Seymore Patterson,
Walter W. Eldridge, William H. Gould, George W. Bloomer,
Jr., George W. Bloomer, Sr., Alexander Hunter, John S. Pitts,
Francis L. James, Charles H. Ferguson, Jonathan Ryder,
Reuben A. Tripp, Clarence W. Dunham, Elisha H. Bearse.

Chilmark. — Resident licenses: David T. Butler, Harry G.
Reed, Jas. A. Mayhew, Benj. C. Mayhew, Roy E. Cottle,
Lyman E. Cottle, Albert E. Reed, Carl E. Reed, Lester D.
Mayhew, Joseph D. Tilton, Charles H. Rowland, Onslow
Stuart, Ingval J. Dalen, Ernest J. Dean, Percy G. Tilton,
Ralph F. Tilton, Jerry Look, Joseph Joseph, Clarence Morgan,
Wm. S. Tilton, W. L. Tilton, Joseph D. Tilton, Ernest C.
Mayhew, Robert N. Flanders.

162 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

Cohasset. — Resident licenses: Manuel E. Salvador, Antonio
Gracia Formiga, Antoine S. Figueiredo, John C. Figueiredo,
John Eltman, Henry B. Kimball, William B. Chalke, Joseph
M. Silva, Andreas Pederson, George L. Leigh, George T.
Ainslie, Arne Peterson, Matthew Brown, Patrick Grassie, John
D. Golden, Carl Wellman, Joseph A. Silva, Levi Ladole, C. L.
Milva, Alonzo Pearson, Alton J. Priest, W. S. Reid, Arthur C.
Smith, Jr., Louis J. Figueiredo, Manuel S. Figueiredo.

Danvers. ■ — Resident license : Thomas Whitesides.

Dartmouth. — Resident licenses: George Prieaulx, Manuel
Olivera, Joseph J. Maciel, Antone Anderson, William H. Allen,
John D. Snell, J. Pistana, John L. Weeks.

Essex. — Resident licenses : Elbridge F. Gerry, Edwin H.
Burnham, John Wilson, Tyson E. Bartholomew, Harry B.
Jackson, Donald R. Ferris.

Dennis. — Resident licenses: Benjamin Walker, George E.
Hall, Isaac W. Tucker, Harry Hall, Oscar F. Gibbs, Ernest L.
Tripp, Charles R. McKenzie, Fred P. Bradford, Charles D. C.
Moore.

Duxbury. — Resident licenses: Sam Wadsworth, Geo. H.
Stetson, Robert Cushman, Sumner Hancock, Frank W. Glass.

Edgartown. ■ — Resident license: Rodolphus H. Morgan.

Fairhaven. — Resident licenses: Domingos Brown, Joseph
Brown, Manuel Costa, Alexander Avilla, Peter Fontaine, C.
Brown, Gaspard Souza, Frank Correia, Charles W. Cook,
George J. LaPlante, John A. Silva.

Fall River. — Resident license : George L. Gilbert.

Falmouth. — Resident licenses: Alfred M. Hilton, John L.
Veeder, Edward R. Robinson, Fred J. Erskine, O. R. Hilton,
James F. Cook, Walter E. Nickerson, Prince M. Stuart, Wm.
P. Megathlin, Antone R. Everett, Manuel G. Serpa, Arthur S.
Weeks, Hans Jorgensen, Chas. G. Lorden, Ploratio D. Smith,
C. M. Fisher, Chas. R. Grinnell, B. K. Nickerson, Frank
Roderick, Manuel Costa, Henry A. Phinney, France Minot,
Robert N. Veeder, Reuben P. Hamblin, Alfred Nickerson, A. C.
Swain; non-resident licenses: J. Ralph Wellman, D. F. Gar-
land, John R. Murphy, Henry E. Weight, Hugh Montgomery.

Gay Head. — Resident licenses : Charles H. Ryan, Nathan A.
Francis, Walter W. Manning, Francis Manning, August

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 163

Reinertson, Joseph Lang, Moses P. Cooper, Marshall Jeffers,
Brazilla E. Pocknett, A. L. Rodman, L. E. Francis, George B.
Cook, Benjamin J. Allaguin, Louis S. Jeffers, Leonard B.
Smaller, Lonzo V. Smaller, Willard Marden; non-resident
licenses: Frank B. Veeder, David P. Bosworth.

