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State of Rhode YJsland and Lrovidence Llantations.

THIRTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES,

Compliments of the

Commissioners of Inland Fisheries.

PROVIDENCE, R. I.
&. L. FREEMAN & SONS, STATK PRINTERS.
1904.

State of Ahode Jsland and Lrovidence Llantations.

THIRTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES,

MADK TO THE

GENERAL ASSEMBLY,

JANUARY SESSION, 1904.

PROVIDENCE, R. I.
&. L. FREEMAN & SONS, STATK PRINTERS.
1904.

COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES OF RHODE ISLAND.

HENRY T. ROOT, President, Treasurer, and Auditor......Providence, R. I.
a Mees > OU EWC Vaceerestdent...... 15. <a see eevee: Newport, R. I.
Wares MORMON Secretary sige ca P. O. Box 966, Providence, R. I.
CEUAS] Wate WaNIG ATR ID items! os fs od. 04 2d eee Westerly, R. I.
SAUTE ESE CE 1) EEA) rae) cteeevepe tse lois! 2iaio os «ee eee es Brown University.
ADELE BERT D ROBDRIS aioe... ..... P. O. Box 264, Woonsocket, R. I.

IWVines BETS OVAUEIDIMEAUN eis ates cisco s 0 6 a Se eee Central Falls, R. I.

REPORT.

To the Honorable the General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations, at its January Session, 1904:

The Commissioners of Inland Fisheries herewith present their
annual report for the year 1903:

The work undertaken by the commissioners during the past year
may be tabulated as follows:

First. The stocking of our ponds and streams with suitable
fresh-water fish, through the distribution of eggs and fry. Page 13.

Second. The collection of definite data respecting the times of
arrival and departure of various food fishes, and the preparation of
statistics of exportation. Page 14.

Third. The location of fish-traps’ within the waters of Narragan-
sett Bay, and the collection of statistical data bearing upon their
ownership. Page 16.

Fourth. Further investigation of the red-water plague. Page 22.

Fijth. The continued examination of the physical and biologi-
cal conditions of the waters of the Bay, begun in 1898. Page 23.

Sizth. A continuance of the survey of the shores of the Bay, for
- the purpose of determining those portions which are most pro-
ductive of young seed-clams. Page 27.

Seventh. A continued investigation of the life-history of the clam.
Methods of artificial propagation and cultivation. Page 28.

Eighth. Preliminary inquiry into the natural history of the Pad-
ler Crab (Callinectes hastatus), and the soft-shell crab industry
in Rhode Island. Page 69. it

Ninth. Experiments in lobster-culture. Page 74.

+ REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

Tenth. The efforts to prevent the illegal taking of short lobsters.
Page 83. . :

Eleventh. The preparation of an exhibit for the Louisiana Pur-
chase Exposition. Page 84.

Your Honorable Body has entrusted your commission with the
stocking of the inland waters with edible fish and with the super-
vision of the fish in these waters, with the conduct of experiments
in the propagation of fish and shell-fish, and with the enforcement
of laws regarding the capture of fish and lobsters; all of which we
believe has been faithfully executed.

The scientific work which was commenced on a small scale in 1897,
has, during the past seven years, developed considerable propor.
tions. Each year we have built upon the work of the years before,
and recently the experiments have begun to bear fruit in practical re-
sults. In work of this experimental character, where every foot of

progress is made slowly by breaking new ground, it is important—

it is indeed absolutely necessary—that a line of work shall be con-
tinued through a long period of time. Too often it happens that
excellent experimental or scientific work comes to nothing solely
because it is stopped too soon or is frequently interrupted. Your
commisssion appreciates the continuous support which has been
given by your Honorable Body during these years.

Seven years ago the only material equipment of your commission
for scientific work was a small leaky floating “hatchery,” a relic of
former years when experiments in artificial lobster propagation were
attempted. However, the idea of the houseboat as a biological
laboratory, and the proof of its effectiveness in experimental work,
was of the utmost value. At the present time the equipment consists
of an excellent floating laboratory, a small naptha launch suitable
for work in the Bay, a small sailboat and three skiffs, a rather dis-
reputable looking but very convenient stranded barge which serves
as a storehouse in winter and a dormitory in summer. The labora-
tory is fitted up with necessary apparatus, including, besides tools,

dishes, etc., a stationary gasolene engine and other apparatus for

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Fig. 2.—Digging clams at the Commission’s clam bed, at Kickemuit river.

Fie. 83.—Churning clams in the Commission’s clam bed at Kickemuit river.
s

~s

of fate & i ia? i
a
Se eG *

es fe Nea

Fic. 4.—Sample clams from the Commission’s clam bed at Kickemuit river.

Fie, 5.—Scallop taken October 13, 1903, from Mill Cove, Wickford. Age about two years and four months.
This specimen has spawned a second time, as indicated by the second growth ring.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 5

use in hatching and rearing lobsters. Several large floats and num-
erous cars further contribute to an excellent working equipment.
A small cottage, situated near the houseboat, has been leased,
which enables the commission to carry on the work during the winter
when the cove is full of ice. In the cottage a photographing room
has been fitted up. Necessary books and microscopes have been,
from time to time, loaned to the commission by Brown University.

The foundation of a Museum of Economic Zodlogy has been laid.
A collection of specimens and models arranged to illustrate the im-
portant features of the experimental work has been assembled at
the office of the commission at the Capitol, and will be exhibited also
at the International Exposition at St. Louis.

The body of this Report contains an account of the work of the
commission, but there are two or three particular features of this
work to which your attention is especially invited. The investiga-
tion of the natural history and propagation of the clam has resulted
in the first definite information concerning the spawning season,
habits of the young clams, the age at sexual maturity, rate of growth
and time required to reach a good marketable size, methods of spat
collecting, transplanting, etc., and during the past year the first
crop of artificially bred clams has been produced. In one of the
beds reserved for experimental purposes small seed clams, meas-
uring about 10,000 to a quart, were sown broadcast upon the ground
two years ago, and their growth has been observed from time to time.
This bed, which contains about one and two-thirds acres, was opened
to the public during the past summer, and upwards of six hundred
bushels of clams have been taken from it. A sample area of about
300 square feet in this bed yielded 17 bushels, which is equivalent
to more than 2,000 bushels to the acre. (See Figs. 1, 2,3, and 4.)

The most valuable result of the investigations of your commission
is a successful and practicable method of raising lobsters through
the dangerous swimming period, which immediately follows the
hatching of the fry. That this is the crucial point in lobster propa-

gation is universally recognized, and experiments have been made

6 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

repeatedly by the fisheries boards of the United States, Canada,
Great Britain, Germany, Norway, and Denmark for the purpose
of discovering a method of protecting the young lobsters through
this period. The following extract from an article on the lobster by
Dr. Ehrenbaum, of the German Fisheries Station at Helgoland,
published in the Fischerei Zeitung, July, 1903, strongly emphasizes
both the importance and the difficulty of this stage in lobster culture.
Having spoken of the egg laying habits and the experiments in
hatching, he continues:

“The especially critical period for the later growth of the lobster
begins, therefore, as we have seen, with the hatching of the larve,
and artificial protection must commence here in order to bring the
young animals through the most dangerous time of their lives. Un-
fortunately the efforts hitherto made have met with little success.
One can, of course, easily keep away the enemies which feed upon
them, but the young animals kept in confinement being necessarily
very much crowded, develop such disastrous cannibalism—they
eat one another up, even when they are so richly supplied with ap-
propriate food—that hitherto all experiments in rearing them have
been wrecked. Those which do not fall victims to this cannibalism
enter for the most part the quickly following, but often not smoothly
running, moulting process. The Norwegian Appelléf, who has re-
cently conducted especially painstaking researches respecting this
point, reports that the first two moults run along smoothly, while
enormously great sacrifices attend the two following ones. By the
use of the greatest precautions he succeeded in carrying over out of
1,500 larvee of the second stage, 400 into the third, and 100 individ-
uals into the fourth stage, with which last the lfe at the bottom
begins.”

Ehrenbaum continues to the effect that inasmuch as no success-
ful method has yet been devised for overcoming these difficulties in
a practicable way, the only thing left to do is to turn overboard the
lobsters as soon as they are hatched, as has been done in times past.
Your commission has dealt particularly with this problem for several

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. a

years, and has at last overcome these difficulties and has devised a
practicable method of rearing lobsters through this critical period in
good proportions, and in such numbers as to be, in our opinion, an
actual benefit to the lobster industry.*

The principle, the method, and the plan of the apparatus are new,
and essentially different in all respects from those previously used.
In a series of eight experiments, in which the fry were counted at the
beginning and at the end of the experiments, from 16 to 50 per cent.
of the fry in the first stage (not in the second stage, as in Appellof’s
experiment) were carried through to the required fourth stage. In
the experiment which yielded 50 per cent. 1,000 specimens were
used; 40 per cent. were carried through in an experiment with 2,500
lobsters, and over 20 per cent. in an experiment with 5,000. lobsters
kept together in a small enclosure.

The advantage which has been gained by the accumulation of
material and equipment, and especially by the accumulation of ex-
perience and knowledge of working methods, should be followed up.
The work of clam propagation should be carried out on a larger
scale; the lobster raising methods and apparatus should be _ per-
fected, and the next steps in lobster propagation, viz., that of prop-
erly distributing and protecting lobsters which have been reared
through the critical period, should be further investigated; con-
tinued investigation should be carried on in respect to the scallop
(see Fig. 5), quahaug, soft-shelled crab, red water, methods of fish
hatchery, ete.

One of the most conspicuous needs of our fisheries is a census of
the animals and plants which inhabit the waters of the State. We
have not at present a complete list of any group of aquatic animals
or plants of the Bay, to say nothing of a record of their distribution,
abundance, time of arrival and departure, breeding, habits, ete.

It has been said, with prophetic truth, that the ocean is capable

of supplying more food for man than the land, and the rapidly in-

*Since this was sent to press we have learned that unusually large numbers of small lobsters,
under eight inches, have been caught in fish traps and shore seines, and dug along the shore
during the past year.

8 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

creasing productiveness of Rhode Island fisheries at least warrants
an effort to find out what our waters contain. Such an acquaint-
ance with our fisheries would be not only of general interest but of

economic importance.
State of Rhode Island in account with Commissioners of Inland Fisheries.

1903. Dr.
Oct. 3. To paid for 40,000 yearling trout and distributing same. . .$1,204 56
Dec. 31. To expenses of laboratory, investigating clam and lobster
culture, quahaug, flat-fish, scallops, and ‘“‘red water”. 3,531 63
To expenses of deputy commissioners under lobster law... 2,632 71

To printing... 6 35a Srcppee epee laa 6 ret wooed ee 23 85
To: expenses of commissioners... . 50% 25. .8- ee ee 407 39
$7,800 14
1903. CR.
Jan. 2: By received from State Iireasurer,.......:.....< + i.e seep $67 45
“i Be Ci 87 05
5 = rs Soak Winches ew eciter a ket A NTL 62 00
it: s rs = Pes es Sea nenn ck SSE YE oan 5 05
31. rf + if Fie isk RRS Noe les, 2 00
i 3 2 eae) sn ate eS os 70 00
4 ; si Fda cece ea oe eee 11 24
2 e : PE eyes foitin ee Senne esl te 5 10
Thon bi hadi Imma DE A he Si sPi ey ae 2 12 27
Feb. 4. ‘ < Be ee ore ahaa ce Bia A et ed, Pee 70 50
a oz Sh RS: «ed acne TS ae 74 10
A 7% Spee (A ae DR ie OF ela Feta aie 63 00
% POM hb oo. i We jee 3de |S ace chee eee 10 00
: = ER Fe a AS Sa 1 35
5 - ‘ oO tla a aya Me Sete eh a 54 00
12 i o 3 mmr MITER ny cbse Shy yee, MeN. 16 00
15 Z Se i ES COD Sa ARES res eet 6 50
Mar. 4 is ‘ _ PT UES kOe TR Ni 8 00
7. a i SS) Dy 2 ee fio. oo 57 00
p 4 cS © ib linwd cipekh ae amie ease 5. <5 ball 71 35
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fe ef ee 2 40 00

Mar. 31.

April 3.

June

July

27.
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30.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

:
By received from State Treasurer.......................

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10 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

July 2. By received from State Treasurer..............--+-...5. 28 00

Aug. 5. be eae Bee CECA POP ERS 3% SALOON 161 32

18. i. = si Cd) g. terete Pantin Deena onal Meet tee pepe 74 33

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REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

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Dee. 30.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

By received from State Treasurer.............:.......-- 35 00
45 oe Me ais. sche an br 1 00
a s ss A ue Bit ala cole eee 1 00
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= re : PET Nk o'5.c;0 O16 5 dca), ob ¢ 77 50
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Beem. ote ed Sibe tala ee gant a 2th rr rrr $7,800 14

4
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Fie. 6.—A string of fine trout, caught on June 8, 1902, at St. Mary’s Lake, Newport.
The body of water was stocked five years ago by the commission.

1 ei!) :
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REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 13

I. Tse SrockING OF OUR PONDS AND STREAMS WITH SUITABLE
FRESH-WATER FisH, THROUGH THE DISTRIBUTION OF Eaas
AND Fry.

Trout.

Your commission has purchased and distributed, in the various
lakes, ponds, and streams of the State, 40,000 yearling trout, and
the fishing has been better than for two years past. Among the
many reports of good fishing, which are traceable directly to the
stocking of the streams, is the following:

On June 8, 1902, a string of fine trout were caught in St. Mary’s
Lake (Water-works Pond), Newport, which weighed in the aggre-
gate 14 pounds, the largest specimen weighing 34 pounds (see Fig. 6).
On July 30 of the same year another string was caught whose total
weight was 134 pounds. One trout weighing 44 pounds was taken
from this pond on another oceasion. This body of water was stocked
about five years ago by your commission.

Black Bass.

Through the courtesy of the Hon. George M. Bowers, United
States Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries, your commission has
procured and distributed in various places several hundred large-
mouthed black bass.

In order to promulgate a more general acquaintance with the
regulations regarding the taking of fish, your commission has pub-
lished and distributed a convenient pocket edition of the fisheries
laws of the State, and we most urgently appeal to all true sports-
men to discourage illegal fishing, especially in the fresh water
streams and lakes.

14

EE:

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS

OF INLAND FISHERIES.

THE COLLECTION OF DEFINITE Data RESPECTING THE TIMES

OF ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF VARIOUS Foop FISHES AND

THE PREPARATION OF STATISTICS OF EXPORTATION.

Table of Fish and Lobsters Shipped From Newport During the Year 1903.
e

| Number Number
Barrels of | Barrels of | Barrels of |Number of| of Sword | of Horse
Fish. Lobsters. Crabs. Sturgeon. Fish. Mackerel.
VaAnWary nr... 793} 183
IN) oF DIK Ol Ge Slee 445) 276
INTRO) 0. ents ee ee 291 186
PACT ee ots ae cap eiis cane 1,762 106 or si)
Ne yeaerze cad = «jays hod 16,495 228 4 3 at:
UIT G See ae ae 17,449 146 a 15 ae
liye Mh 7,407 154) a 109 | 9
PAUIPUISH shes cess) a's tals 3,047 125 a Be 24 13
September......... 4,265 21 ae 1 16 50
@ctoberesa ts. 67 AD 20} if 7
November......... 754 ne a
December.......-. 247 29 59
Motalken sn ae 54,382 1,474 84 ial 164 79

. Table of Fish, Lobsters, and Sword-Fish Shipped From Newport for the Last
Eighteen Years by Regular Transportation Lines.

Barrels, Barrels, No. of Barrels,
Year. Fish. Lobsters. Total. Sword-Fish. Crabs.
TSSOs eee ease Shake Sorat 17,434
1S a7 a aM 16,657 834 17,491
1888.. 15,033 1,161 16,194
NSSON Ais pe tie 19,306 2,047 21353
MESO OF etc taiey stew 8,933 2,650 11,583
1891 18,032 2,204 20,236
1892.. 26,832 2,123 28,955
1893.. 24,452 1,399 25,851
1894.. 17,769 2,392 21,161
SOD oe cen cece 24,622 2,119 26,741 sone
TSO Gi Mee ole hanae 20,425 1,728 22,153 143
ES ii rhies asec te at 25,098 2,039 PA Maye 45
SO Seka cotes.wcmnees 34,065 1,163 35,228 74
MOO A enc, See stk pate 34,917 4,143 39,060 162
MG OOS. cist atten 38,184 4,793 42,977 166
MG OMS es odes cutee 50,500 4,393 54,893 21
LCT AN ener ey ges 53,986 4,342 58,328 179 1
AO DS a. ciscor lav ae) abate 54,384 1,474 55,858 164 84

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 15

Lobsters Shipped From Newport to the Following Places, 1903:

Taunton, Mass., Brockton, Mass., Rome. Nonys)
Boston, Mass., Bristol, i. 1. Buffalo, N. Y..,
Fall .River, Mass., Warren, R. I., New York, N. Y.,
Piverton, R. I.; South Framingham, Mass., Oleans, N. Y..,
West Baden, Ind., Atlantic City, N. J., Syracuse, N. Y.