Gloucester. — Resident licenses: David E. Mehlman, Jr.,
Walter E. Marchant, David E. Mehlman, Wm. F. Enos, Jr.,
William F. Enos, Charles Wilson, Francis T. Shaw, Arthur
Stevens, Frank Butler, Jas. E. Robinson, Fred Swanson, Manuel
Viater, Jr., Herman L. Marchant, Eugene Barusso, William
Foley, Alfred W. Riley, Joseph A. Goodwin, Frank Brewer, B.
Franklin Saunders, Walter W. White, Edward Ashley, Geo. B.
McKie, Harold B. Morgan, Ernest A. Sadler, Henry Ashley,
Forrest E. Merchant, Geo. M. Wilkinson, David P. Folgelgren,
Wm. J. Parks, Eugene Oliver, Augustus Oliver, Carl Pigeon,
Emil M. Nelson, Jos. C. Mitchell, Manuel C. Machado, Frank
Bolcome, Jesse Silva, Clarence T. Davis, Joseph M. Silva,
George C. Adams, Daniel S. Webber, Antone Ferrante, Henry
B. Nichols, Joseph A. Perry, B. Marchant, Henry W. Nelson,
Harold E. Daniels, Henry S. Blatchford, Geo. H. Newman,
Everett Gallagher, Manual Viator, John C. Spring, Fred Par-
sons, Daniel S. Burnham, Joseph S. Moniz, I. C. Parsons,
George E. Swanson, Fred E. Kluge, John B. Knowlton, Howard
Parsons, Philip W. Parsons, Ira Parsons, Albert J. Griffin, Guy
R. Wolfe, Albert Parsons, Peter Knutson, George L. Jacobs,
Preston J. Marchant, A. Ahonen, John C. Lycett; non-resident
license: William S. Douglass.

Gosnold. — Resident licenses: Thomas Dowling, Alfred M.
Hilton, Charles P. Mattson, Harold F. Deane, George C. King,
Antonia Vieira, Victorino P. Furtado, Mike Gonsalves, Manuel
Francisco Rose, Manuel Francisco Rose, Jr., Joseph Maxfield
Butts, John Pashalis, John Avilla, Manuel George, John Bento,
Joseph Souza, Manuel Severino, Nicholas Martin, Strat Buzza,
Anastario Vulgares, John F. Connell, John Donald, Joseph
Lima, Nicholas Valnos, Angelos Marrigianis, John Christ, Carl
Delano Hill, George B. Taber, Howard Cornell, William R. V.
Bosworth, John Karoludis, Konstantinos Karoludis, Manuel
Brown, Carlton Veeder, Joseph M. Gonsalves, Russell W. Rotch,
John McKay, Herbert Stetson, Robert Tilton, Isaiah Tilton,

164 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

Isaac Gregory, Walter C. Nickerson, Marion D. Mello, Clarence
W. Allen, Joseph M. Sylvia, Antone Souza, Antonio Aramento,
Manuel Fernedos, Manuel Roderick, Bento Gonsalves, Louis
Ramos, Irwin W. Hall, Richard W. Frost, George H. Nichols,
Joseph M. Seale, John Kolaczewoki, August Robiero, Alpheas
P. Tilton, George Priaulx, August Souza, James C. Sarandes,
John S. Sylvia, Alexander Avilla, Manuel P. Aranjo, Tharen-
suis Oldstad, Howard M. Smith, John F. Crowley, Joseph S.
Dutia, Richard Henry Norton, Gregona Sylvia.

Harwich. — Resident licenses: Edwin K. Bearse, Lewis Pena.

Hingham. — Resident licenses: Ambrose B. Mitchell, S. V.
Labree, Frank Lean, Ralph S. Place, B. A. Atwood, Henry E.
Hatch, Henry Webster Mitchell, Charles A. Bridgham, E.
Anderkirk, Harrison H. Gardner, Robert Crowford, M. W.
Springer, Jr., Harold S. Storke, O. E. Wagner, C. H. Cobb;
non-resident license: G. C. Hammons.

Hull. — Resident licenses: Henry W. Mitchell, Jr., Frank
Spangler, Joseph E. Jones; non-resident licenses: J. Constantis,
Arnold N. Allen, Daniel E. Ruse.

Ipswich. — Resident licenses: Charles H. Bailey, Harry E.
Rutherford, Grover C. Baybry; non-resident license: Eli Perry.

Kingston. — Resident licenses: Peter E. Lessard, Karl R.
Kreyer, Allan R. Gorham, Charles A. Maybury, Lincoln C.
Bartlett, Henry S. West.

Lynn. — Resident license : Pasquale Sammarco.

Manchester. — Resident licenses : David M. Knight, Augustus
Ferreira, Antone L. Silva, J. Frank Blaney, 0. F. Bohaker,
John S. Bohaker, Henry O. Bohaker, Nathan Greenberg, Percy
Hawkes, Joseph S. Gates, John F. Babcock, Gustaf G. Helen-
berg, Charles A. Welch, Patrick Cleary.