Lynn, Mass.,

The number of boats engaged in the lobster fishery during the
season of 1903 was: sailboats and launches, 61; rowboats, 32.

Fifty boats from the city of Newport caught during the year
188,000 pounds of lobsters, the equivalent of about 1,000 barrels.

Of the Bay fishing, with hook and line, there are conflicting opin-
ions, corresponding, no doubt, with individual experiences. On
the whole, the sport seems to have been quite as good as in past
years. |

One notable feature of the Bay fisheries has been the appearance
and capture of unusually large numbers of the large ‘‘horse-mack-
erel.” Hickory shad have also been reported abundant.

Alewives.

Owing to exceptionally low prices only about 200 barrels of ale-
wives were packed for shipment from Point Judith Pond. About
200,000 fish were sold fresh for bait, and 100,000 salted or smoked
for local market.

16 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

Ill. Tue Location or FisH—-TRAPS WITHIN THE WATERS OF NAR-—
RAGANSETT Bay, AND THE COLLECTION OF STATISTICAL
Data BEARING UPON THEIR OWNERSHIP.

With the publication of the report for 1898, the State first. came
into possession of definite data respecting the location and owner-
ship of the numerous fish-traps within the Bay and immediately
outside, between Sakonnet and Point Judith.

The traps in the Bay are exceedingly numerous for so small a body
of water, and it has often been claimed in past years that the too
abundant fish-traps would be self-destructive. However this may
be, the following table, constructed from the data in possession of
the commission, shows that not only has the total number of fish-
traps set in the Bay increased remarkably during the past six years,
but their increase is seen in every part of the Bay. In certain por-
tions, however, they have increased much more than others. Espe-
cially noticeable is this in the Sakonnet river section, where extensive
scup fishing is carried on. Here often as many as four and five
traps are strung along a single line of leaders, and frequently these
“stub” traps are supplemented with an anchor trap in the middle
of the river.

Table Showing Number and General Distribution of Fish-Traps.

Greenwich Bay

and Provi- East Mount Hope Off West Sakonnet Total
Year. dence River. Passage. Bay. Shore. Passage. River. Number.
1898.... 4 15 9 28 29 34 119
1899.... 6 15 11 29 28 32 121
1900.... 8 11 7 35 32 32 135
OOM ye 10 15 13 32 32 49 151
1902... . 10 14 13 3l 42 51 161
1903.... ial hy 15 36 44 70 193

A detailed list of the traps is here submitted, together with the
location. For further details of location, refer to accompanying
chart.

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j “£061 40) sdesy ysiy jo uole207 ayy Suimoys

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eset

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sie em:

am wf

bea se nT Tu ccc Via

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. iki

Almy and Sanford (000)*..........East shore, Sakonnet River.

ibrownell:: Joh (OOO) Mase rt i s.-.'.. West shore, Sakonnet River.
Brownell, john.’ eo. eeeieee es she o 23. Mouth of Sakonnet River.
Brown, Hadwardl . daseame teeters ood eas 3,2 3 West Rumstick Neck.
rown,” Hdwanrdis 22. eter tr eparor® eyes <2. West Rumstick Neck.
arpenter’, George cis sei ede fot stay ahahaha heh ci abd, The Bonnet.
Walvert, George: \(QUO}ME tee gee stain Sos, Spouting Rock.
Sorey, Ed.\(0000)2 ans Lower west shore, Sakonnet River.
Corey, Ed. (000) ...........Lower west shore, Sakonnet River.
Corey, George and Martin (00)........... North High Hill Point.
Corey, George and Martin (00000)........ South High Hill Point.
Corey, George and Martin.............. South High Hill Point.
SOG DMEM AAS es: oe Figg Re Se bea ee ee Popasquash Neck.
GEOL Sa oe eGo i SR Os 2 oe Se Popasquash Neck.
Worrell Sos sv... sa eee North Point, Popasquash Neck.
COTE AS a eo G3, Oa W. Mount Hope Point.
Sones: (O00)... .: . cea eepaepeees es eda 2h _....North Tiverton.
Oe SS ree. 5 a North Tiverton.
(CONES a A North Tiverton.
CHOU LET a ec eS oe Sa North Tiverton.
COT ol aS A seers 2c. SS ee Mount Hope Point.
retmiseW WI...) os en eee Upper west shore, Sakonnet River.
IDeA VOM... ss. sca. 5 oe eee West shore, Sakonnet River.
WiGameemice te... . . 5. 5 od Sp ae eee aeons ta) oy, Rumstick Point.
acrehoraaks:” Comer. : .. 2s. eee os ee ease Price’s Neck.
obeelmtonm (00)... << 4. eee es oh North Tiverton.
iis, Glitter ese oe ce.’ 28 AE ene ee North Tiverton.
CiteemioreA |B... ... 32a ais 2. Castle Hill, South.
la@eamemes B...... .. Seema een eres e yc Coddington Cove.
GrleiyeMOMAGIeS.. .. . sic sc Qe te rte oe on (2 das Church’s Cove.
Giiy eGeoreé WH. ... 22. Lower west shore, Sakonnet River.
Gray,-George EH. (00) -.:3222% Lower west shore, Sakonnet River.
Gray,George H... . 222452 9se: Lower west shore, Sakonnet River.

* The ciphers in parenthesis indleate the number of traps on a single line of leaders.
3

18 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

Guay) Georgevhy (O00) i si). .is. os. West shore, Sakonnet River.
Gray, George E. (00)...............West shore, Sakonnet River.
(Giane Jenose (CU) tei eo a West Prudence Island.
GaimetomMlay Moment. 5 5s as ew 5. sly. eet Bega Watson’s Pier.
ls leyeugeyy (Cla |S e a aeerAS STS 4 North Carr’s Point.
Picieewebenry (O00)... 2... 6. sens West shore, Sakonnet River.
Elgliger, Jeter re West shore, Sakonnet River.
HeWetes crore ORCC ech ays gs ccalts tye MPN aia eae ee a ae erent Castle Hill, South.
James Arnold: .. 5. .: NR Lee thet CEM A ap eerie AR Mackerel Cove.
MearTSSePeAIMNOIG 2. § wig) i554) c.gtee ire eee ks SRaes ee eat Mackerel Cove.
Kener es vBrayton (O00)i)...c sue een creas West Prudence Island.
Myer cj ibrayton (OO)iss te. 2) Senne West Prudence Island.
Kaye & Brayton ‘(00)...2..... Pine Hill Point, Prudence Island.
rma Gharles ino" 4c).5 phen BIO Upper east shore, Sakonnet River.
Knee Charles’ ,(00)... ssePiereen et << << West shore, Sakonnet. River.
iiviot Charnes): 0 saic eens eink ae West shore, Sakonnet River.
alee Gov N Orb ada ete eneetoersa state sitter tn. ie Naat llp art. ans Ae eee Conanicut.
ralkee Ge N OMENS Ay Rae tcl eia rs «lene gi chases uscegelUtuepone Sle cae Conanicut.
Ace scp NOTGINAT POS A cere ner er tale “ix 008 o%s pose (2s Se nema gael Conanicut.
alee eblewace (OU) seminaries. 65. 2 4 al opp uae ea ae Quonset Point.
NBeiwbOll sg WHGlncs tiem rete tee te ni. (5 ows v Me te nial Shenae care Mackerel Cove.
AE eAnyvjt CoN eae laa ce eS ered pee n= elie) © “Aid pan ny Suara ste Mackerel Cove.
Fey Males lies meme rae ese Ps a 5. lin val aairaial ot a) ee eae ote Mackerel Cove.
TLD TSUN “1G Yee 8 ve ana Py Pa Mackerel Cove.
Learns #1 OC by 0G oF en he alt na ea Pere lhe ty 0 Brenton’s Point.
ILSRRTAOTEM) Tie Ww [oy nce ee AA See Snr Se ef Brenton’s Cove.
MEIN TO UIE MS Mee ea) o.checcye he a) 2k wane) baal arteats ate eee Scrage Rock.
Lewis Brothers....... sieht! Real's sulted 6 hate Scrage Rock.
ME eyyiempa Ob Weta Ante t ail ss slic tis, bles °m «ale cote tee eM ae ee Plum Beach.
re AS SOME TOMA y mt malay cooks as hune 6 dab a (ony se Re ate Plum Beach.
Dewis? Brothensian ty ccdhisi..). +’. ie Were Bg hehe Wild Goose Point.
ews DOO Rea wie atl cctie ek <'e iat is, os) aoe a eee Sauga Point.
Herries ‘omer Weta years vee tie teialis sls yaheleln done ome Dutch Island Horbor.

NGS Wwise ATO UME See rents ices sechet cis sx eee leaunee Dutch Island Harbor.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 19

Lewis Brothers..... Re sls 8 ey mia h'd vice Boake Conanicut.
ews Brot ence eee etree A eo. cicfh ele: os) cut eld sige Conanicut.
sews: (Walli(OOO) ic mere rrtiae ess o's. : West shore, Sakonnet River.
eWIS,” Wallets x'c sivas acted RG a te S58 Ghat his Fogland Point.
Maclce, | Moses ssria ia ees Wer eee a ailctiss Coen ci.o. se © oy wena a Buttonwoods.
orenzen: Crea vce. temas s an: Southwest Prudence Island
Madison: Meeben yah user arertet er pais stakes iste sucht tis 5:44' Buttonwoods.
Manchester u(O0Q)...: 5 vcic0 eae een West shore, Sakonnet River.
Manchester: <<. ct iaisteanta ss eee West shore, Sakonnet River.
MIME Me sherds. 8 aes) eisai eos eee en oan te hoc Quonset Point.
Mime eS ters gIie te lek coh ds cla sy pcict get Sue one eae ee Quonset Point.
IMME ENES TOT, sp cde cals hth) sla < se ches oe eu ae West shore, Sakonnet River.
MASUR tess vl 5 Suck svatta aca, sjunv sy oid a So 0°0e 9) attest eee eee Fox Hill.
SUS HERRON ORS Ree ee te he RO SAT Sh CY Conanicut.
EMeo sty NO UMTS a lee 1 ater auevare bis 4 4.305)4 8 oad ame East Bristol Neck.
INP SESS BT ONE OS] ASV le Res seer er East Bristol Neck.
Stoner LUN PAM e SOF ca Ly Rag OIG ahe.biw a Suntetereel e & Austin’s Hollow.
INC MeRLeG OEE bt El ay... Sein a a a sacar see od ee jos me He Warwick Neck.
Evicem miner bemceie 21.1. !s20t) CAEN ae puis slat elie oe) 5)e a scat Patience Island.
Fese. Chatlesiay. i. cates Upper east shore, Sakonnet River.
Rose; Ghamles tii... steno loam Upper east shore, Sakonnet River.
Rose, Charles's: 2.) itis en 6 Upper east shore, Sakonnet River.
Gse PGreGr eer id, Bia ak areatien Sus oe <a ee Be Mount Hope, East.
Ese iGeOT GG te, 2! ANNs eliotn erence eyetenee in eG Si ore Mount Hope, East.
OSE ss SENS +a, 215 fsexce ssasshcna eae Nenana gear Upper east shore, Sakonnet River.
Rose! Hdactviwe th PPperra nies feiss; 6 East shore, Sakonnet River.
SER sere vA CNA 22 eas gt UE Nrctann creel 9 ot av 4. North Sapowet Point.
EMORIE), GIO TEN OOM ie SURE ch/ ted GOED Jk ane ea North Sapowet Point.
Rose, (Samiiyanr Hee 4h Ae ye North Sapowet Point.
SUMMONS ome. Meee ei We epetinya iy a2) sok a soreue Moateiateca, a CNN Tiverton.
sah tila, wel © Meat A eee wie bers anc cools bs 25 cheudh Johnson’s Ledge.
‘SOUT oR Cpe Cay eae pO enter es South Point, Prudence Island.
RSVPORI KG... «301 VSR heer) eh oe Pet Nee ian ey A Dutch Island Harbor.
"SOT een Pah 8 aes pe ene eC Oe OA en Fox Hill, North.

20 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

SUSIOW LO! 5-5 0, “ay aehca Se Nee Ce, 8 Chippanogsett.
AME SEIe ly NA WP Oe, yn a ROB SD North Tiverton.
Vea Pe ren SAT echt... ew ark elem Price’s Neck.
AD OTA SVE er NaN Wire silos
Pome 50s ee ota ee eee Beaver Head.
Toute, | 12 oa) ala RS SG ty: South Saunderstown.
iccxmbauoh: (OOO)... ..:. . + scr. eae eee South High Hill Point.
Wilcox, HBxealorta (OO) son): «2st eee Pn Church’s Cove.
Mialcox plato (O00) i:< sad /tse soe East Shore, Sakonnet River.
imicoxc: shualply .(QO))....).°.2 akaede eee: East shore, Sakonnet River.
Ratson ar Mitchell «33... cclweet taheieh Sea cuer Off Brush Neck Cove.
vaso. vc) \Matelell\:: 5. Bite stats sas asters Off Brush Neck* Cove.
Kwalsony&: Mitchell (OO)seeeer cee eon ae West Prudence.
BWalsemtiwAll.. '... 1.012 ciokie ete eer eee eeithe® Geen. nck nec teheeeeene e Pojac.
\IA'ICTIES(O) (as Eee ett Cy FC EU Le Ae a OR csc 8 Pojae.
Sea Traps.
Bere latina: js WW elf we eeiene ect Sec cl South Cormorant Rock.
rie hitman} WAR Olay ee eA. ccs .e, neehot ata bas South Cormorant Rock
Brownell: :J obmse We ee teeta ec ites kas eos Aka Seal Rock, South.
Brownell. ide hiers pieces 5.0 282 Lise Seed eee Seal Rock, South.
Brownell holier reaearee i rcket ave caer be South Cormorant Rock.
Brownell eolinnee eat es 8c 05 dale South Narragansett Pier.
Ghugeh die WAM ane ey so a hes x oe South Sakonnet Light.
Church Ji ot ea tees slecer So ais oe Ra vee Off Seal Rock.
@hurdh 4,J-vilshe (OO) Mee tre ae is 5c) 5.5/4 Ss Alans Off Coggeshall’s Ledge.
Wintrehiz Jenin eM ae oye sass hae South Cormorant Rock.
hurl .iclecdlniae eens eee rier eS: ots cle aia e ee West Sakonnet Light.
Church: Ji sEeeee epee ee tes i2ly oak le a South Narragansett Pier.
Cook Brothers: 5-67 :s-es---+..++-.+,+. >, North" Cogseshall eens
Cook, } Chianless(OO)ppeete kp ss Sok «ee. Gee North Sakonnet Light.
Misheries)..Commaniysewrn Porte ise |: « + 2 4)0s: Sere eure Off Seal Rock.
Cray, “Denia liens ie <ors ils oe eee North Sakonnet Point.

Providence iFish. Company ul): :2a: .)s oc Schuyler Ledge.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 21

POSE: ) CreOURe an aman MMe ae 9d, auras s Powe giles ers Sakonnet Point.
EGose,. Williamaee saree renee al. a) oa South Cormorant Rock.
meose, Willignri, semen wins. x wc an: Off Coggeshall’s Ledge.
etliman’ Bs, (OO) ee eee et. Betis tir South Cormorant Rock.
som psony Noah: = meee. 2h B's uaa 5 wf ahs Off Seal Rock.
mya: Berijaminies aaa ig eee oe Sorc as North Sakonnet Point.
Wilcox, Prams e.jistioaat MRM ah ai Scat Sea Ndlnguy Off Sakonnet
Wilcox, Hirai’ ys eae seers este ea eee 3G Sakonnet Point

Wilcox, : Ralphs itigeenacte ae eeie rere e South Cormorant Rock.

ye, REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

IV. FurtruHer INVESTIGATION OF THE RED—WATER PLAGUE.

Little progress has been made during the past season in this in-
vestigation, owing in part to the comparative scarcity of the Peridi-
nium, and in part to the stress of work more immediately important.

The phenomenon of red-water has created considerable interest
in other parts of the world, and through correspondence with the
Japanese Fisheries Bureau we learn that the pearl oyster fisheries
of Japan have suffered from the presence of it. Owing to the un-
usual difficulty of the problem, its life history and causes of its
mysterious appearance and disappearance have not yet been com-
pletely worked out.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 23

V. Tue ContTINUED EXAMINATION OF THE PHYSICAL AND BIo-—
LOGICAL CONDITIONS OF THE WATERS OF THE Bay, BrGun
IN 1898.

Your commission has for a long time felt the need of a thorough
biological and physical survey of the Bay, a census which will place
on record in accessible form accurate information in regard to the
occurrence, distribution, and abundance of animals and plants, the
range of temperature, and density of the water, purity of the water,
the extent of the shores and the character of the soil in all parts
of the Bay. During the progress of the special investigations of
the star-fish, clams, scallops, lobsters, etc., the importance of pos-
sessing such information has become more and more evident. Suc-
cess in the artificial propagation of any species, or effective legisla-
tion in regard to it, is immediately dependent upon a knowledge of
the abundance, distribution, rate of production and natural re-
quirements of the species in question.