Marblehead. — Resident licenses: Harry A. Oliver, Charles
H. Smith, John W. Mace, Eben E. Snow, William H. Sweet,
Wm. F. Allen, Stephen Smith, William Smith, Harry M. Frost,
J. Frank Gilbert, Albert Conner, Everett Hanson, Joshua S.
Withenn, WTilliam H. Tutt, Joseph Gilbert, William H. Klenk,
E. O. Melzard, Washington B. Winslow, Frederick Carr Jewett,
William T. Hansom, Louis N. Latourneau, L. C. Peach, Everett
E. Freeto, James H. Magee, Chas. W. Coffin, Everett M.
Magee, Grover C. Luscomb, W. J. R. Melzard, Clinton F.

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 165

Adams, William F. Studley, Caleb H. Foss, Charles H. Foss,
Augustus K. Roundey, Samuel A. Stone, G. Stanley Frost,
Charles F. Walcott, Howard S. Smith, Adelbert H. Monant,
Joseph S. Phillips, John G. Gilbert, Frank A. Frost, William
B. Studley, John G. Howe, Jeremiah L. Horton, Ernest Howe,
Everett P. Peach.

Marion.- — Resident licenses: Arthur E. Tripp, John E.
Dowling, Harry Smith.

Marsh field. — Resident licenses: Asa C. Lapham, Dana B.
Blackman, E. S. Publico ver, Melvin F. Ewell, Lyman Sears,
Henry C. Phillips, A. H. Taylor, Fred Keene, Ephraim Pierce,
George Delano, Frank S. Harlow, Oscar H. Leavitt, William T.
Damon, Clifford L. Goodwin, Charles H. Newton, Sr., William
B. Cann, Charles E. Peterson, W. H. Hamilton, Charles R.
Newton, D. C. Gray, George Graham, Robert A. Smith,
Charles L. Newton, Orvis M. Savela, Jr., I. H. Bourne, Howard
H. Dunbar, Gordon Atwood, Abner W. Jackson, George M.
Wadsworth, Frederick L. Ford, Orvis M. Savile, Jr.

Mattapoisett. — Resident licenses: William H. Raymcnd,
Freeman C. Dexter, L. S. Eldridge, Charles G. James, Walter
E. Bowman; non-resident license: Henry V. Davis.

Nahant. — Resident licenses: Dominico Bongiarno, Bartolo
Bongiarno, Gaetano Bongiarno, Angelo Mollico, Antonio
Bongiarno, Peter Cirifice, Fred Felicitti, Frank Columbo,
Domonic Famolari, Mariano Pustareno, Warren P. Taylor,
W. A. Smith, Antonio Lapez, Frank A. Gove, Paolo Sciaba,
Giatano Lopis, Charles Roberts, Tony Famolari, Anthony
Martinco, Augusto Felicitti, John M. Taylor, Edward G. Cook.

Nantucket. — Resident licenses: Walter Jewett, Harry E.
Dunham, Wesley B. Lewis, Earl A. Mayo, James A. Backus,
Jr., William M. Brown, Amos E. Arey, Harry C. Studley,
Erastus Chapel, Charles C. Eldridge, Jr., Edward F. Trevor.

New Bedford. — Resident licenses: George A. Faullenes,
Antone A. Sylvia, Antonio B. Mello, Joseph Fereira, Joseph
Dutra, Antone Nunes, Marinao Tavares, John Barao, Victorino
Pereira, Manuel E. Sylvia, Augusto Souza, Anastasa Ivoenig,
August Vieira, Jose Medeiris, Edward A. Silva, Justino Pereira,
Edward A. Sylvia, Jr., Jacintho Rose, John Moniz, Bartholo-
mew A. Sylvia, Alfred C. Post, Calix Breau, John Kolsczewski,

166 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

Francisco Moniz, August Riberro, Gregorio Silva, Ben Perry,
John Gillis.

Newburyport. — Resident license: Geo. R. Littlefield.

Oak Bluffs. — Resident licenses: Lewis Bartlett, Harold H.
Folten.

Orleans. — Resident licenses: George Cummings, David L.
Young, Daniel B. Gould, Howard N. Snow, Ralph W. Snow,
Lawrence T. M. Hopkins, Frank K. Freeman, Willis S. Gould,
Alvin B. Gould, Clarence Robbins, William Wr. Wixon, Fred
Thompson, John D. Taylor, Warren R. Bennett, Emile C.
Frazmann, Elsie W. Tenney.