These facts as applied to some particular instances are commonly
appreciated. No special argument is necessary to convince the
oystermen that the oysters and star-fish have intimate relations
with one another. The arguments of the scallop and quahaug
fishermen in opposing, at public hearings, the leasing of certain new
oyster grounds rest upon exactly such facts. The everlasting con-
troversy between anglers and trap fishermen, which has sometimes
resulted in the closing of a large industry, is waged over the un-
certain effect of trap-fishing on the abundance of the vast schools
of migratory fishes whose movements are unknown and whose
alternate periods of increase and decrease, extending through many
years, are at present absolutely inexplicable. Even well-known
international contentions of far reaching significance are based
upon unproven theories regarding the migration of fish.

Your commission is not indulging in impossible dreams of a mil-
lennium, when all these intricate relationships between animals and
plants and their physical environment shall be reduced to mathe-

24 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.
|

matical formulas; but we believe in the great resources of Narra-
gansett Bay and other waters of the State, and the investigations
which we have made so far substantiate and greatly strengthen this
belief. A systematic census so laid out that all facts of known
value or of possible importance shall be brought together in accessible
form is not impracticable, and would result in great good to the State.

This survey is already commenced. A provisional list has been
made of the fishes known to inhabit or to visit the bay, of the in-
vertebrate forms which have been taken on various dredging ex-
peditions and on other excursions, with notes on their abundance
and distribution, and of the diatoms found at the surface of the
water. The density and temperature of the water has been taken
in various parts of the Bay on several expeditions, and regularly at
the Wickford station. A daily record of the occurrence of microscopic
forms which are taken near the surface of the water has been kept by
preserving samples of the “tow” for future reference, the number of
unknown forms being so great that at present this is the only pos-
sible way of keeping a systematic record. The shores of the Bay
have been examined several times in search of clam sets, and gen-
eral observations on the contour, extent, character of the soil, ete.,
have been taken. Within the past year a more thorough and sys-
tematic survey of the shores has been undertaken. The Bay is
divided arbitrarily into a number of sections, and each section is
surveyed separately. The declivity of the shore is determined by
means of a levelling instrument, and the extent of the area exposed
at low tide is calculated. The character of the soil, the presence
or absence of ell-grass, sea-weed, and thatch, and the abundance of
the clam set are systematically recorded. The data thus collected
will be represented as far as possible upon sectional charts for con-
venient reference. Additional data respecting any of these shore
sections—the animals and plants found upon them—their abund-
ance in different years, changes in the character of the shore such as
frequently occur, will also be systematically recorded as they are

from time to time obtained.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 25

A relief model has been made of Narragansett Bay and the adja-
cent ocean bed as far south as Point Judith. This model is in plaster,
and upon it are shown the configuration of the sea bottom accord-
ing to all the soundings indicated on the United States govern-
ment chart of the Bay, and the conformation of the surrounding land
and the islands, according to the topographical map issued by the
general government. This work has been completed during the
past year.

The plan for future work in this survey is briefly as follows:

To continue the survey of the shore in the manner just indicated.

To complete the list of fishes, and to collect all possible data in
regard to their migratory movements, their distribution, abundance,
food, breeding habits, rate of growth, and the identification of the
eggs and young.

To complete the list of invertebrate animals, and to collect similar
data regarding them. Facts bearing upon their beneficial or detri-
mental relations to food animals will be an important part of this
subject.

To make a list of the marine plants, with data concerning their
occurrence and usefulness.

To make a systematic investigation of the microscopic forms
which fill the waters of the Bay and constitute the food of nearly
all shell-fish, and of the young of both shell-fish and fish. The young
of the clams, scallops, oysters, quahaug, star-fish, lobsters, various
species of crabs, and most ordinary fishes, mussels, sponges, jelly-
fish, worms, etc., constitute a part of this “plankton,” and with
them swarm the young and old of hundreds of other species
of animals besides the spores of various species of alge and fungi,
and inconceivable numbers of diatoms. The study of these forms
must then be conducted from two different points of view: first,
as constituting food for most of the edible shell-fish, and directly
or indirectly, for all our edible fish; and second, as containing the
young of the animals, in which we are especially interested.

The identification of the larval forms which abound in the tow
4

26 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

is not only a fascinating field of research, but an extremely im-
portant one from the economic point of view. The chief difficulty
in the way of the identification of these forms—for our lack of
knowledge is not due to our lack of interest—has been to keep
alive the unknown larve until they become recognizable. The
houseboat laboratory has here a great advantage over the usual
shore laboratory provided with aquaria. Marine animals of all
kinds can be kept alive more readily and develop more normally
in the sea than in aquaria.

Point Judith Pond.—During the past year several expeditions .
have been made to Point Judith Pond, and experiments in trans-
planting quahaug, clams, and scallops were put under way by resi-
dents of the town and by your commission. Mr. Geo. A. Griffin
informed us that, during the past season, 2,000 dollars worth of
white perch have been packed and shipped, three or four hundred
bushels of excellent scallops have been caught, besides flounders,
bass, smelts, etc. Some fine river shad were caught weighing
seven or elghf pounds. The enormous crop of oysters, clams, and
fish which has already been reaped from the pond proves the
wisdom of the project of opening a permanent breach. The obser-
vations on the density of the water and the condition of the plank-
ton also indicate that the pond is capable of supporting an enormous
annual crop of other shell-fish, if it can be successfully stocked with
them.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 27

VI. A CONTINUANCE OF THE SURVEY OF THE SHORES OF THE Bay
FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING THOSE PORTIONS WHICH

ARE Most PRODUCTIVE OF SEED CLAMS.

Beginning in the latter part of July a series of about twenty ex-
peditions was made, to different parts of the Bay, for this special
purpose. A large portion of the shore was gone over, and notes were
made of the conditions of the new clam set. In one locality only
was there found a particularly thick set comparable to that found
in various places during several previous years. This one locality,
a small area on Cornelius Island, produced, in the latter part of
August, 386 clams to the square foot.

The spot on Green’s Island, where two years ago there was a phe-
nomenal set, produced this year only a very few scattering specimens.

Why one limited area should produce such immense quantities

one year, and not again for several years, is inexplicable at present.

28 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

VII. A ContTinuED INVESTIGATION OF THE LIFE HISTORY OF THE
CyamM; METHODS OF ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION AND CUL-

TIVATION.

This investigation has been actively continued, and is beginning
to produce practical results. Among the new results of the past
year is the production of the first crop of clams raised from the seed,
and the discovery and application of an accurate and simple method
of marking clams which are to be transplanted so that individual
specimens can be identified and their growth accurately measured
at any later period. |

The following special report is a summary of the work of your
commission on this subject, and includes the details of the experi-

ments of the past season.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE SOFT-SHELL CLAM.

(FIFTH PAPER.)

A. D. MEAD AND E. W. BARNES.

Since the year 1898 investigations have been conducted by the
commission in regard to the life history of the soft-shell clam
(Mya arenaria) and the various economic problems in connection
with it.

Although there are questions which still remain unanswered, and
new ones are constantly arising, many of the problems which were
presented at first have been satisfactorily solved. It seems appro-
priate at this time, therefore, to bring together the results of the
several years’ work into a connected account.

The present importance and future possibilities of the clam in-
dustry in Rhode Island are not generally appreciated. Narragan-
sett Bay has 250 miles of protected shore line, including peninsulas,
estuaries, and islands, and is situated in the central portion of the.
clam’s geographical range. At each ebb of the tide over ten thou-
sand acres of available clam ground are uncovered. Rhode Island is
famous for its clambakes, and nowhere in the world are clams more
tender and palatable. More than a thousand men depend upon
this product of the shore for their maintenance. The shores do not
now yield the abundance of clams which they did in former years,
but we believe that the production can be increased, not only to its
former amount, but far beyond it.

The subject will be discussed according to the following outline:

30 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

Part I. Lire History anp Hasits.

PAGE
SRG iS Pau yt PE AS OM aye sees Loe! “sk ahaa dc e's dle eee uebeachenaed apace) Sn ee 30
he wW ree_o wal Mn NECTION: vis. 5). es ays! sda 2 ener eee eal ee eee 32
MMe a Adi ACMMe INL MACIIOG. cles s.5 csc. . 4» A claw 2A A ERE ne ee er 34
‘iherCommencement rot Burrowin’:.....:% | 2s aaa ee ee eee ee eee 35
Crtowtbvand eet; Sexual Maturity .2.7). 400 po ee ws eee cee en ae ore 36

Part IJ. Questions or Economic IMPORTANCE.

Physical Causes of the Depletion of Our Clam Flats................... 37
Natural Enemies of the Clam........... See A AERA aie oe aT ei Gio 38
Methodstof increase the YieldvofiClamseejo4 eee eee ie 41
‘TELE AS| o} Ken ate} hal ay HARE een See ht 22, cone are UME ane «PENT aie parent ri A ara 43
RvabemO te Ciro Wiles... ...ciele Set eet Lehn NUM. oe cae Meenas reer ee 54
Fesults of, Lxperiments.in® Transplanting: (00 920s pi. seek ee eee 63

PART IT. LIFH HISTORY AND, HABITS.
THE SPAWNING SEASON.

The eggs of the clam, which are extremely minute, are extruded
from the siphon, or snout, of the female clam into the water, where
they are fertilized by sperm which the male clam extrudes in a simi-
lar manner.

The spawning season proper extends throughout the latter part
of May and the whole of June, and sometimes into the first of July.
At this season the great majority of the eggs are laid.

Mature clams which were examined on the 8th and 12th of May,
1899, were found to have their sexual organs full of nearly ripe
sexual products. On the 18th, and again on the 20th, artificial fer-
tilization was attempted, and, although only from ten to twenty
per cent. of the eggs were found to develop normally, at no time
of year has artificial fertilization of the clam been more success-
ful. These results were confirmed in the following year. - This,
and the fact that the swimming young were found at this season,

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 3l

shows that the clams were ready to breed during the last of May.
The spawning season, however, apparently reaches its height about
the middle of June, and clams examined after this time are found,
in most cases, to have extruded their eggs; by the first of July the
set on the shore is excellent.

There is no doubt, however, that the clam also spawns to some
extent throughout the summer and probably until late autumn.
This has been proved by the discovery of the very small clams along
the shores and in the spat collectors at different times of the year.
The clam is not unique in this respect, for many other species,
which have a regular breeding season, are known to spawn to a
greater or less extent at all times of the year.

In the early spring of 1901, 1902, and 1903 there were discovered
sets of clams less than one-quarter of an inch long, which were dis-
tinguished from those of the summer sets by having the umbone (that
portion of the shell nearest the hinge) raised in relief from the rest
of the shell, and showing by its corrosion that the clams had lain
for months (i. e. during the winter) with almost no growth. The
small size of the clams during this dormant period, as indicated by
the corroded part of the shell, was ample proof that they could not
possibly have set during the previous summer; for the clams of the,
previous summer’s set averaged 25 mm. (1 inch) in length at the
commencement of winter. Throughout the summer the clams of
the fall set were readily distinguished from those which set in the
spring. Along the shore, this fall’s set would scarcely be noticeable,
but in the commission’s spat collector at Rumstick there were, in
the middle of January, 1903, more than one hundred to the square
foot. At Kickemuit river, in a spot very favorable for clams, there
were at this time hardly more than two or three to the square foot.
According to the observations of the last five years the clams which
set at any time other than the early summer seem to be of little
economic importance.

32 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

THE FREE SWIMMING PERIOD.

The eggs of the clam, after being fertilized in the water, develop
into free-swimming larve which are carried by the tides and scat-
tered in all directions. In this stage they are barely visible to
the naked eye. When examined under the microscope they are seen
to resemble the adult clams in the possession of a pair of hinged
shells, but differ widely in shape and structure. This is very un-
fortunate for the investigator, because the oyster, quahaug, scallop,
and other bivalves breed about the same period, and these also have
free-swimming larve, which in many cases closely resemble those of
the clam. A close study of these forms, however, enables one to
distinguish by one means or another, the oyster and the scallop from
the clam, and doubtless sufficient investigation would enable one
to identify, all the forms. For positive identification certain of
these free-swimming larvee, which were supposed to be clams, were
kept under observation until they lost their swimming organs and
took on the form which could be recognized readily.

In collecting the clams of this stage a silk bolting-cloth tow-net,
which has an extremely fine mesh, is used, and from the first of June
until the middle of July these minute clams can be obtained every day
by dragging the net along the surface of the water. In order to
separate them from the many other small organisms, the dish of sea
water into which the contents of the net have been emptied is gently

‘tapped. The clams immediately close their shells and sink to the
bottom. The top water is then drawn off, some clear sea water is
added, and, whenever the clams are desired, they can be precipitated
to the bottom by tapping the dish, and then transferred by means
of a pipette to a watch glass under the microscope. As one watches
these specimens under the microscope, very frequently he will see one
of them open its shell, thrust. out and expand a circular swimming
organ (velum), and go whirling about through the water; then sud-
denly draw in the velum, close the shell, and fall to the bottom.

Some specimens larger than the average, have the foot and siphon

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 33

well developed, and, when watched under the microscope, are seen
to crawl about rapidly, by means of the foot, instead of swimming.
The swimming organ gradually disappears while the foot grows, and,
at a certain stage, they alternately swim and crawl. The foot soon
becomes proportionately very large, and it is not impossible that
the clams may sometimes use it in swimming, though this has not
been observed.*

The clams often swim about very freely for a week or two after
they are captured. Then they lose their swimming organs, the
siphon and foot are developed, the shell changes in shape, and the
larvee assume the unmistakable characteristics of the species. Up to
this time the transparent shell allows the internal organs to be
plainly visible.

The growth at this period is very remarkable. Exactly how fast
they grow under the natural conditions is not known, but those
which were kept in a dish of water, where the supply of food was
meagre as compared with that in the tide water, and where other
conditions were necessarily artificial, grew to ten or twelve times
their original length in less than two weeks.

The principal changes which may easily be observed in the clam
are the elongation of the shell (the outline at first being very much
rounded), the increase in the number of gill plates, and the relative
lengthening of the foot.

THE ATTACHMENT PERIOD.

The free-swimming period usually ends late in June or early
in July. If the eel-grass and sea-weed are carefully examined at this
time, large numbers of these little clams may be found hanging to
the stalks by the slender gelatinous threads. They attach them-
selves also to driftwood, spiles, stones, ete. This thread (the byssus)

*THe razor clam (Ensatella Americana) has this ability even after it has attained the length
of three or four inches, although its foot is aided by forcing backward of water through the
mantle opening. On one occasion a large number of specimens about one-quarter of an inch
long were caught at the surface.

5

34 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

is elastic and yet very tough, hike that of the mussel, and arises from
the byssus gland which is situated on the ventral side of the foot
near the extreme posterior end. It is an entirely homogeneous
structure, and is usually single throughout its entire length, but
sometimes near the end it divides into two or more brahches. The
clam has the ability to free itself from attachment and to form a
new byssus at will.

The clam at this period may be recognized readily by its shape,
yet it differs in the following manner from the adult. The outline
is more rounded, and the umbones are more prominent and farther
apart. The foot is very long and capable of quick movements, and
extends over the entire surface ventral to the visceral mass, while
in the adult clam it is hatchet-like and protrudes only from
the extreme anterior end of the visceral mass. The siphon (snout),
while quite like that of the adult in shape, is relatively much
smaller, and consequently the shell does not gape open so much pos-
teriorly. The siphon, like the foot, is more easily and rapidly
protracted and retracted than in the adult.

The growth of the clam is still very rapid, and it is during this
period that it assumes the shape of the adult. One remarkable
fact in this change is the double shiftng of the position of the um-
bones, or hinge prominences. It will be recalled that, in the adult
clam, the position of the umbones is nearly central. This is also the
case with the very small clam, but, through an increased growth
posteriorly, the umbones become shifted more and more an-
teriorly till the clam is about 6 mm. long; then, by increased
anterior growth, the umbones again gradually assume a central
position.

The duration of this attachment period seems to depend, to a cer-
tain degree, on the environment. Certainly it is not dependent en-
tirely on size, for frequently clams measuring half an inch in
length are found attached. The great majority, however, reach the
ground and burrow long before attaining this size. The byssus is
retained some time after the clam has left its place of attachment

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 35

and has buried itself in the soil; by means of it the clam attaches

itself to grains of sand within its burrow and thus anchors itself.
THE COMMENCEMENT OF BURROWING.

Clams begin to burrow as soon as they find a favorable location.
This may be soon after they cease swimming, or, if they have a
chance to settle upon sea-weed or other objects not near the ground,
it may be weeks before the burrowing actually begins. Even after
they have burrowed, they seem for a time to be restless, and, as
first observed by Kellogg, the small clams, even those sometimes
an inch and a half in length, will leave their burrows without appar-
ent reason and wander about. Kellogg saw one such specimen try
six different places in three days. Usually before they reach this
size, however, they are permanently located and evidently satis-
fied to pass their allotted years in one place. The period of com-
mencement of burrowing is a critical one for many reasons. The
young clams cannot live far below the surface, and though they may
anchor themselves within their burrows, they are still liable to be
washed out by storms, crowded out by their neighbors if the set is
very thick, or dug out by erabs,.eels, duck, and other enemies. It
often happens, too, that localities which are particularly favorable
for setting are entirely unfit for subsequent growth. Specific in-
stances have not infrequently come to our notice in which abundant
sets have practically been exterminated by decaying sea-weed or
shifting sand.

GROWTH AND AGE AT SEXUAL MATURITY.

Just how long the clam lives has not yet been determined, owing
to the difficulty in finding reliable marks of age. The growth dur-
ing the first few years has been carefully traced in our experiments,
and it is evident that the growth becomes slower with advancing
age. Considering the very large size of clams frequently found in
flats which are exposed only at extremely low winter tides, to-

36 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

gether with the. relatively slow growth of old clams as shown in
other observations, it would seem that clams, like some other ma-
rine animals, may live until some accident deprives them of life.
Some of the clams raised from the seed at the Wickford Experi-
ment Station are now in their fourth year, and do not show any
signs of degeneration.*

* For definite data concerning the rate of growth, refer to page 54.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 37

PART II. QUESTIONS OF ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE.

The purpose of the inquiry into the life history and habits of the
clam has been to ascertain how to control the conditions upon
which the yield of clams depends. The scientific results have in-
dicated the solution of the practical problems at every step. From
the economic point of view there are two general problems, viz.,
the causes of the present depleted condition of our clam flats, and

the means of restoring or increasing the natural yield.

PHYSICAL CAUSES OF THE DEPLETION OF .THE CLAM BEDS.

In view of the many adverse physical conditions and natural
enemies with which the clam has to contend from the time the
egg is laid until maturity, the chances of an individual’s reaching
the adult condition would seem to be almost infinitesimal. The
minute, unprotected eggs, extruded wherever the female may happen
to have burrowed, he upon the ground or are swept into the cur-
rent, and there await the arrival of the spermatozoa which are ex-
truded into the water by the male. It is, of course, impossible to
say how great are the chances of non-fertilization.

When the eggs have developed into swimming larve they are
still at the mercy of the tides; they may be carried out to sea or
lodged in muddy, rocky, or otherwise impossible places. Those which
have successfully set and even burrowed may still be destroyed by
shifting sand or silt, or washed out of their burrows and exposed to
their many enemies. At times clams, an inch or more in length, are
found dead in immense numbers, apparently from the effects of the
excessive heat, where'the shore is underlaid with hard clay and cov-
ered with a thin layer of sand in which the clams have burrowed.
At Pawtuxet, during the past year, great quantities of clams
were found dead, and several visits to the flats failed to reveal any
other cause than the one just suggested.

Not infrequently clams in a particular region appear to die of

38 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

an epidemic disease that cannot be referred to the heat. Some
small experimental beds at Wickford were completely destroyed in
this way, the clams dying, all nearly at the same time, and rotting
in their burrows. The subject of clam diseases has yet to be in-
vestigated.

On one occasion, at least, the presence of the red-water in great
quantity seems to have been the direct cause of the destruction
of vast quantities of clams. About the first of October, thou-
sands of bushels of clams about an inch in length were washed ashore
on the beach about an eighth of a mile north of the Rhode Island
Yacht Club, at Pawtuxet, and when they were examined a con-
siderable portion of them were still alive. There had been, of course,
no excessive heat, and no storm of sufficient violence, in our opinion,
to wash the clams out of their burrows; but there had been, re-
cently, a phenomenal quantity of peridinium in that vicinity, and we
are strongly inclined to believe that the latter were the cause of
this wholesale destruction. It is, indeed, characteristic of most
animals, shrimp, crabs, flatfish, etc., in the presence of this plague,
to endeavor to come to the surface, and when they are first washed

ashore they are, as a rule, still alive.

NATURAL ENEMIES OF THE CLAM.

Clams are beset, from the very beginning, by numerous enemies.
The eges and free-swimming fry furnish food for many varieties of
fish, mollusks, crustacea, etc. As soon as they cease swimming and
commence to burrow, the young star-fish, mummychogs, crabs,
and ‘oyster drills” feed upon them.

It is the universal verdict of fishermen that the paddler crab
(Callinectes hastatus) is a most serious menace to the young clams;
and, though experiments have been tried with this species, which
have given only a negative result, the rock crabs (Cancer irroratus)
were found to dig up and eat clams of considerable size. In one of
our experiments four of these crabs dug up and made way with

twenty-one fair sized clams in the course of two weeks.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 39

The Sea Snail (Neverita duplicata). Often along our shore clam
shells are found with holes neatly bored through them, usually near
the hinge, which resemble those frequently found in quahaug shells.

)

The latter are easily traced to the ‘“cockle,” or sea snail (Neverita).

It would be natural, judging from the similarity of the perforations
in the shell of the clam and the quahaug, to assign them both to the
same cause, except for the fact that clams lie buried in from six to
twelve inches of soil, while the Neverita and quahaug are usually
found near the surface. The Neverita, however, actually burrows
after the clams, and a specimen was found at Wickford six inches
deep in the firm soil in the act of boring a clam. The hole had been
drilled about half way through the shell. Following this discovery
some experiments were made to test the matter further. A Neverita,
placed in an inverted orange box over one of our clam beds, bored
and devoured seven good sized clams in two weeks, and, at the end
of the experiment, was found five inches deep, in the soil. .

The Neverita are not, perhaps, numerous enough in our bay to be
‘a very serious injury to the clam product, but in Plymouth, Mass.,
they are excedingly abundant and are collected and sold for bait.
In the year 1901, 8,000 buckets of these animals, which go there
by the name of cachels, were collected and sold at Plymouth. They
bring from sixty to seventy-five cents a bucket, and the catch, there-
fore, amounted to nearly 6,000 dollars. During the past year about
4,000 bushels were “picked.”

There are other gasteropods which drill holes in the shells of clams,
especially in the young ones; for example, the oyster drill (Urosal-
pinx). Those clams which have come to the surface of the ground
or have been forced out of their burrows are especially attacked
by these animals, and often the shores are strewn with the bored
shells. The holes can easily be distinguished from those bored by
the Neverita on account of their small diameter. Fig. 7 is from a
life size photograph showing a series of bored clams, the work both
of the oyster drill and of the Neverita.

Man as an Enemy of the Clam.—After all has been said concern-

40 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

ing the physical conditions and destructive enemies of the clams,
the proposition remains that the clams continued to hold their
own in abundance along our shores until a comparatively recent
date. Though the chances of death of individuals are so great, na-
ture has provided an ample protection for the species in the tremen-
dous productivity of the clam. Were the chances against reaching
maturity millions to one (and they probably are), the eggs are laid
in sufficient abundance to offset them.

But in recent years the clams have not held their own, and the
decrease is, without question, the direct, result of the promiscuous,
unlimited, and unreasonable digging by man. There is no evidence
that the physical conditions or natural enemies have recently be-
come more destructive, nor can more than a small part of the re-
sponsibility be laid at the door of the manufacturers who allow
detrimental waste products to pour into the bay. The decrease is
quite as well marked in regions where the water is good and where
clams, if left to themselves, thrive well. The decrease has been
assigned also to such causes as the wash of steamers which ply the
waters of the bay more frequently and more rapidly than in former
years, but the same answer applies to this suggestion, viz.: the
clams have decreased on shores which are not washed by the swell
of steamers. But where is the square yard of shore, known to con-
tain clams, which has not been dug over and over again, and all the
clams found, which were more than an inch and a half long, taken
out? Not only are all the clams of edible size taken, if discovered,
but the smaller ones are, many of them, buried deep or washed out
and left exposed to natural enemies.

The practice of continually digging the shores is defended by
many clammers, on the ground that it is good for the clams or even
necessary to their growth, but our observations and experiments
argue against this proposition, except in rare cases where the set is
so exceedingly thick that the individuals actually crowd one an-
other. Time and again in experiments on a small scale, and in
some larger experiments, like those at Kickemuit river and Wick-

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 41

ford, clams have been planted and left undisturbed and have grown
remarkably well. See page 67.

It is a belief almost universally held that the soil loosened by
much digging is rendered favorable for the setting of clams, but even
this proposition our experiments contradict. The remarkably thick
natural sets of small clams found in different years were, in every
instance, upon shores which contained so few old clams that they
were not dug over. For example, the point of Cornelius Island, at
Wickford, yielded 12,500 clams to the square yard; the point at
Old Buttonwoods, in 1900, yielded nearly as many; the east shore
of Green’s Island in 1891, yielded about 8,000 clams to the square
joot; the same point on Cornelius Island, again in 1900 yielded
7,715 clams per square yard. These areas of shore were, at the time
when the clams set, lying undisturbed. On the other hand, we
have not found sets nearly so dense in any area which had been dug
over, although of course good sets have been deposited in such places.
Again, in the commission’s bed, at the Kickemuit river, which rested
undisturbed for two years, not only was there an excellent product
from the clams which were sown, but there was also a heavy set of
new clams.

We are convinced that the clam in Narragansett Bay can, at the
present time, as in the past, hold its own against natural enemies
and adverse physical conditions, and can regain and maintain its
former abundance, and, moreover, that excessive digging is the
immediate cause of the decrease of the product.

METHODS OF INCREASING THE YIELD OF CLAMS.

In developing methods of clam culture we have constantly kept
in mind two possibilities: that of reinstating the clams on the
shores for public digging, and that of cultivating them on grounds
leased to private parties. Success in either case must obviously
depend on the degree to which unfavorable conditions of life are
reduced and favorable ones increased.

Increase in the Production of Spawn.—That the general increase
6

42 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

in the amount of spawn and the chances of fertilization would fol-
low a general increase in the abundance of adult clams is self evi-
dent. Experiments in artificial fertilization have been tried many
times and a sufficient number of eggs were fertilized for working out
the early stages of development, but as a practical method it does
not yet give promise of success.

The Increase in the Production of the Set.—A good deal, we believe,
ean be accomplished at this point. It is a significant fact that the
water is, at certain times of the year, swarming with clam larve
ready to set. A phenomenon witnessed almost every year of re-
markably thick sets in certain limited areas, and the fact that
equally thick sets have been caught by artificial contrivances in
places where the natural set was sparse, shows that favorable con-
ditions at the place of setting is the most important factor, and
probably one which may be, to a certain extent, controlled.

Of the spat collectors referred to, two forms have worked suc-
cessfully. The first, described more fully in the report for 1900,
consisted of a small, square, bottomless box, 12 by 14 inches in diam-
eter, set firmly into the ground near the low-water mark, and cov-
ered with a fine galvanized wire netting, ‘“‘pearl cloth.” The
swimming fry apparently hit upon the netting and fall to the ground,
and, if they rise again as far as the netting, they are apt to be again
precipitated. In this box we caught about 15,000 clams. Another
successful form is that installed at Mr. Alexander’s estate, on
Rumstick Point (described and figured in the last report). It con-
sists of a sand-filled box with a wooden cover provided with a
window of pearl cloth and bored with numerous small holes. A
large number of clams have been caught in this apparatus.

The Protection of Spawn and Swimming Fry.—To protect the
spawn and swimming fry from adverse physical conditions and
natural enemies is, as far as we know, impossible. These micro-
scopic creatures are carried hither and thither, according to the con-
dition of tides and winds, light and darkness, heat and cold—for
they doubtless rise and sink in response to changes in light and in

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 43

temperature like many other minute swimming forms. They are
no more likely to return to the flats where they were produced than
to settle in distant places, and, therefore, a man who should keep a
bed of breeding clams would not benefit himself any more than his
neighbors. We cannot control these conditions, and no more can
we control the activities of the myriads of minute animals which
feed on the swimming clams, such, for example, as the worm larve,
copepods, crab larvee, and hundreds of species, not commonly known,

which abound in the waters of the Bay.

Protection of Spat.—When the clam is finally set and the spat
begins to burrow, something can be accomplished toward their
protection; chiefly, however, by protecting them from the clam hoe,

and in transplanting them when they have set too thickly.

TRANSPLANTING.

A large number of experiments have been conducted, during the
last few years, which have demonstrated that it is perfectly feasible
to transplant clams and have given definite information in regard
to the following points: the best size for planting, the methods of
collecting and caring for the seed between the time of collecting and
planting, the value of different soils, the methods of planting, the
rate of burrowing, the rate of growth, and the like.

Best Size for Transplanting.—Clams of any size, from one-eighth
of an inch to five inches in length, can be, and in our experiments
have been, successfully transplanted. The smaller sizes, one-half
inch more or less in length, are best for several reasons: They can
usually be obtained more easily than the larger ones, and they bur-
row more rapidly and more surely; they can, indeed, be sown upon
the surface of the ground, like oats, so great is their capacity for
burrowing. This burrowing power decreases with the size of the
clam. The growth of the young clams is much more rapid than
that of the old ones. Finally, if they are left undisturbed, they

grow to a large size, with a handsome shell, even and smooth.

44 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

Methods of Collecting Seed.—Where the small clams can be found
in great abundance there is no difficulty in procuring seed by the
use of large sieves. In three of the four seasons in which we have
sought such places in Narragansett Bay, they have been found.
The year 1902 was an exception, and no very large sets were found,
although the shores were carefully examined. The best time for
collecting such seed is from the middle of July to the first of Sep-
tember. If the spat collectors, so successful in the small experi-
ments, succeed on a large scale, an unlimited supply of seed can be
secured in this way.

It is, of course, by no means unprofitable to plant clams of larger
size, if the smaller ones cannot be obtained.

Methods of Caring for Seed Clams.—F rom the time the clams are
dug until they are planted again they are best kept out of water, in
thin layers to allow ventilation, and they should not, of course, be
exposed to the sun. If they are small, they should not be allowed
to become too dry, for it is not only actually injurious, but the
much dried specimens will float away on the surface of the water.
They can be kept well in moist sea weed.

At first thought it would seem to be better to keep them in fresh
seawater, if possible in cars, but experiments show that the clams
kept in this way burrow far less rapidly. Above all it is important
to plant the clams as soon as possible after they have been dug; if
they are kept, even for a day or two, they begin to lose, very notice-
ably, their power of burrowing.

Soil.

sticky mud and shifting sand, of course, must be avoided. In

Clams will live and thrive in nearly every kind of soil;

stony ground the shells are apt to become badly contorted,
and even in gravelly soil the shells usually grow heavy and are
marred by numerous so-called growth rings. These rings are pro-
duced by the wearing off of the thin edge of the shell; and in gravel,
especially, if the clams are from time to time disturbed, this often
occurs. Similar rings have been repeatedly produced artificially

by running a file over the edge’of the shell and then planting the

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 45

clam; and the same principle applies to the notched clams de-
seribed on page 54.

Method of Planting.—At this point there are many things which
must be taken into consideration; the size and condition of the
clams, the kind of soil, the time of day, time of tide, ete. The main
point in planting is to get the largest possible proportion of the clams
well installed in their burrows, with heads down and in firm soil.
The method of sowing clams on the surface has been tried with a
good degree of success, especially in the case of small clams meas-
uring up to an inch, more or less, in length. Experiments tabulated
on pages 47 and 64 represent very well the usual result of the sowing
method. It will be seen by consulting this table that much depends
upon the condition of the soil and upon the condition of the
clams. The method has two distinct advantages; first, it is very
rapid, and, second, when the clams have burrowed, they are in their
proper position.

The advisability of loosening the soil before sowing is in some
cases, perhaps, doubtful. Certainly the clams burrow more rapidly ;
but on the other hand some soils are made rather soft and watery
when they are dug over and require considerable time to become
firm again. In such cases the clams are more easily reached by

predaceous crabs and eels, and washed out by the waves.

Temperature.—In cold weather the clams, like many other cold
blooded animals, are torpid, and they burrow more slowly than usual,
and sometimes not at all. Of a bushel of small clams, three-quar-
ters of an inch in length, which were sowed on a cold day about the
first of November, 1903, only very few burrowed during the first
hour, most of them remaining on top of the ground until nearly
noon the next day, when, as the weather became warmer, they be-
gan to burrow.

Time of Day and Time of Tide.—Clams sown with the rising tide
have the advantage of an immediate chance to burrow, whereas
those sown on the bare ground rarely succeed in burrowing until
the tide has risen and covered them. It is not advisable to plant

46 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

clams in the late afternoon, because, with the approach of darkness,
the eels, crabs, and other enemies come in shore. We have often
sowed them in the water over the beds with good results.