Plymouth.- — Resident licenses: Thomas C. Longstrett, Wal-
lace J. Nightingale, J. Russell Harlow, Charles M. Sampson,
Ralph B. Holmes, Charles A. Dixon, A. H. Dixon, Herbert J.
Caswell, George L. Binney, Henry Quinchon, L. B. Briggs, Jr.,
Enrico Trentim, John A. Brierly, Fred Wood, David H. Briggs,
L. B. Briggs, Edwin H. Bartlett, Frank Carboni, Antonio
Brigide, Frank R. Peterson, Augustus B. Rogers, Edward L.
Dixon, Frank Simmons, Edwin F. Hayward, H. A. Slader,
Marino Cannice, Samuel B. Benson, Eugene H. Arnold, Albert
A. Nightingale, Daniel Town, Herbert A. Ryder, Robert
Richardson, Ernest Johns, Charles W. Raymond, Wresley T.
Derrick, Henry L. Perry, Patrick I. Glynn, Leone Mosce,
George A. Ellis, Albert W. Boutin, Albert D'Entremont,
Willard V. Boardman, Gaetano Manze, Albert F. Pierce, J.
Albert Russell, Frank P. Brooks, Percy H. Marsh, P. H.
Whiting, Albert D. Whiter, John Thompson, Otto M. Schulz,
George N. Wood, William Husland, James E. Burke, Joseph
Casson, Herbert F. Drew, James S. A. Valler, Anthony Garuti,
Samuel B. Blackmer, D. P. Ward, Joseph A. Sherman, A. B.
Butler, Casmero Monteira, Granville W. Peitt, Charles H.
Pierce, Harry N. Spencer, Richard Sherburne, Paul F. O'Brien,
George V. Hildreth, Levi Thurston, Roderick L. Sherman,
Charles H. Davis, H. D. Cleveland, Harry Boutin, Harry L.
Sampson, P. Whiting, Burton W. Smith, William F. Farley,
Herbert B. Eddy, Ellsworth B. Wright, Harold R. Hadaway,
Charles T. Massey, Nathan W. Pratt, H. H. Archibald, Richard
Collins, Jr., John P. Richardson, John M. Watson, George M.
Sampson, Charles S. Courtenay, Roger C. Holden, Alvin E.

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 167

Nightingale, William L. Russell, Jr., Patrick Russo; non-resi-
dent licenses: T. C. Longstretch, John Piatt, Jr., John J.
Stickney.

Provincetown. — Resident licenses: Joseph Brown, Llewelyn
Rogers, John W. Savage, Manuel S. Packet, Joshua T. Nicker-
son, Reginald G. Phillip, Jos. E. Brown, Jos. A. Morris, Chas.
W. Schumann, Jr., Robert Newcomb, John Enos, Alvin E.
Newcomb, Jos. S. Avila, John T. Avila.

Quincy. — Resident licenses: John I. Myers, Guy F. Hardy,
Demetrios Varenopolos, John I. Bennett, Manley Young,
George E. Muirhead, Charles W. Tyler, George A. Parmenter,
Sylvester Doricette, Frank B. Blanchard, J. Lester Boyd.

Revere. — Resident licenses: Charles W. Smith, Joseph
Gasper, Eugene J. Love, Carl Michelson; non-resident license:
William Rogers.

Rochjport. — Resident licenses: John M. Silva, Willis A.
Wheeler, Arthur F. , Rich, Charles M. Currier, Ernest H.
Whittaker, George T. Gustavus, Stephen R. Orr, Carl J. Green,
Harold C. Clifford, John E. H. Cook, George E. Wendell, John
F. Lawson, Everett D. Rowe, Alfred F. Blatchford, Chester W.
Gott, Arthur Norwood, William E. Bennett, Franklin W.
Babson, Samuel D. Thurston, Carl E. Nelson, W. Russell
Norwood, William E. Norwood, Herman Nelson, John A. Nel-
son, Hans Palmquest, Andrew Swanson, John Bowman, Carl J.
Wredenberg, Fred A. Poole, Addison H. Woodbury, John
Swanson, Frank P. Gamage, Charles C. Upham, Ernest G.
Nelson, Arthur W. Rich, Martin Bowman, John J. Stillman,
Albert F. Stillman, Fred Hobbs, Arthur F. Rich, Howard S.
Bates, Charles Boynton Morse, William W. Gray, Harry W.
Gray, Edward Hanson, Walter Francis Hawley, Arthur R.
Woodbury, James E. Allen, Harvey A. Malone, Stephen R.
Orr, Herbert R. Rich, John Breen, Carl F. Norberg, Andrew
Silva, Joseph Bragar, Ernest Rich, John R. Allen, William A.
Enos, Ernest H. Whitaker, Alfred Swanson, John Enos, Wm.
Everett Clarke, Frank S. Hill, Charles W. Marshall.

Salem. — Resident licenses: John A. Dunn, George W. Dunn,
Charles S. Brown, Charles G. Begwood, Daniel C. Fitz,
Anthony J. Gonet, J. Herbert Merrow, Charles P. R. Fellows.

Salisbury. — Resident license : Willard W. Fowler.

168 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

Sandwich. — Resident licenses: Arthur Buckley, Arthur
Hamblin, Edward P. McArdle, Robert P. Nockel, Henry P.
Swansey, William H. Parks & Co., Eugene W. Hayes, Leonard
S. Rankin, Manuel V. Silva, Patrick McKeon.