Tabulated Results of Experiments Upon the Rate of Burrowing
Under Different Conditions.—The tables which are here repub-
lished are arranged from careful experiments made in the summer
of 1900, and subsequent practice in planting has given them
general substantiation.

The clams selected for these experiments were separated into four classes
which are given successively in the tables, viz.: ;

I. Large, 50-70mm. (2-2? inches) in length;

II. Medium, 35-50mm.; Set of 1899 or
previous to
Ill. Small, 25-35mm.; that date.

IV. Small set of 1900, 20-30mm.

To insure the protection of the clams while exposed, and to prevent them
from washing away, boxes with 8-inch sides and 4-inch wire mesh bottoms were
inverted over the beds. All the clams were sowed on the surface just as the tide
was beginning to rise.

The attempt was made to determine the value of the following conditions for
each class of clams:

Sowing clams immediately after digging.
es ‘“ kept 24 hours out of water (dry).

ss a “24 “in sea-water.

¥ ri “not dug up.

in gravel.

a.
b
C:
d. we ‘in soil softened by previous digging.
e€
i,
g in sand.

For convenience in referring to the tables, these letters are placed in the first

column.

.
An examination of the experiments here tabulated shows some interesting

results which may be stated briefly as follows:

Of the three classes of clams which were more than one year old the smaller
specimens were most successful in burrowing, the middle ones next, and the
largest clams least successful. The fourth class composed of specimens a few
months old were slightly less successful than the third.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

Of the I (50-70mm. 2-2? inches) class, under all
COMAILIOTISN pears enti cece eke ASE ote) oe 70 ~=— per
LP @5—5Omm el a—Zrimehies) 2... ea Se 85 per
III (25-35mm. 1-12 inches)................. 90.5 per
IV (20-30mm. #-1% imches)............... Sf 4 per

cent.
cent.
cent.

cent.

The effects of the varying conditions may be stated as follows:

(a) Planted immediately after digging (1 hour or less):

Class «Te seh tron ais tk nies Acree ee Mtn agree 8. Sk As 72 ~=per
ee eee ee ene oor ei Senet Ay en De ene 96 per
fie Erase Adah eres ee ha et tee 100 per

| erate eet ie ee ieee me OTR acd cone eer. 97 per
Average per cent. = 91.2
(b) Dry 24 hours.

Classe Cire, walt reee fece att liane Se eee enone 68 per
Be Oa Ac? cog ORE RCE ORRIN Ie sa cc 8 78.6 per
raw le oe Se cis enced Soh GR ee ees PERE EE SPS 97.3 per
a VC Vinee eee On Ratner E She \occed, eek 96 per

Average per cent. =84.9-

(c) Kept in water 24 hours between digging and sowing.
Class: > lpr sc.) -ol i eae Re roy) > oa) 3 70.6 per
) idler? 0 Soe wee eee eG os 84.0 per
E19 6 No ON eh 2 ee: 73.3 per
Gel Vira 2 ayia, ey fs ek Se mee os. 3 73.3 per

Average per cent. = 76.3

(d) Soil dug up before sowing.

CT eases) Te 5c a cess te, Pao See ar 82.6 per
AUR rs a sty 35008 2 ee ee Ooo 94.6 per
cons 6 N Cleans Semen wraPmrr es Scr CS eer i eee 97.3 per
Be WE Vises ocr she beidse 30st tai Se RR ee 92 per

Average per cent. = 91.6
(e) Soil not dug up before sowing.

(CHG. k SRR Ie tA ea 62.4 per
em ey. choys.s. doc Si ys oe ea One 3 19). 2 per
071). U ERA RIPE cc ic se ae 86.4 per
“e TY asa sccicech its have, Sh aie ere eRe ci Fe on 85.2 per

Average per cent. = 78.3

cent.
cent.
cent.

cent.

cent.
cent.
cent.
cent.

cent.
cent.
cent.

cent.

cent.
cent.

cent.

cent.

cent.
cent.
cent.
cent.

47

burrowed.

ce
“ec

ae

burrowed.

“cs
ce

ve

burrowed.

burrowed.

“e
“cc

“cc

burrowed.

burrowed.

“ec
“cc

“ce

48 ' REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

*() Sand.

Wlaseye lin ayamnne ene eet yas Pale oe acai 70.6 per cent. burrowed.
PRM RPE MEARE SR ee ks 02 seca de thet Meee ai 88 per cent. i
PENA TOO Los os au et ts os CR ee 92 per cent.

OE EN 5 9 la dR) a ONLI PO 88.6 per cent. me
Average per cent. = 84:8
(g) Gravel.

SIU erNEB aE Ment. ches 5) <- < ke se wd eka te Renate 68 per cent. burrowed.
88: TUG, to) Seen ee Re eR eat roe ek ea 76 ‘per cent. 3)
“OU Et os Gael tn 0 ae A ae eA Mie Sane AaLig aad ee oON ag eLAcente re
BM MMMLEN eye te 2a Saito ae veteiled Are REM tee yy Shed ta PaneeeaA 84.5 per cent. ‘i

Average per cent. = 78.7
Summary: The average per cent. of all clams.............. 83.4 burrowed.
The average per cent. of those planted immediately after digging::. 5.2 90e2
+f i of those dry 24 hours after digging............. 84.9
‘ 9 of those in water 24 hours after digging........ 76.3
ee * of those in soil dug up before sowing........... 91.6
ss H of those in soil not dug up before sowing...... 78.3

The details of these experiments are tabulated in the succeeding
pages:

49

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

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REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

50

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51

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

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@ st Lr}
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REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

52

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REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 53

When clams are planted and covered with soil, instead of
being sowed on the surface, they should, if possible, be placed
in the natural position, head down; otherwise they find difficulty
in adjusting themselves, and often even work their way to the
surface and burrow again. They should not be planted too deep, for
with a considerable depth of soil over them they are apt to smother
before they can adjust themselves and reach the surface with their
siphons.

An experiment was made in 1902 with three hundred selected
clams, one and one-quarter inches in length, for the purpose of dem-
onstrating the effect of planting in different positions and in various
depths of soil; and although the experiment was on a small scale,
the results indicated clearly the advantage of planting in normal

position and not too deep.

Depth as a Factor in Planting.—Results Four Days After.

rs x aL Es C

= rs) ze t= = a

a|=2| & & oF le

Depth of Planting. Method of Planting. es a = A a

See ls ae)

2 — 2 2 o | =

g S = S op Ta oes

3 =) = = 2. 2

Z. Z 7 Zz = 2

Just covered over....... Inverted! * teen tacos 25 22 8 | None. 177-37 | Qi

Buried tHaite, 23: ee. 25 24 1 | None. BLE Ls
Normal position...... 25 25 0 | None. Ye-1/’-4’’ | 2he’”

SIX INCHES. aves sae Imveruedeeercmas eer: 25 17 § | None. | 4/’-6/’-%/’ (RY
Buried Haiti. secten cect: 25 19 6 | None. | 8-5//-7/ 54’

Normal position...... 25 23 2.) None. | 14-84-57 4’’

Invertetlize.. qeceeeeaes 50 10 ol 3 | 10/’-5//-4”” we

Twelve inches.... .....-. Buried ates saececr al (39) 21 29 | None. | 5//-6//-9/’ [sid

Normal position...... 50 33 17 | None. | 1//-4//-8/" 6”

The ideal method of planting in case of the larger clams, one and
one-half inches long and upwards, is to place the clam head down
in a hole made in the firm soil and to cover with an inch or two of

loose soil. This, of course, is a rather tedious method for use on

54 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

a large scale, and yet, if narrow furrows are cut in the ground, a
large quantity can be planted in a few hours.

THE RATE OF GROWTH AND AGE AT MATURITY.

In a consideration of clam culture, of the propagation of clams on
public shores, or of restrictive legislation, it is of importance to know
the rate of growth of the clam, and the age at which it may reason-
ably be expected to reach a marketable size. This was one of the first
questions which the commission undertook to solve; for in regard to
it, even among professional clam diggers, there existed a wide differ-
ence of opinion. The problem turned out to be less simple than it
might seem at first, mainly from the fact, which was soon learned, that
the rate of growth varies extremely according to different conditions.

The main spawning season is about June, and the clams ordinarily
reach sexual maturity and begin to spawn in one year. They be-
come a marketable size, that is about three inches in length, in from
eighteen months to two years, if they are given fairly favorable con-
ditions. In Narragansett Bay, however, they are not intentionally
allowed to reach this size, but are dug and sent to market or to the
clambakes as soon as they are a year old, and often before. At
some of the popular clambakes great quantities of clams are daily
served which are not as large as some specimens which we know to
be less than four months old.

Methods of Determining the Rate of Growth.—To ascertain the
rate of growth, various methods have been employed. Individual
specimens have been isolated in flower pots and land tiles which
were set into the ground; enclosures of various sorts have been
planted with clams, all of approximately the same size; the set of
a particular season has been kept under constant observation with-
out transplanting; and large areas of ground, half an acre or more
in extent, have been planted in various places.

During the last year a new and excellent method of indelibly mark-
ing the shell was devised, which serves as a record of the growth

of individual clams wherever they are planted. The so-called rings

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 55

of growth, usually present on the shell, are not by any means a re-
liable way of determining the age of the specimen. These rings are
due to the rubbing and breaking of the fine edge of the shell from
any cause whatever; they are liable to be repeated at any time
within a few months, and, on the other hand, they may not appear
at all, even in clams which are much more than a year old.*

Distinct rings are always produced when a clam is taken and al-
lowed to burrow again in coarse sand or gravel. We have often pro-
duced the ring in this way and also by wearing off the edge of the
shell by running a file over it. It was this observation, indeed,
which suggested the following simple method of indelibly marking
the clams. A small notch is filed into the edge of the shell*and the
clam returned to the soil. As it grows the notch remains perfectly:
distinct and always at the original distance from the hinge. When
the clam is again examined the notch identifies it as the one which
was planted, and furthermore indicates the amount of growth. A
growth ring usually accompanies the notch, and so, after a month, or
even years, the complete outline of the clam at the time of notching
can be readily identified and traced upon the shell of larger growth.
The device allows greater freedom in distributing experimental seed
clams, and provides, at the same time, perfect accuracy in the re-
sulis. wigs. 8,9, 10, and 11.

Experiment Upon Rate of Growth.—The following brief account of
some experiments and observations, made during the past few years,
gives numerous examples of the sizes of clams at different ages, and
illustrates alsothe variability in the rate of growth. As far as possible
the general statements and the statistical tables will be given sepa-
rately.

Experiment No. 1. An exceedingly thick set of clams, discov-
ered in July, 1899, on the southernmost point of Cornelius Island,

* Fig. 12 illustrates this point. Itis from a life-size photograph of a clam one year and
three months old, three inches in length, which, from July 18, 1901, to September 10 of the
following year, lay buried ina land tile which was set perpendicularly in the ground. This
specimen was not disturbed during this time, and no growth rings are visible on the shell.

56 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

Wickford, was kept under observation throughout the summer. On
the 9th of August, after they had become considerably thinned by
the crowding out process, 12,500 specimens were gathered from one
square yard by means of a rather coarse sieve. A large number of
smaller specimens were probably lost through the meshes of the
sieve. On various dates the average size was calculated from a
considerable number of specimens. When first observed, on July
Ath, the average length was 6.1mm. ({ of an inch); a month later,
on August 4th, they had more than doubled this length and meas-
ured 13.9mm. (4+ inches); on September 30th, the average length

was 23.7mm. (% inches); they were then about three months old.

Experiment No. 2. On July 6th and 9th of the same year,
clams to the total amount of a pint and a half (about 2,000 speci-
mens) were taken from the above set and sown on the surface of a
box of sand and distributed as evenly as possible; the box was kept
suspended about 18 inches below the surface of the water at the
houseboat. These clams were continuously submerged during the
months of July and September, and during August were exposed at
low tide occasionally, when the houseboat was ashore. They grew
very much faster than those which remained on the shore. For ex-
ample, on August 4th they averaged 21.8mm. (13-16 inches) in
length against 13.9mm. (4 inch) on the shore; and on Septem-
ber 30th 29mm. (14 fnches) against 23.7mm. ({ inches) on the
shore. The difference was due to the more favorable location
of the transplanted clams; they were entirely unmolested and were
continuously under water in the tidal current, which was full of food,
and they lay night and day with the siphons expanded at the sur-
face of the ground. The two accompanying curves represent the
difference in the rate of growth between these two classes of clams.

Experiment No. 3. Several specimens were taken from this
same set on July 19th, 1899, individually measured, and kept sep-
arate in flower pots placed under water at the houseboat. These
specimens measured from 8 to 12mm. (5-16—7-16 inches). About

seven weeks later, on September 10th, they were again measured,

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 57

were found to have more than doubled their length, and in some
instances to have trebled it.

Experiment No. 4. On July 22, 1899, a number of clams from
the same shore were planted separately in land tiles set perpendicu-
larly in the ground, and arranged in rows, from extreme low-water
mark to high water mark, at intervals of about two feet. A part of
those in one row were measured again about two months later, on
September 18th; they showed a decided difference in the rate of
growth, those planted at low tide having grown very much more
rapidly than those higher up. In the lowest tiles (except the first,
which was empty) they measured respectively 48, 46, and 44mm.
(1%, 14%6, 14%6 inches) in length—nearly two inches for clams
about three months old.

The more rapid growth of clams lying near low-water mark as
compared with those higher up on the shore, so well illustrated here,
has often been observed in other instances, and is evidently due to
the fact that those at low water have a much longer time each day
in which to feed.

Experiment No. 5. On August 14, 1900, about 1,300 small clams
were taken from an artificial spat collector and transplanted in sand
boxes suspended about one foot beneath the surface of the water at
the houseboat. About the first of October they were transferred
to new boxes on the shore, where they have remained since that time.
At the houseboat they grew remarkably fast, but since they have
been on the shore the growth has not been above the average. On
August 14, the date of transferring to the houseboat, they averaged
about 12mm. (4 an inch) in length and, on September 20, they had
grown to three times this length and averaged 36mm. (14 inches).

This case furnished a beautiful example of the extreme variations
in growth, inasmuch as the clams which were left in the spat collec-
tor were also measured on September 30 and had increased by only
half their length, that is 5mm. (4% of an inch). Compare Figure
No. 3, Plate No. 2, report for 1900.

At the end of the first year the transplanted specimens averaged

e

58 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

about 50 mm. (2 inches), at the end of the second year 74mm.
(3 inches) and, when three years and four months old, 80mm. (38+
inches). The growth in the third year was probably rather slower
than that of average clams under favorable conditions, for the con-
ditions were, in this case, not particularly favorable.

The plotted curve, diagram II, represents the average size of
these specimens during three and one-half years. Fig. 13 is from a
life size photograph of the average specimens taken at intervals
during this time.

Experiment No. 6. More than 20 bushels of very small clams,
averaging about 10,000 to the quart, were taken from the shore of
Green’s Island in the summer of 1901 and transplanted in several
of the commission beds at various places. The growth of these
transplanted clams, and of those which remained at Green’s Island,
was observed from time to time.

At the end of six months sample specimens were taken from But-
tonwoods and from Rumstick. They exhibited a very noticeable
difference in their growth, those from Rumstick averaging 37.5mm.
(14 inches), while those at Buttonwoods averaged 50.2mm., a trifle
over 2 inches.

In January, 1903, when the clams were about a year and a half
old, those transplanted at Cornelius Island, Wickford, averaged
58.5mm. (2 5-16 inches); those at Mill Cove, Wickford, 63.mm.
(2 7-16 inches); those at Kickemuit River, 68.1mm. (22 inches) ;
and those left at Green’s Island, 57.4mm. (24 inches).

When examined in the latter part of 1903, when the clams were two
and a third years old, those at Mill Cove averaged 85.3mm. (82
inches), those at Kickemuit River, 91mm. (382 inches); and those
which remained at Green’s Island, 76mm. (8 inches).

The average length of these clams in all the experiments was for
the first half year 41.8mm. (12 inches); for the first year and a half,
61.7mm. (2 7-16 inches); and for two and a third years, 84mm.
(32 inches).

Experiment No. 7. The question is often raised—what is the

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 59

effect of close planting or overcrowding on the rate of growth? We
are, as yet, not prepared to give a final answer, for the evidence from
different observations has been more or less contradictory. The
clams planted in the sand boxes at the houseboat, described under
experiment No. 2, grew very rapidly, though they were so close to-
gether that their shells almost touched. On the other hand, the
following experiment showed a very distinct dwarfing effect from
overcrowding.

In September, 1902, a pint and a half of very small clams which
remained over from another experiment were poured upon the
ground and covered with a circular sieve to keep them from be-
coming scattered. The clams were spread as evenly as possible,
but were so thick that they touched one another, and in some places
were piled two or three deep. Just beside this place other clams of
the same size were planted about two inches apart and covered with
wire screening. The next day all of the clams, with the exception of a
few crushed ones, had burrowed, and, after the sieve was taken up,
the circular area was plainly defined by the abundance of clam holes.
The clams were, from this time, protected by wire screening and left
undisturbed for about one year. When the netting was removed
and the place examined again, in October, 1903, the outline of the
original area of thickly planted clams could still be traced readily, on
account of the numerous holes, although it had become somewhat
uneven. The clams were small and stubby, and the shells were
thick and deeply scarred. Although they were now about a year and
four months old, they were not as large as the average clams of six
months.