Scituate. — Resident licenses : Danf orth P. Sylvester, Fred
Bergman, William Stanley, Charles B. Dillard, David F.
Fraser, Frank H. Barry, William Driscoll, Charles P. Curran,
Dennis F. Quinn, Kenneth Worck, James J. Barry, Stacy W.
Moore, James L. McCarthy, Margaret Christine Doherty, John
Hee, Frank H. Young, Maxwell Jenkins, Thomas L. Daigon,
Richard Whitely, James J. O'Hern, Frank H. Young, C.
Bertram Tilden, Charles DeCost, C. Harry Driscoll, John
Francis Cushman, Albert E. Reed, Fred A. Conroy, George F.
Daigon, R. Frank Hall, Samuel F. Smith, Thomas S. Turner,
Maxwell Jenkins, John F. Driscoll, John Stonefield, Moses H.
Fellows, Dennis F. Quinn, John Flynn, Richard Graham,
Eugene Pratt, James W. Welch, Fred G. McCarthy, David F.
Fraser, William Driscoll, Richard Gargan, Oscar Anderson,
William J. Flynn, James H. McCarthy, John F. Fallon, Martin
F. Quinn, Seth Vinal, Henry P. Tobin, Atherton L. Baker,
Martin Curran, Jr., Joseph Flynn, James L. McCarthy, Bartley
Curran, Paul R. Gaunett, Samuel Cummings, Gilbert J.
Patterson, Oliver Bergman, Leonard H. Rhoades, John Hee,
Chester F. Spear, Thomas H. Harris, William P. Jenkins,
Charles P. Curran, Frank H. Barry, Thomas L. Dwyer, George
L. Barbour, Albert F. Lewis, Francis S. Cutting, William E.
Pray, Christopher O'Neil, Sumner E. Parker, R. E. Pray,
Edward W7ard, Thomas H. O'Neil, Christopher O'Neil, Leon
Hatch, Louis H. Madore, Edwin L. Bates, Fletcher P.
Bouton.

Sivampscott. — Resident licenses: Ernest B. Thing, Henry E.
Douglass, Alfred L. William Stover, Charles L. Stover, Walter
M. Boyden, Raymond E. Bond, Harry M. Goodwin, Max P.
Codwise, Charles M. Cahoon, Leonard P. Lewis, Fred Blan-
chard, Charles N. Darcy, Emeline W. Parker, Henry E. Acher,
Alfred G. Watts, Alfred W. Watts, Chester W. Cook.

Tisbury. — Resident licenses: John Mason, Manuel K. Rose,
Norman T. Benson, J. R. Cleveland, Fred C. Peakes, Paul D.
Gibbs, Louis E. Swift, Fred M. Chase, Ed. Cleveland.

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 169

Truro. — Resident licenses: Manuel C. Francis, N. O.
Atwood, John Silva, Joseph W. Gray, Everett W. Lombard.

Wareham. — Resident licenses: George H. Halett, Manuel
V. Galdino, Caesar Lopes, Nelson Huckins, Louis Dias, John A.
Harrisson, Walter Ela, M.D.

Wellfleet. — Resident licenses: Frank E. Chamberlain, J. H.
Whitcomb, E. M. Rogers.

Westport. — Resident licenses: Henry P. P. Brayton, Joseph
H. Sowle, John R. Fish, Jr., Harry G. Sowle, Charles D.
Macomber, John Wilbur, Jr., John H. Wilbur, Raymond A.
Palmer, John Jenkinson, Joseph S. Field, Frank D. Grinnell,
Henry S. Palmer, A. S. Nickerson, Lester A. Mosher, Thomas

E. Pettey, John H. Pettey, Herbert E. Fish, John R. Fish,
William S. Head, Arthur R. Cornell, Frank G. Macomber,
Herman A. Hart, Lester A. Bowman, J. Lyman Austin, Isaac
B. Pettey, Ralph W. Wood, Lester A. Mosher, Clinton G.
Albert, Frank W. Jennings.

Weymouth. — Resident licenses: Frank J. Gain, Alfred F.
Turner, William P. Kent, Chas. J. Rogers, M. F. Turner.
Winthrop. — Resident licenses: Kenneth S. Johnson, George

F. McDuffee, Fred H. Crowley.

Yarmouth. — Resident licenses : Elmer N. Newell, Nemiah
Newell, William H. Newell, U. H. Goodwin.

Shad.
Owing to the inability to procure eggs, no further action has
been taken in the propagation of shad.

Alewives.
We have been at work for several years upon the problem of
developing the alewife fishery, and as a result have prepared
a report embodying the results of our studies, which is now
ready for publication.

Commercial Importance of the Fishery.

The alewife or branch herring (Pomolobus pseudoharengus) is

the most abundant food fish inhabiting the rivers of the Atlantic

coast, from Maine to Florida, and with the disappearance of the

shad has become commercially the most valuable anadromous

170 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

fish in Massachusetts. Ever since the landing of the Pilgrims,
when the alewife provided the most readily available source of
food for the early inhabitants of New England, it has been
closely related to the prosperity of the shore towns, where it
has always been held as a public asset.

The alewife is of value as food, as bait and as a food supply
for other fish. Either fresh or cured, the alewife forms an
excellent and inexpensive article of diet. Because of its abun-
dance and comparative cheapness, it is satisfactory as a bait
supply. However, of greater importance is the attraction it
forms for large schools of pollock, bluefish, striped bass, sque-
teague and other food fishes, which come to our shores to prey
upon the young alewives when they descend the coastal streams.
The simultaneous decline of the alewife and shore fisheries sug-
gests that there is a direct relation between the two.

Survey.

In our original survey in 1913 we examined the natural con-
dition of the streams and spawning grounds, especially as re-
gards obstructions and pollution, obtained the history of the
fishery from town records and by interviewing men acquainted
with the business, and collected statistics of the production at
that time. During the past year a second survey was made,
and not only were all statistics brought up to date, but all
changing natural conditions which would influence the fishery
were recorded. The principal differences noted were the great
increase in the price of alewives, the increasing value of certain
streams properly cared for, and the decrease in other streams
improperly handled, although on the whole there was little
difference in the total catch.

On Marthas Vineyard at Edgartown Great Pond the run of
alewives this year was earlier than usual, but the yield was
subnormal, while at Tisbury Great Pond it was normal. It was
also earlier at Weymouth and Falmouth, and later at Plymouth
and Kingston, while the other locations were approximately
normal.

At East Taunton the early run was poor, but later in the
season the number of fish passing through the fishway was
above normal.

1919.1 PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 171

Remedial Measures.

As briefly outlined, our biological investigation of the Massa-
chusetts alewife fishery has shown its present condition, the
causes contributing to its decline, and has brought out certain
points in the life history and habits of the alewife which furnish
a basis for establishing cultural methods.

The requisite steps in this reconstruction work are as fol-
lows: —

1. An unobstructed and uncontaminated passageway from
salt water to the spawning grounds.

2. Artificial restocking of depleted streams, and the creation
of new fisheries in favorable localities.

3. Adequate and efficient methods of regulating the fishery.
In the spring of 1919 the work which had been suspended

during the war was resumed, and the important problem of
obtaining a clear passageway for the fish to the spawning
grounds, as a preliminary requisite for stocking, was first taken
up. At the same time preliminary cultural work and artificial
hatching of alewife eggs, has guaranteed beyond a reasonable
doubt the future success of restocking the depleted streams.

1. Fishways. — Considered elsewhere in this report, under
the heading of "Fishways." At Brightman's Pond, Westport,
the alewives were carried over the dam owing to the dilapidated
condition of the fishway.

2. Stocking Methods. — All stocking methods are based upon
the "Parent Stream Theory," which presupposes that the
young alewives return as mature fish to the same stream where
they were hatched. Depleted streams can be restored, and new
fisheries created by stocking, through the introduction of young
alewives into the headwaters, which may be accomplished in
two ways, ■ — transplanting mature, ripe alewives to the spawn-
ing ponds, and planting artificially hatched fry.

The yield of certain exhausted streams has been greatly in-
creased by transplanting into their headwaters spawning ale-
wives from productive streams. It is sure, practical, and at the
present time the only certain step for restocking depleted
streams. It possesses the great objection of expense in catching
and transporting the adult fish. Possibly small alewives could

172 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

be seined in the late summer and similarly transported at a less
cost.

The ideal method of restocking would be to plant artificially
hatched alewives. Sufficient preliminary work has been carried
out along this line to indicate that commercial hatching is
feasible. The principal obstacle is obtaining ripe fish for strip-
ping. It is impracticable to obtain the fish in their journey up
stream, since the ratio of males to females is large, and practi-
cally all the eggs are "green" at this time. Seining the fish on
the spawning grounds seems the logical method of approach,
unless the alewives can be held in pockets on their journey up
stream until the eggs ripen. The ratio of male and female
necessitates handling large numbers of superfluous males, as well
as many unripe females. However, a sufficient quantity of eggs
may be secured for the work with labor and patience.

On June 12 and June 25 forty-eight ounces of good eggs were
taken from a few ripe fish among 800 alewives seined in Great
Herring Pond, Bournedale, after various unsuccessful attempts
had been made to obtain ripe fish by holding the alewives in
pens. The eggs were about the same size as those of the
white perch, measuring 1,600,000 to the quart. The fish are
stripped by the usual method. After fertilization, owing to their
adherent nature, the eggs will mass together, but this may be
obviated by constant stirring and by changing the water in
which they are every five minutes until they harden. Hatching
took place at 67° to 72° F. in forty-eight to ninety-six hours in
open top MacDonald hatching jars at the Sandwich Hatchery.
The eggs at first adhere to each other, but later they separate,
becoming firm, hard and a light coffee color. The fry, which
have the appearance of fine, transparent threads attached to a
relatively large yolk sac, can be held only for a short time in
tanks before planting. The fry were planted in Great Pond,
East Sandwich.