The control specimens, which were planted near them and given
plenty of room, showed at this time a good average growth. In

Fig. 14 are shown samples of both kinds.

Experiment No. 8. In this experiment we made use of the device
mentioned on page 54, of recording the growth by notching the shell.
Clams were selected from various localities of different sizes and

ages. After each specimen was carefully notched, they were all

Ne
60 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

planted at one time, on February 20, 1903, in the same locality, on
the shore of Mill Cove, Wickford. The specimens were divided into
three classes, according to their age and size, as follows:

1. Clams taken form Nayatt Point averaging 25mm. (1 inch),
and undoubtedly of the set of 1902, age about seven months.

2. Clams -taken from Green’s Island, averaging 60mm. (24
inches), undoubtedly of the set of 1901, age about one year and seven
months.

3. Clams taken from the Kickemuit River at one of the low
winter tides. The time of setting is unknown, but the clams showed,
by their large size and thick shells, that they were of great age.

At various dates during the next summer samples of these clams
(about 25 at a time) were taken up, measured, and preserved. The
notch and its growth ring on each specimen prove an accurate record
of the size of the clam at the beginning of the experiment. The
average measurement of these samples from the 20th of February,
1903 (the beginning of the experiment), and on the dates next ex-

amined, together with the percentage in increase, is given below:

SET oF 1902. Ser oF 1901. VeERY OLD CLAMS.
DaTE

OBSERVATION. mm. |inches | 5 oS mm. |inches.| $5 mm. |inches.| $5

ere ys Pe

Zee ga oa
JNO, PAs temapies 25 Do alam 59.00) 252, |-..--- 106.0} 42 |......
wilh Xches Grom oe 40 1,2 60 | 65.00) 2,% 10 106.0) 4+ 0.0
FARULO HATO ope cre 43 13 72 | 68.00) 24% 15 106.0) 4! 0.0
Sept 10sec ar AT 12 88 | 70.00) 23 18 | 106.0) 44 0.0
Oet:7/ 20). seont well 28 144 | 71.80) 25% | 21 | 106.3) 4,% 0.3

The clams were further grouped, according to size, into six classes

regardless of age, and the result of this classification is as follows:

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

AVERAGE MEASUREMENTS.

61

SELECTED SIZEs.

Over 3 inches

Between 24 and 3 inches

Between 2 and 24 inches.....

- |
Between 14 and 2 inches.....
|

Between 1 and 14 inches.....

Between + and 1 inch

JULY 6. Auvecust 10.
Average Average
original Average size. original Average size.
size. size.
mm. mm. | inches. mm, mm. inches.
TOLON SO) Be | 77-0"): “TOC 3h
66.0 AOe2 213 67.0 (Prcal 25
|
54.0 | 60.0 22 BY (oy 66.0 23
45.0 | 58.0 D5 || 14329 \ 60.85) 28
30.2 AN 12 29.4 48.5 14
PALA 85.0 12 21.2 Bl 14

AVERAGE MEASUREMENTS.

SELECTED SIZEs.

Over 3 inches

Between 24 and 3 inches

Between 2 and 24 inches

Between 13 and 2 inches.....

Between 1 and 14 inches

Between 4 and 1 inch

SEPTEMBER 10.

OCTOBER 20.

Average Average
original Average size. original Average size.
size. | size.
mm. mm. inches. mm. mm. | inches.
79.0 82.0 3t 77.0; 82.0 ot
66.8 73°9 | 212 68.7 1625; | 34
|
ae ey | |
53.8 65.0 2335 53.2 70.6 | 213
47-7 @8-6| 24 | 46.6| 69.0) 28
98.1) 56.0| 21 | 28:0) 648) 23,
ey
21.8 47.0 12 oh eee Mat) 23
|

62

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS

OF INLAND FISHERIES.

Statistical Statements of the Age und Size according to Experiments and
Observations on the rate of Growth of Clams up to the

beginning of the year 1904.

us
3 Length.
5
Z 5 Le : A
2 | Age oes ann
2 mm. | Inches.
oO
it
=
No. 1. 4 weeks.| 6.1 AA. Neen ats Serene Ss
Gm 9:35 ins 10 days
q ce 9.9 2 176 “eé
9 ce 13.9 a 31 S
124 <¢ ito 2 56 ce
14 ey 18.8 it 65 .
iy ae PB OT $ 88 SS
27 os 27.7 1s 153 os
No. 2. 4 oly 6.1 Sey Nhe a
8 es 21.8 1,3; 28 days
12 se 23-2 i De ss
14 Ss 25.6 1 63 e
17 3 29.0 14 85 “<
No. 5. 2 mos,| 12.1 Smiles Siete tthave hie
By GO 16.9 & 3+ weeks.
84 S© | 36:0 | 17% Oa nee:
Ae ONO Gs
1eyt 26 eemOO nn! mon Lyn. TWdave:
1S Geen ROS CORI O2 lita: < hte mlOs:
DEVS Se NAO TIS OLED
Ole eds Cee SOO Be IB Sy TANK),
No. 6. Dean 9.5 Eales opts Sesion ie
7 “ | 50.2} 2 |5mos.8days
i “e 3 iD 14 5 3 “ce
ie Wi eObale 22 iyi bumos:
1 6é TT 0G 58.5 25 1 ee 5 “e
1 73 7 “ec 63.0 2y5 1 73 5 “e
1 ee 7 oe 68.0 © 3 1 ee 5 ee
PO VALOR OWS i N2 yr. a”)
9 ee 4 ce 85.3 BE 2 ee ) “6
2 ce 4 “ce 91.0 38 2 ee 2) ee
ges 25.0 1 Naika
yess 40,0 | 1,3 + mos
1 °* “1 mo})) 43.0 1it De a
1 (77 2 ee 47.5 13% 64 ce
1 (73 3 “ec 65.2 2,9. 74 ‘
IES ef GOI AGO 1161s iO} aR Se ieee epee ti
Q «6 66.01} 2,9. 44 mos.
Py ile saaKo)|) (oteie) 22 Die os
PRR) ON OD 69.5 24 Ga Si
Dee Sumer 6 22 (eee
Se ae ees 60.0 | 22 |1 yr.5 ss

Percentage of
increase in

Percentage of in-
crease in length per
week since the last
previous observa-

tion.

length while |io#¢
under obser- |° 22S
vation. ae es
ougP Weekly
ES ae Percentage.
ABE
55¢ pr. ct.| 1.4 363 pr. ct
62 _ 1.0 | 44 a
127 me 2.0 |20} *
186 SS 3-4 | 73 i
208 os WP Na s
278 a 8.2 | 72 i
354 ry 9.2)155 “
257 pr. ct.| 4.0 |64 pr. et
280 ; Spo) |pales
319 ce aye! 5) ee
BY Ws ee Sail 6 ee
23 pr. ct.| 3-5 | 6% pr. ct
197 ir 1.75/304 of
230 oe 34d] \OCOn is
313 A AS OKO meee
462 ee GALA) bere ee
511 i AO) Wess
561 os CORON Ose aia:
42% pr: ct.| 22)-091924) pry et
294 ss 22.0 16.1 ee
504 ii (oO Oak?
515 e (3-0) rile oh
563 ae (ck) We. o
610 vs TO) Wi tsios,
700 a 7 OM) Olsen ae
798 ui BAO | Wats)
858 y SoU) MWe} 2S
65 pr ct.| 20-0 |-3.2) privet
70 a ALOy | Ouls
109 a EN jay
150 ss BRODY (esse) gS
10 e 20.0 -5 Pr. Ct
15 ee 4.5 ATi ce
LZ : 4.5 oA as
20 ee 4.5 .6 ee
535 in TS OM ede eee

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

63

Statistical Statements of the Age and Size according to Experiments and
Observations on the rate of Growth of Clans up to the

beginning of the year 1904.

| Percentage of in-
ay || crease in length per
eh | Length. | week since the last
| | previous observa-
= | | Percentage of | tion.
Z Pees a =|) uerease: ini! |
| Age Aime: under length while |..o0 2 <¢|
Been Re * | under obser- |° 2 5.9}
a | vation. HAE S
‘a | mm. | Inches.| 2Qa8 P| Weekly
oe | gx So Percentage.
| | soe0g)
iS) | | } | IG ew Oo}
— — — ——— 5| = =} == — } — — a
| | ve | _

No. 6.:1 yr. 7 mos.) 62.0 | 21 |1 yr. 5:mos.| 554 pr. ct.| 73.0 | 7.6 pr. ct
Hl teas Meck: Beas | 64.0 | 2% |1 “ 5 Hy | 575 + Ue) |) Wats)
No ee NGO HET nla Bo Gs) |) yay! oe TBA0 |) 7 BH
iis emcommla Ge. 14) 22 11'S bunk one o4 mimes BV (Wal) (sean es
16 Fe S| 591.5 Ne on Wms 5 dane 533 ne Bal) I) Phases ss
hes lee (Ol ary Ghats) |) Ee Mie aay att 554 Eh eee) |) he
deus (eG | 63.0 | 1 Th, Hs 66 570 6c | 2.0 ra iG

RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS IN TRANSPLANTING.

The experiments we have just been discussing have demonstrated
that clams of any age and size can be transplanted successfully, and
that the rate of growth under favorable conditions justifies the ex-
pectation of a crop in about two years from the date of spawning.
We have been able, also, to test the feasibility of transplanting by
experiments on a comparatively large scale.

In accordance with the act passed by the General Assembly, at
its January session, in the year 1901, the commission was enabled to
occupy and have the exclusive right in certain areas of shore, be-
tween high and low water, set aside for experimental purposes (see
Appendix). Taking advantage of this opportunity, experiments were
made in transplanting the clams found in such phenomenal abund-
ance at Green’s Island in the summer of 1901.

The clams were taken when they were very small and transplanted
to different localities in different parts of the Bay on the reservation
beds.
experiments as shown by examination of the beds in January, 1903,

The data in respect to the planting, and the results of the

a year and a half after planting, are tabulated as follows:

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES,

“POUDMD AULT

“AUD LB AULT

“puns hwunoT

“PUDS hUDOT

*sSDdB fpp.od 40g

“paqunjdun §-T

TOSS O TG

LTO Orage

Wayne UL

dagpm Up

ha

“walpm Uy

“SunoYy Ie

“sunoy &

“Sunoy 96

"StnOYy FE

“sdn0y 96

"Sunoy

QyOVT penne

‘08° JNOQD NOT
see ee YOU

‘OB INOQD NOT

ee eeee “Ue hunuoy

“04. qnogn NoT

SOD EOOOOG JOH

“GI 7N0QD NOT

seu Durnulog

08 °@ INOQD NOT
sae(olels ur bumo)

“ol 7NOQGD NOT

“8 HUMdny wn

“UL “D OT
‘sl “bny

Uh ‘d§

ut “ad 08!G
‘or ‘bn

‘Ub aT

“qT “bny

“ud 08°
“LT buy

“UD TT
‘“T bay

0046

0046

S616

Ore at

9 at

‘39D Gt

‘87D Bd

99D 4G

89D 96

‘gb 49

‘99D 96

“Wf 09 XG D

‘Wf 0G & OST

Wf 66209 |

‘Wf Ge L0G D

‘Wf G6 09 Q

af 96% 0G DV.

(‘soyoul %z) “WU 2g YYsUe] OSBIOAY

” && ” 33 cIxgt (@)

"‘SUIR[D PZ poonpoid soyourg, Xx ct (1)
“yooj

jodvnbs dod 9g] posBaoav SSUISSIP OMT

Pee ee *(pdlofyorAd ) 900) Hurysyg
‘myo B AT[BUOISBI90 A[UO

‘(SoYOUl (91-6 Z) “WIM F9 YISUO[ osBIVAY
‘4o0J oaenbs
ied TI 09 6 (pues Aatu) J/Vy JaeMO'T
‘suB[O 1g poonpodd soyoul GI X Gf Bely
‘yooy eaenbs aod pg poonpodd J]/By aodd)

*(SaTOUL $4Z) “TUU ZO y{Su9] OFB.10AV
~yooj oaenbs

aod g 0} 4 (puvs Adu) j[ey JOMO'T

‘sUIBIO LE Peonpoid seyou! Cf X GT BalY
: “qyooj

ouenbs Jad FZ ABSEpeq Jo Jyey aoddy

CEE ORES so mUppsyT SNYeULOD ‘aLOYs “Ss

‘(SATOUL 84%) “WLU YY YISUI] OSBIOAV OUT

“‘suUIe]O [Z poonpodd 4ooj | X [ BAL (&)
*suBIO

9% peonpoid sayoul Gt X yf vely (2)
“SmBO

gl poonpoad seyoul gt X eI Baly (T)
“‘yooj oavnbs Jed

LI JO OSBIOAV UB GALS SSUISSIP 9edqL

“poqaridun pir) oy} Ul [[B IB OUON
‘yooy oaenbs dod g JO @ 4aAO0 Jou
‘moj AloAB MON “goid Ul SMBID Ow
BIOM O19} GLOJO VULJIMLOS IOJ PUB
Suyurid jo oun yy pos 4ood Alo A

“2009 NUN ‘a40ys ‘§

Se en

64

“‘syavUery

“doy

MOY

“Sul
-MOS puR
SUILSSIp
u90M49q
oullL

*puImM jo
UWO!IpuoD

OPLL

jo

uoHtpuoD

“‘paAos

wou

“paMos
qunowy

“UOlyBOO'T

nm

‘tequmnN

5.

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RII

u

INLAND FISHE

OF

Ss

SIONER

COMMIS

OF

REPORT

—P 720DLB a8ivog

‘yonag Lyooy

2a

“Un0) ipuny

“Uuino) fipungy

00DLD AUIT

‘SyvaIayy

Neesboherel =e EC

WiRLGL

bese hag

ree hug

SOON

sever AAT

‘4day

MOTT

Sunoy

SdN0YU 4

*‘sunoy 4

“SdnOUyU V!

SUNOY E-T 4

SANOY B-1 ty

“SUL
-MOS pueR
SULSSIp
U9dM4oq
ouwhL

(soqoul 4%) “WLU €9 YYZUV| OSRIOAV

| “SURO Op paonpoad satpoul g] X ST
qoojy
| | auvubs aod eg padnpoid Surssip auo
| ‘OL gnogM NOT| ul “da Og'¢
y6rT apy YbuT| ‘9g bny \o0L'6 87D sor] af09 @OOr | ttt tt A009 WAT ‘asoys YNOS| 8
|
2s ‘(soyout SZ) “WU G29 YSUa| OSRIOAY
“‘quosoid Moj Ald A.
"£ynogyn moT| “wedg
WybyT no Buoy) “te bry \00k'6 |°875 st | 7f 0G WOOT Jr (pdofyorM ) 2009 Yond) &
‘(SOYOUT 54%) “WUT CGS YSU9] O5R.I0AV
\ ‘tood Adda SUUB[D paq JO aspa
IIMOT ((G) PUB (*B) Z) SNTfeUIO,) UO SY
ie Ae Ue oh . 81 X 81
‘SURO 9G pooNpodrd SvyOUL gl X ST
“qoos oavnbs aed
SUIBIO GZ VSRIDAB DABS SSULTTIP OM
"9 7n0Qn MOT) wedge
WybrT,*°* °° yno bu0y| ‘se-bny |00L'6 |°870 SGT| 3 09 @ 008 |\**° 8882009 MLW ‘ainjsyd s.yVus) 9
‘(saqoul He) ‘wi gg YASuUa] OSRIDAY
(‘Jos JU9901 210M JO BULOS)
‘squRenb
p 10 SWIRLO BET paonpoid soyout GI] X YT
: 4yooy aaends dod 06 VARS SULSZIP BUCO
ls" * "9 7nNOgD MOT) UD 08-6
QUONT) MOT! kh ydagy \00k'6 \'875 SOl| “af OS & 0949 iS]
( 398 JU99001 210M JO Ma} JO auI0g)
‘squenb
§ 10 SWIRIO LEE paonpoad seyoul EI xX ST
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ASRIGAB YIM VOVId B UL SULSSIp 9UO
| ‘OL! gnogn M0T| “w-d ge
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‘O6*L 7nOgD NOT| wd g ‘staRl[o 1% poonpoad sayoul GI X GI
WMOAYT no J) “ve buy \00L6 ("820 49 | 7 0G & ES Q) “yoos aaends dod py OABS SuIssIp ouO| F
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|
|

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

66

06*T “Ul

yawndb hpungy| -*** “hag \'sanoy 1é\ ‘qybvT| °° ur buywoy

06/1 “Uy

“Bury friys pun fipung|.** hag \stnoy og) “yWbrT| ue fon

: 08°68 7NOQD NOT

700045 a84no) \"**** TL OUGENHECOOL. (|) ROTO Gp OOP BS POOL YOU

| ‘OTL 1n0QD NOT

“PUDS PUD JAADLB BUILT “hag \"sanoy 9 WYbVT |" ur soup

‘OL 9n0gQn NoT

‘puns burps) °°"? hig: \eunoy § \ aubyg\ °° un for,

“Bal oO ‘OPLL
dey‘ |-Asos pue| sg
‘SyIBUIAY suissip | 22 jo
MOT usaMyoq| Fs.
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“gydag \00L'6 |\'87b 04 | “af 09 & 09
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‘g “ydagy |00L'6 |8)5 98 | af 09 © 09
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‘ee Bny \00L'6 81) G7 | Af 06 © 006
7
‘9g ‘bny \o0or'6e |'875 479 | 2f 09 & OOL
um ay
‘sg ‘bny \00L 6 |°825 66 | “2f 09 & OST
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uagm | ON | Be

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‘dn snp

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SOMOhUComo LOC KOoO OC COU MLSOUNOD OLE a7 Hy. 6L

*sq[Nsed OU : AZI[BOOT 100g

teereses scene: MUNIST 8NIYAULO) ‘ALOYS “NT| IT

“plo avad | 949M SUTRA B10J
-eq soul} AuBM JAAO Snp SBM pog
‘suo jo Ajiyuenb 4yeais B psonpold

sees

nesses ss (pLofyoUM) DUDIST 1729907 | OT

*pasorjsop
asIM10q10 10 Sup usaq AuBUI Joq}I0
tpoiveddesip oARy SWR[O Ueqy 9ouIg

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‘Arewnuepe Ul YJMOIS JueT]|IOXe paMmoys

teeeeeereeeeeresers sess enoqmuomng DIO 6

M01] B00'T

“IoquUInN

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 67

It will be seen by consulting the tables that, in the greater num-
ber of beds, the clams were thriving well and were promising an
excellent crop at the end of 18 months. Nearly all of the experi-
ments were spoiled, however, before the clams became two years
old, by poachers. It is practically impossible to stand guard night
and day over so many beds. The experiments, though they were
interrupted, nevertheless show that it is feasible to raise clams by
this method, also that the greatest difficulty is to provide protection
until the crop can mature.