The advantage of artificial hatching over natural spawning is
the protection of the egg from the inroads of suckers, white and
yellow perch, which frequent the spawning grounds. For pro-
tection from these fish the fry should be liberated over a wide
territory.

In spite of the great difficulty in obtaining the ripe fish, the

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 173

artificial hatching of alewives is a practical procedure, but the
beneficial effects of planting the fry cannot be demonstrated
for several years. Results were so encouraging that extensive
cultural work is planned for the coming year.

Shellfish.

Clams.

The exceedingly mild and open winter of 1918-19 proved a
great boon to the clamming industry, since it enabled the
clammers to work nearly every day, thus increasing total pro-
duction and individual incomes. With little ice there was slight
destruction of the small "seed" clams. An extremely large
1918 set was reported along the whole shore, especially in Essex
River, at Black Rock and Castleneck; in North River and
Green Harbor, near Captain's Hill, Duxbury, and Wind Flat,
Kingston; in Barnstable Harbor; in Wellfleet Harbor; at
Buck's Creek, Chatham; Mattapoisett; Padanaram; at Bray-
ton Neck, Somerset; in Mount Hope Bay; and in Cole's River,
Swansea. Protected by the open winter, clamming should be
especially good for the next two years. The hard winter of
1917-18 served to increase the natural supply by preventing
overdigging, and thus made clamming more remunerative
during the past season. However, in spite of the open winter
and natural abundance, owing to war activities there were fewer
men engaged in the business.

Prices were good, clammers receiving about 25 cents more a
bushel than in 1918. Clams sold for from $1 to $2 per bushel,
according to the locality, quality and time of year. The
average was about $1.50, most sales bringing between $1.25 and
$1.75 per bushel.

A new and interesting feature was the use of the auto truck
in marketing and delivering clams in Essex County.

Oysters.
The returns from the oyster industry approximated the pro-
duction in previous years. At Wellfleet there was a smaller
yield than usual, 7,000 barrels having been shipped. The in-

174 FISH AND GAME. [Nov.

creased price for the product ranged from $6 to $8 per barrel.
Practically no set was obtained in any waters of the Common-
wealth.

Quahaugs.

The mild winter was particularly favorable to the quahaug
fishery, as it allowed practically continuous fishing. Although
the production was normal, the higher prices made the business
especially attractive. Prices ranged as follows: littlenecks, $12
to $14 per barrel; "sharps," $9 to $10; and "blunts," $5 to $6.
On Cape Cod about 12,000 barrels were shipped, the usual
number of men being engaged in the fishery, and there were
good sets of seed quahaugs. In the off-shore beds of Nantucket
quahaugs were still plentiful, although not in the abundance of
former years following ihe discovery of this productive territory.
Here, for the first time, fishing was conducted all winter, by
fewer men, at the high price of $7 to $12 per barrel for the
large quahaugs, notwithstanding increased demand and preva-
lent soaring prices.

In Buzzards Bay there was a slight falling off in production.
Very few men followed the fishing, owing to the shortage of
labor and the high prices paid in other lines of work.

The report of the board of shellfish commissioners for the city
of New Bedford and the town of Fairhaven, under chapter 411,
Acts of 1911, shows that there were issued 109 first-class licenses,
3 second-class, 3 third-class, and 44 bait permits, bringing in a
total receipt of $1,448 for the year ending May 31, 1919, during
which time expenditures for the enforcement of the law totaled
$2,184. Seven arrests were made by inspectors and $80 in fines
collected.

Scalloj^s.
A great scarcity of adult scallops marked the 1918-19 season.
Few, if any, could be found in Buzzards Bay and along Cape
Cod, while the Nantucket catch was light. Naturally the de-
mand was excellent, prices averaging about $4 per gallon, and
at times reaching as high as $5. Undoubtedly this scarcity was
brought about by the severe winter of 1917-18, with its re-
sultant destruction of the "seed" scallops. Except at Nan-
tucket fewer men were engaged in the business.

1919.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25. 175

The open winter of 1918-19 permitted continuous fishing
when scallops were found, and was especially beneficial in con-
serving the enormous and remarkable set of seed scallops which
took place in Buzzards Bay, on the south side of Cape Cod, and
at the Nantucket beds. Few were destroyed, and the output
for the 1919-20 season appears to be most propitious.