One of the experiments, that in the Kickemuit River, was
carried to completion, and the clams were left practically undis-
turbed for two years.

We are glad to acknowledge our special obligation to the mem-
bers of the firm of C. E. Brown & Sons, and to Mr. Charles Hull,
through whose aid it was possible to complete, for the first time,
an experiment in transplanting clams on a large scale in Narragan-
sett Bay.

On July 20th, 17 bushels of clams were dug from a space about
300 square feet, by two men, at one tide, and they had finished
digging within an hour after the tide had begun to rise.*

At this rate of production the yield would be more than 2,400 bush-
els per acre. From one square yard three pecks of clams were dug,
corresponding to a yield of 3,600 bushels per acre.

The bed was opened to the public on August 10th, 1903, and shortly
after midnight the diggers began to assemble and made use of the
early morning tide, which was low at about two o’clock. At low
tide in the afternoon, more than 50 persons were engaged in digging
upon this bed. The ground was continually dug over throughout
the rest of the summer, and even as late as November. On October
20, for example, there were eleven persons digging on this bed.

According to the estimate of those who have watched the yield
from this bed most closely, about 600 to 700 bushels have been taken

* Probably a considerable number of clams were overlooked in so rapid digging, which
would, of course, raise the production from this area.

68 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

2

from it The bed is about 25 of an acre in extent. This estimate is
low as compared with the proportionate yield of the sample areas
already referred to.

In some parts of the bed there were evidences that the clams were
killed at an early age, perhaps by the decaying seaweed which
was very abundant, and some dead specimens also were found near
the entrance of a small fresh water stream.

A large set of young clams was found in this bed, and, in some
sample areas, they numbered three hundred to the square yard.
They were of different sizes and had, of course, set since the bed was
sown in the summer of 1901.

This experiment affords the final proof ‘of two fundamental pro-
ositions, viz., Ist, that it is feasible, practicable, and profitable to
transplant clams, and that a good crop can be reared in two years;
2nd, that it is not necessary or profitable to dig up the shore and
loosen the soil in order that clams may grow and thrive well, or in
order that they may set thickly.

Fic. 7.—Bored clams, showing that clams of all sizes are attacked by the borers

Fig. 8.—Notched clams, showing growth from February 20 to July 6, 1903.
The upper one is from the set of 1902.
The lower one is from the set of 1901,

mp - rrr i res :

be eer ll

Fie. 9.—Notched clams, showing growth between February 20 and August 10, 1903.
The upper one is from the set of 1902.
The lower one is from the set of 1901,

f.,
i

Fra. 10.—Notched clams, showing the growth between February 20 and October
30, 1903.

The upper one is from the set of 1902.

The lower one is from the set of 1901.

|Fre. 11.—A clam of extreme age notched February 20, and taken up October 20, 19038. Shows no growth.

Fia. 11144.—Specimen of clam contorted by developing in stony ground.

Fie. 12.—One of the land-tile specimens planted July 18, 1899, when of the size of the
smaller specimen in Fig. 5, and dug on September 10, 1900. It is, therefore, about a year and
three months old.

Aug. 14, 1900.

Sept. 8, 1900.

Sept. 30, 1900.

Jan. 17, 1903,

——

Oct. 20, 1903.

Fie. 13.—Clams set in the summer of 1900 in clam catcher, and raised in sand boxes
ane partons specimens; poker at yo pul Ee DEESeDE their growth during three years
and four months. The difference in size of the two specimens on Sept. i
to the difference in locality. : ee

Cita sccyt’

=.
%

Fae,

- 14.—Stunted clams, showing the effect of excessive crowding. The large clam on the right is from a control bed, where it had plenty of room, All the clams are of the same age
(about one year and four months old).

is f t
FEE coo E
{ t —
it " a if 4
+ THe t ieubese aa
esiioutesteettetl Het seissntiestiae
See eet tett Suan amma it
aut sbseesaetaees Le =H ra ae Tt +
tt t eee tt +
BuSnedssasetosaevesegeeceaesezetas rH
im + H [Span eonenne F
Prt toa i a 2 anal
ot r H A Hy
i Hosatereaabrtecayteesstitee: eerie
Bea SEES Er see at gaaRae
oo cee gues! | ! re a eee a
| 1 |
a { t + zi H + a
t HH t
ct
aun
: rH f f
9 : ; E
-
+ + I~
“ =] E :
7 : : H +
6 feseee es
5 H E
; Hr H if
4
3
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Diagram 1. Represents graphically the difference in growth of clams exposed by the tide and those kept submerged.

Curve A. Clams submerged at the TTouse Boat, (See Experiment No 2, p. 56.)
Curve B. Clams exposed by the tide at Cornelius Island. (See Experiment No. 1, p. 55.)

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Diagram TIT. Showing the rate of growth of clams of different ages under the same conditions. (See Experiment No. 8.)
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Diagram TV. Showing the rate of growth of selected sizes of clams, regardless of age. (See Experiment No, 8.)
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I. Clams from 24 to 3 inches in length.
(. Clams from 2 to 24 inches in length.
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REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 69

VIII. Pretimmnary IN@uIRY INTO THE NATURAL HISTORY OF THE
PappLer Cras (Callinectes hastatus), WITH REMARKS ON

THE Sorr-SHELL CraB INDUSTRY IN RHODE ISLAND.

Among the minor fishing industries in Rhode Isand, the impound-
ing of edible crabs until they have shed their shells; and the sup-
plying the market with soft-shell crabs, is of no little interest, and
judging from the enviable place which this delicious shell-fish holds
in the estimation of epicures, from the demand for it in the market,
and from the prices it brings, it would seem as though the industry
might be developed into one of considerable commercial importance.
A preliminary inquiry into the subject was made during the past
summer by Mr. E. W. Barnes, whose report is here given:

The Paddler Crab (Callinectes hastatus) frequents sandy and
muddy shores in sheltered coves and in the mouths of brackish
streams from Massachusetts Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. It is known
by many local names, the most common in Narragansett Bay being
the “edible crab,” the “blue erab,’”’ the ‘‘paddler crab,’ or simply
‘‘naddler.”?’ Among crustaceans of economic importance it ranks
perhaps next to the lobster. It is used as food, as bait, and even as
fertilizer.

The Breeding Season.—The breeding season extends throughout the
summer, probably reaching its height in August. The mating of the
crabs takes place when the females are preparing to shed, a fact
which is taken advantage of by the crab fishermen. For when a
pai~ of crabs are found together, one can be tolerably sure that the
female is a “‘shedder”’ (that is, is about to cast its shell). From his
place of hiding the male suddenly pounces upon the female and turns
her over. If she is not ready to shed, he leaves her, but if she is
is preparing to moult, the male carries her around with him until the
moulting process begins, then, from a short distance, he protects her
zealously from eels and from other crabs until the process is com-
pleted. The male attends the soft-shell female for about three days,

70 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

after which the new shell has become sufficiently hard to furnish the
usual protection, and the escort is discontinued. The average num-
ber of eggs is about 20,000. They are carried probably throughout
the winter attached to the swimmerettes on the under side of the
abdomen, or ‘‘tail,’’ exactly as in the case of the lobster, until they
are hatched.

Moulting or Shedding.—The moulting of both males and females
occurs during the entire season, even as late as November. Im-
mediately after the hard shell is shed, the crabs are extremely soft, and,
as described by one of the crab fishermen, seem “‘all to pieces.” They
have indeed a “‘watery”’ appearance. On the under side of the body,
between the apparently disjointed limbs, are great spaces which some-
times extend into the body. These spaces not infrequently contain
air, which causes the crab to float. If the crabs are turned over, the
air bubbles come out, and when the crabs are righted again they
behave normally. In a very short time, one or two hours, they
“orow together,” and commence to harden. During this process
the linear dimensions of the crab are increased by about one-sixth,
and growth, as in the case of other crustaceans, takes place only
directly after moulting.

The time and rapidity of moulting is dependent to a great extent
upon the temperature, and perhaps upon other conditions. For
example, if the crabs which in the late afternoon are just at the point
of moulting are put into a tub of water, they will not moult during
the night as they would otherwise, because the water becomes
cooled by the night air. The preparations for moulting and the
process itself progress more rapidly in warm weather.

The young crabs, like the young lobsters, moult very frequently,
but less often the older they become, until at maturity they moult
not oftener than once a year. Unlike the lobster, however, the crab
may at length reach a period of life after which no further moult-
ing will oceur, and the approach of this stage is in the female crab, at
least, indicated by unmistakable signs. Shortly before its last moult

the bent tail, or “apron,” as it is called, becomes throughout streaked

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES rfl

or mottled with blue. This peculiar appearance is considered a sure
sign, not only that the crab will moult soon, but that, having moulted,
the tail will change in shape, become larger and more nearly round.
This results in the so-called ‘‘half-moon” shape. Female crabs
with the “half-moon aprons” have never been known, it is said, to
moult or even to show signs of moulting, although they have been
kept for a long time in cars and fed generously. | Furthermore,
specimens of this sort are often caught with barnacles and forests of
algze on their backs, which indicates that a long time has elapsed
since they last shed their shells.

The male crabs have no characteristic “aprons”? to indicate the
close of their moulting period, but as male crabs averaging about the
same size have been observed with very hard shells and an abundance
of barnacles and seaweed, it would seem as though the males also had
a moulting limit, Again, crabs in any particular locality almost
never exceed a certain size; and since there is normally a growth of
about one-sixth at each moult, this fact is regarded as further evi-
dence that the limit is fixed.

The crabs which are actually preparing to moult become very
sluggish and will not eat; and yet, if they are kept in confinement
without food even for a comparatively short time before this, the
process is much delayed, and afterwards the crabs are lhght and
watery.

Individuals which have moulted require a large amount of food,
but ordinarily the crabs may live a long time without it. A story is
told, on apparently reliable authority, of a crab which was kept in a
ear for three months without any food except what was carried into
the car by the tide. When finally, out of pity, it was released, it
was still lively, and showed no permanent effects of starvation. The
writer has kept a specimen over a month without food.

Migratory Movements.—At certain times of the year crabs move
off shore regularly before winter sets in, but sometimes also during
the summer months. At such times they seem to go suddenly, and
disappear from all parts of the Bay at the same time. Fishermen

Te REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

who have had long experience with them say that the crabs migrate
into deeper water and are often caught there. The reasons for these
migrations and exact information concerning them have not as yet
been obtained. In the winter the crabs are pretty generally absent
from the shores, but sometimes they are found buried in the sandy
mud near shore. Those which have migrated begin to return
toward the latter part of May or the first of June, and remain some-
times as late as November.

The Sojt-Shell Crab Industry.—In some parts of the bay, espe-
cially at Narrow River, there are several fishermen who make a regu-
lar business of supplying the market with this species of soft-shell
crabs. The: product returns several thousand dollars each year.

It would be difficult or impossible to supply the demand by
merely catching the crabs in the soft-shell condition. The in-
dustry depends upon ingenious methods of distinguishing the crabs
which are about to shed their old shells, of impounding and feeding
them until they have shed and are in proper condition, and of re-
taining them in the soft-shelled condition, and packing them for
safe shipment.

The crabs are caught by means of long-handled nets, and a special
lookout is kept for those which are moving in pairs, because, as we
have already stated, in such cases one of the pair is likely to be a
female about to shed or which has just finished shedding. There are
also special factors, some of which we have mentioned, which dis-
tinguish the crabs that are about to shed. Thus a crab is sus-
pected of being a shedder if its movements are sluggish and it does
not move away quickly; if it has lost a limb, and has the new one
partly regenerated; if it has a hard, dull-looking shell.

The final criterion, however, is the appearance presented on
breaking off one of the points of the shell. If the piece of shell
comes away and leaves the core sticking out of the break, the crab is
certainly a shedder, but if, on the other hand, the wound thus made
presents a milky appearance, the crab is not a shedder.

Crabs which are judged to be about to shed are placed in a floating

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISH@RIES. 73

car, where they are kept in separate compartments until the shell
breaks open, then they are transferred to another car where they are
kept all together, and from which they are picked out as soon after
they have finished moulting as possible, and are packed and shipped.

Having obtained the crabs in the required soft-shell condition,
it is of equal imporance to keep them alive in this condition until
they pass into the hands of the chef. Under natural conditions the
shell will harden in a very few days. To obviate this an ingenious
method is employed. At the proper time, soon after they have shed,
the crabs are packed in damp seaweed or eel grass, and there they
will remain alive for a long time, but the shell will not harden. If,
however, seawater be added to the seaweed so that it becomes wet
instead of merely damp, the shell commences to harden and what is

‘

known as the “‘paper-shell” crab is produced.

The crabbing season extends from the first of June until the last
of September, but the crabs are sometimes caught as early as the
last of May and as late as the beginning of November. The better
summer resorts furnish an excellent market at high- prices. New-
port, Saunderstown, and Jamestown pay about $1.00 per dozen.
The regular price in the Providence market ranges from about 50
cents to 75 cents.

The soft-shell crab industry is carried on to a greater or less ex-
tent in New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, and South Carolina. Be-
sides the paddler crab, at least four other species are used in this in-
dustry, viz., the lady crab (Platyonichus ocellatus), stone crab

(Menippe mercenarius), and rock crab (Cancer trroratus).

74 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

IX. EXPERIMENTS IN LOBSTER CULTURE.

In the report for 1902 we submitted, under this heading, an article
in which were brought together the results of our investigations of
the lobster and the methods of its propagation up to that date, to-
gether with other observations, made by Herrick, Bumpus, etc.,
which have a direct bearing on the subject. We may refer, therefore,
to the last report for a discussion of the following subjects: the geo-
graphical distribution of the lobster, and its distribution relative to
the depth of the water; its breeding habits, including the time, place,
and frequency of breeding, manner of depositing and caring for the
eges, number of eggs deposited, and the method of their disperse-
ment; age and size attained before breeding begins, and the numeri-
cal proportion of males and females; the habits of the young fry,
their movements, their food and manner of feeding, their natural
enemies, their adjustment to physical conditions, such as tempera-
ture and density of water, their rate of growth, manner and fre-
quency of moulting, the changes in structure and habits which ac-
company the early moults; the habits and requirements of the young
lobsters which have passed through the earliest stages; the rate of
growth and age of lobsters up to the marketable size; the migration
of adult lobsters along the shore and to and from the waters of ad-
joining States; their migrations to and from deep water; the rate of
growth of large lobsters, and the extreme age to which lobsters
may live and breed; the problems of hatching the eggs artificially
in such a manner as to increase the natural number of fry, and of de-
positing the newly hatched fry where the conditions are more fav-
orable than those which surround them when deposited naturally ;
the possibility, feasibility, and the methods of confining, feeding, and
protecting the young fry until they can take care of themselves
much better than when they are first hatched; and the possibility,
feasibility, and methods of rearing the lobsters from the egg to
maturity in confinement.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 75

The main problem, and, at the same time, the chief difficulty, in
the artificial propagation of lobsters consists in rearing the newly
hatched, free-swimming fry through the critical period of about two
or three weeks. This is a definite period which is passed as soon as
the fry shed their skins three times. At each moult the young lob-
ster appears in a different form and of a larger size, and there is no
difficulty in recognizing the successive stages. It is the critical
period for the reason that, until the eggs are hatched, they are well
protected by the mother, and after this period has expired the fry
assume almost the likeness of the adult form, and in great measure
quit their precarious swimming life, and begin, for the first time,
to burrow and crawl, hide and fight, at the bottom of the sea.