With regard to the scallop, Walter K. Perry, warden for the
industry in the town of Wareham, had the following to say in
his report to the department : —

Very few people realize what the scallop industry means to Massachu-
setts. The New Bedford Fish Company, which handles about 80 per cent
of the scallops caught in Marion, have paid about $3,500 a week from
October 1 to the present time. Mattapoisett and Bourne have each about
the same number of boats as Marion. Wareham has about twice as many
as Marion. The season at Fairhaven and New Bedford was very short.
There are about 175 boats and 300 men engaged in this fishing. Add to
this the men and women who open them up, and you have a total of at
least 500 people who are making their living from the scallop fishery. I
feel safe in saying that over $200,000 will be divided among the fishermen
in these four towns by January 1.

Mussels.

The edible mussel is but little used for food in Massachusetts,
although quantities are used for bait, in striking contrast to
European countries, where it is highly esteemed as an article of
food. About 150 barrels are consumed in Boston per year,
entirely among the foreign population.

On Cape Cod mussels are taken only for bait. The set was
reported as unusually good during 1919.

Respectfully submitted,

WILLIAM C. ADAMS.
GEORGE H. GRAHAM.
ARTHUR L. MILLETT.

APPENDIX

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1919.

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

181

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182

FISH AND GAME.

[Nov.

Number of Pounds of Fish taken

Town.

Barnstable,

Beverly, .

Boston, .

Bourne, .

Brewster, .

Chatham,

Chilmark,

Cohasset, .

Dennis, .

Duxbury,

Fairhaven,

Falmouth,

Gay Head,

Gloucester,

Gosnold, .

Kingston,

Lanesville,

Manchester,

Manomet,

Marblehead,

Marshfield,

Nahant, .

Nantucket,

New Bedford,

Newburyport,

Orleans, .

Plymouth,

Provincetown,

Raynham,

Rockport,

Salem,

Salisbury,

Sandwich,

Scituate, .

40,798

1,000

16,097

47,819
290

,050
100

465

34,000

35,000
246,734

115

177

57,800

4,210

346,400

2,781

126,905

781

48,354

23,670

110,924

3,662

7,647

610

8,226

10,200

10,964

21,521

166

2,049

1,500

89,751

68,615

5,338

63,700
1,950

6,687
280,145

,500

13,800

12,300
25

1,903

50,600

41,000

28,707

900

2,450

10,938

1,381
700

1919.1

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — Xo. 25.

183

in Pounds, Nets, Traps, etc., 1919.

1— 1

fci
3

■2

4
o

}

3
e3

Othor Edible
or Bait Spo-
cies.

27,650

37,375

200

320,874

3,282

589,436

$26,432 85

40,332

9,083 17

4,872

1,943 36

19,125

4,346 56

114,881

8,090

352

18,078

231,541

11,163 15

1,200

116,200

5,300

52,100

28,945

16,737

368,376

22,768 38

629

26,650

180,812

242,493

32,444 82

8,961

9,303 54

9,000

723

6,647

9,072

34,455

4,078 29

338,200

1,241

349,641

4,668 15

26,915

270

116,884

10,585

46,566

30,956

312,590

12,437 26

2,631

600

243

395

5,801

19,007

33,651

67,374

6,631 65

49,892

53,392

8,228 30

46,600

55,485

98,372

459,373

31,060 13

3,002

186,941

210,366

29,125 26

3,441

819 00

975

208 75

194,684

2,496

151,136

2,381

385,207

4,968 14

1,070

77 75

124,869

27,534 31

6,800

62,870

69,670

11,615 17

5,670

770 68

8,100

12,800

3,350

115,000

3,612

248,122

15,764 00

205,226

207,176

34,476 60

14,524

607 27

1,050

425 00

68,400

1,800

8,240

177,557

262,684

38,106 42

700

47,200

38,125

194

750,564

58,420 10

298

247,032

2,767 60

107,498

25,648 78

35,775

49,494

10,758 01

2,966

578 65

3,729

550

249

41,299

10,173

60,272

3,955 45

4,000

800

800,800

164,562

970,862

30,736 58

184

FISH AND GAME.

[Nov.

Number of Pounds of Fish taken in

Town.

■
t

p
5

■

-0

Somerset,

Swampscott, .

Tisbury, ....

Westport,

Weymouth,

Yarmouth,

23,648
13,000

121

8,331

19,569

2,285

1,341

17,096

Totals,

1 -.

467,901

413

549,141

786,266

1,903

55,437

112,992

49,249
]

1919.1

PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

185

Pounds, Nets, Traps, etc., 1919 — Concluded.

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1,473

349 00

554

337

2,484

6,999

182

50,823

5,790

139,585

9,571 99

69,119

82,119

10,234 00

12,456

4,931 51

4,970

2,856

7,826

5,236 37

4,385

950,684

18,895

3,626

1,284

291,645

12,311

1,758,271

1,685,829

6,750,232

$512,348 00

r- ■ -

186

FISH AND GAME.

[Nov.

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PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 25.

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k D. Grinnell,
lan A. Hart,
S. Head, .

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Full text of "Annual Report of Commissioners on Fisheries and Game of Massachusetts (1915, 1917-1919)"

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