The difficulty in rearing fry through this period in any consider-
able numbers consists in so confining them that they will not die
from the effects of suffocation, mechanical shock, starvation, can-
nibalism, or parasites. A large number of experiments were tried
by ourselves, as well as by others, before we hit upon the principle
upon which we have based our operations during the last three years.
The principle is simply this: the water must be stirred constantly,
and the lobsters and their food kept suspended in the water.

The first apparatus built on this principle was installed in 1901,
and was highly successful. In 1902 a number of important changes
were made in the construction of the apparatus, and nearly all of
them turned out to be improvements. Few alterations were made
during the past season, but some were suggested by the experiments
that will, it is hoped, in the future, improve the efficiency of the ap-
paratus. For a detailed description of this apparatus and the re-
sults obtained up to the past season, we must refer the reader to the
last report.

During the season just past all the fry which were used were
hatched at our own station with this same apparatus, while hereto-
fore we have depended in part on importations from the United
States Fish Commission at Woods Holl. The hatching was car-

ried on successfully and on a larger scale than ever before. Several

76 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

experiments in new methods were tried, the results of which fur-
nished a large amount of information as to the details of construction
which will be of use in the future.

Few changes were made in the method of rearing the fry, and dur-
ing the first half of the season there was promise of a better output
than ever before. In the midst of the season, however, a south-
east storm, one of the most severe in many years, broke over the
Bay, and although ample provision had been made against an ordi-
nary storm, many of the fry were lost. Hardly any damage was sus-
tained by the apparatus, but the storm shields of the side floats
were carried away, and the waves had free access to the large bags
which contained the fry. The loss of fry could doubtless have been
made good had it been possible to obtain more lobster eggs, but the
storm had also carried away the lobster pots or their buoys in all
the Rhode Island waters, and before the lobstermen had repaired
damages, the season for procuring eggs was past.

The total output of the lobsterlings for the season was 13,500,
against 30,000 for the year before. These lobsters were liberated as
follows: 1,500 on the south shore of Mill Cove, Wickford; 5,000 near
the White Rocks; 5,000 on the rocky shore of Little Tree Point;
2,500 on the west shore of Conanicut. The decrease in the number
of lobsters reared to the fourth stage was through no fault of the prin-
ciple, the method, or the apparatus with which we are working.

We believe that the problem which we attacked, namely, that of
rearing lobster fry through the critical period, has been solved, and
that, at present, the hatchery is a benefit to the industry. This will
not, of course, be construed as a statement that no further progress
can be made toward perfecting the method or increasing the effi-
ciency of the apparatus.

Aside from the regular work of hatching, much attention has been
given to the improvement of minor details of the apparatus. For
example, improvements in the transmission machinery, in the man-
ner of fastening the large bags to their frames, so that they can be

more readily raised, and so that the bottom will not be bowed

Fie. 15.—Rostrum of a lobster of the first stage. Magnified 50x.

Fig. 16.—Rostrum of a lobster of the third stage. Showing how they become covered
with diatoms. Magnified 50x.

Fie. 17.—Algz found growing on the sides of the lobster bags.

ox Rukus

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Fie. 18.—Illustrating the method of tagging the lobsters.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. _ 77

upwards and interfere with the movements of the propeller, in the
manner of transmitting and counting fry, ete., etc. These things,
however, are not of general interest, though they are important
steps in the progress of the work.

The growth of parasites on the bodies of the young lobsters con-
stitutes one of the most serious difficulties now left for us to contend
with. Oftentimes young lobsters are seen to have a fuzzy growth
on the body and on the limbs (See Figs. 15, 16 and 17.) Under the
microscope this growth is resolved into a tangled mass of diatoms
and stalked protozoa, which, though they are probably not true
parasites, often so encumber the movements of the lobster and in-
terfere with its feeding and moulting as to finally cause its death.
The growth is found most often on lobsters in the third stage.
There are two possible reasons for this: in the first place, the bags
containing the lobsters of this stage have usually been in the water
for more than a week, and the microscopic forms collect in great
numbers on the walls of the bag (see Fig. 17), so that perhaps the
lobsters become infected from contact with them here; in the sec-
ond place, the third stage is of longer duration than the two pre-
ceding ones, so that the parasites have a longer time in which to
settle and grow; for with the shedding of the skin, of course, the
parasites are thrown off. Why they are more abundant in the
latter part of the season (July) is not easily explained. They are
not so serious a menace to the life of the lobster under the present
method of operation as they were in the older experiments, when
the lobsters were not stirred. In the season preceding the install-
“ment of the present apparatus, some of the specimens were so
thickly overgrown that they showed no resemblance to a lobster or
any other living creature. We may perhaps also congratulate our-
selves that this pest is not so abundant at our station as it is in
other localities, for example, at Woods Holl.

How to combat or avoid this evil is a problem yet to be solved.
Extermination is, of course, out of the question. Experiments in

shading the bags were tried at Woods Holl. <A screen was put up to

78 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

keep off the sun, in the hope that this would retard the growth of
the parasites, and the effect was apparently beneficial. This has
not been tried at Wickford. Much can be accomplished, perhaps,
by changing the bags more frequently, and especially by transfer-
ring the lobsters which have just entered the third stage into clean
bags. Various other devices have been suggested, but their prac-
ticability can be proved only by experiment.

The method of liberating the lobsterlings after they have been car-
ried through the fourth stage calls for careful consideration. There
are, at first glance, several chances to be weighed and considered.
First, the chance of their finding a satisfactory place to burrow and
hide; second, the chance of their avoiding enemies; and third, that
of obtaining suitable food. If the lobsterlings are simply turned
overboard and scattered here and there in the midst of the Bay, they,
of course, have the same chance of becoming suitably settled in life
as those which reach this stage under natural conditions; but, if we
are to follow up the advantage gained by protecting the lobsters so
far, we must study carefully their habits and requirements after this
stage is reached. We have already made many observations on the
lobsters at this stage under conditions as nearly natural as can be ex-
pected when they are confined in small cars, protected from their
enemies and fed artificially. In these cars, which are furnished with
sand, gravel, shells, stones, broken tile and sea-weed, their habits of
burrowing, choice of hiding places, the time of day when they re-
main concealed and when they forage, can be observed; but we
know practically nothing of their movements when, for example, they
are liberated in deep water. A careful study of their behavior after
they have been liberated must be made in order to obtain the best
results.

What we already know of their habits has suggested two meth-
ods of liberating. One is to put them overboard in a car to which
they have become accustomed, and which is provided with a wire
netting or some other device, so that the lobsters can leave the car,

while their enemies, fishes, crabs, etc., are kept out. There is an

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND us wanna 79

obvious disadvantage in throwing overboard a large number of
lobsters at the same point, for such a swarm would be likely to at-
tract large numbers of fishes and other enemies.

Another method has been suggested and tried, as follows: the
lobsters are liberated upon a stony shore when the tide is out. The
ground is so wet and little tide holes so frequent that the lobsters
can burrow and hide. As the tide gradually comes in it is expected
that they will find themselves comfortably located, and will not swim
about in excitement and expose themselves to capture. Ground
which is free from sea-weed and large masses of rocks is also less
frequented by mummychaugs and eels. Above all, they should be
liberated in the morning, or at least not in the late afternoon, for
both they and their enemies are especially active at night.

The migration of lobsters is an important subject, which at pres-
ent is not very well understood. In order to obtain some definite
data in respect to the movements of individual lobsters some inter-
esting experiments were made in 1898 by Dr. Bumpus, at that time
a member of this commission and director of the Scientific Labora-
tory of the United States Fish Commission at Woods Holl.*

Four hundred seventy-nine lobsters from which the eggs had been
removed were taggedt and liberated at several points near Woods
Holl. Later, seventy-six of these were recaptured by fishermen,
and the copper tags were returned. Many other tagged specimens
were doubtless caught which were not heard from, and some lobsters
probably moulted and so lost the tags.

The data gained by these experiments, however, showed great
variation in the movements, and a remarkable rapidity of migration
in certain cases; while many of the lobsters were recaptured in the
same locality three or four weeks after they were liberated, others
had travelled at an average rate of a mile a day for from ten to twelve
days. One, for example, was liberated at Woods Holl, on July 2nd,

*” H. C. Bumpus on The Movements of Certain Lobsters Liberated at Woods Holl during
the Summer of 1898.’’ Bulletin of U.S. F. C., 1899.
{For method of tagging see Fig. 18.

80 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

and was caught at Cuttyhunk, twelve miles distant, on July 13. It
had travelled twelve miles in eleven days. Whether these speci-
mens were seeking better food, warmer water, deeper water, whether
they were following a general direction, or were impelled by a home
instinct, cannot at present be said with certainty.

Similar experiments were tried at Wickford by your commission
in 1902 and 1903, and the results are given in the accompanying
tables. These experiments showed a similar variation in the move-
ments of the lobsters, and the record for fast travelling is at present
held by our specimen No. 103 (see table), which travelled ten miles
in eight days. Another suggestive fact is brought out by these ex-
periments, and was emphasized by Dr. Bumpus, namely, that a com-
paratively large per cent. of the specimens were caught and the tags
returned within a very short period. This shows that a thorough
gleaning is continually being made of the lobster crop. The sug-
gestion is further emphasized by the fact that some of the lobsters
were known to have been caught and the tags held back by the fish-
ermen, and doubtless there were other similar cases which were not
heard of. Furthermore, lobsters which have recently got rid of their
eggs are known to be especially liable to shed, and with shedding
the tag is lost.

Important observations on the migrations and growth of lobsters
might be made, if we could devise a method of marking them with
a distinctive and conspicuous label that would not be lost when the
shell is shed.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 81

Table Showing the Movements of Female Lobsters from which the Eggs
have been Stripped, Which Were Liberated at various places during the
Sunmers of 1902 and 1903, Each Lobster Bearing a Copper Tag, with the
Words, ‘* Return to the Rhode Island Fish Commission.”

LogpstTEeRS LIBERATED IN 1902.

“ |2

Tag LIBERATED. RECAPTURED. 5 A: :

: i Date | |) Dates SxS A

No. Locality. | Locality. R=) zs 3

5 ize) =

Zz |A A
147 |Wickford Light House.. July 7. Whale Rock Light........ Aug. 1.| 25] 9] E.ofS
103 ae - a “%@\1 mile S. W. Beaver Tail..|July 15./ 8| 10] E.ofS
5 : “,./dune 4. 2 miles S. Beaver Tail..... i 7.| 33 | 11 E. of S
25 “ ‘ “4, South end Conanicut...... Ae. 18369, | E. of S
22 : : Mi) RSljesopecoschecomeassaueceunsee July 1.) 27 E. of S
36 : : : ctl BANOS UARASREMG PERT tsa sects ate see, l ee eeallideceees | E.ofs.
64 st e "ca[ SW IW EMP BE Ceecctlc a Si meen |e eee cee relate MENGES
148 ues ue ~ slOuly "Vol WieSHEASSAPe Macaca aces (ov oeteceas Banshees olen Glens)
151 fy * "Ss °2 RTWB tp RASS S Mestre cals c7e-<cillis wicile’a suse: 6 Me dalleee BE. of S
156 & Be “U.S ) alWiestiBassageimensen: sce sccl|sccs a ascc- eotieeesy GES Ons
43 i 3 “ ,.|June 5./1 mile S. of Plum Beach... June 8.| 3] 43] E.ofS.
58 = = ee] “MS Coonssebedrenn. sm. ore a QralacONi | ed N. E.
a) re oe “ ..) ““ 21: Wickford Light House....| ‘* OBE 9 aller OM lives aawetees
a frog “ =" || 4 /stone Beacon. Wickford..| “ 16.) 2| 1 N. E.
149 + “ asl dtaly, We) WiNGICRROGK sac. <s106 clr cafes Aug. 10.) 384} 9] E. ofS.

Wum ber liberatedty 2. macmeeeh ayaa sees cee cies Sait eas 112
Nun ber recaptured saa seemretee les. naan. occ ea aseies 16
ale

82 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.
LOBSTERS LIBEERATED IN 1903.
Tag LIBERATED. RECAPTURED. | 2 a. ;
Date. Date: | S52 5
No. Locality. Locality. | g aS =
| Elee! =
| 4 Bc
163 |N. end of Conanicut Is..|May 27.|West Conanicut........... June 18, 22] 1) Hot S
199 es re Wg ue “ 27.|South end Gould.......... July 2 | 36 | 4] E.of S.
219 |Wickford Light House..| ‘ 27./Beaver Tail................ 6 ti" 45) 103), eotes
239 |N. end of Conanicut....| “* 27.;/West Conanicut........... June 18.| 22} 1) E.of S
242 |Wickford Light.......... “* 27.|Little Tree Point.......... iB 112/05 |) Ge Oke
269 |N. end of Conanicut eres + (28. (Hast) PASSAGE «icles crsttlesteine May 30.) 2/ 2| E.of S
272 |Wickford Light......... © 28). (Beaver siall).cintre steatelearere July 25.) 58 | 12-| E.of S
278 |N. end of Conanicut..... “© 28.|South Gould Island....... May 30| 2| 3%) E.of S
288; “* : ened resete = 28° Rose Vslan dln letuaiect eae July 3.) 86} 6} E.of S
293 oa e an ec er ‘* 28./North of Gould Island....|May 80. 2)! 24) E.of S
294 |Wickford Light......... * 28.|West Conanicut........... June 26. 29) 38| S.of E
309 SPUN ccs os dune? : Beaver Haili.,..jcceaeeaee July 20.,48 | 10) E.of S
Side|Pox Island s..cc civics) =: > i2:|Cold) SpringvRock.-ca= ss June 29. 27 1|W.of N
2 NA EO a oe OR * (9. Bedver Talli, Jssayeuuvene July 25.| 58 | 83! E. of S
255] ee We a ea “ 2.| Dede Rocks...as user June 26. 24 | 1 Ww.
331 | + Satan are ness ste “* 2./Cold Spring Rock.......... ee a Li) 4) Werotss
PUL tA a “ 2.|Brenton’s Reef....... ..+- « p4| a2 || EofS
Pel MN MERE YW) covcisteBfetoiscelefe, sian ls ~ 2; \Reaver Wail: tos seltoie0 ele) July 30. 58 8} E. of S
lalla LCs A a “ Q./Little Tree Point.......... June 18.\16| 34| W.of S
SOMME MCE 5 MN ve.cate ce cs site's ** 2.!Cold Spring Rock........-. July 3. 81} 1|)W.of S
385 | EMM AMIIA (a Cnt olate cvayercvere'ric 2:\ Beaver Waill.:.dacce sophie ne 28, 58 | 84 E.of S
346 a ecerees Sot tb te eee “ 31.159] 9] E.of S
387 “VW Geoasoasobdn ~ 2.jLittle Tree Pointy... J... June 11.) 9} 1|W.of S
389 | BO Ms opera etrenistes cisie 2 West Passare. jn. ccsneet: July 16, 44| 2} E.of S
401 seicveseeet| “0 2.|Beaver Tall coors eam “1,59 | 83] E.of 8
434 |Between Fox Island and| |
White Rocks.......... emer v1 ToL) aisiewe lastest ait ' 325:)'58 | 84) H.iofas
459 | Vials Creek Rock........ | “* -4.) West Passare. i:.2ss ssc ie 16.\ 42 | 4] E.ofS
500 et SPO anane Seam s}|\ cs Sr ayavateictyfecateeemeanes “ 16.| 42} 4| EofS
535 . Pr WY Mec ae ainterarete \% (/4.|Beaver Tall. 05.5, c-eetacewes % 26.) 54 | 11 E. of §
BGGM MGM COVE iscierwik « cicnie sine cfs ne - om eee Sabeige eens e 7.) 85/| 11 E. of S
Number liberated....... 0000.00. Nase(orejs)nceve‘ele eiayetoiaiefets ine tale eaten 385
NUD OL NEGAPCUPCA icc. 0 oie sie nicrsaislaleraleiniaisivielerme’ curttecciouslatsyeterstet nee ‘I!

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REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 83

X. Tue EFFORTS OF THE COMMISSION TO PREVENT THE ILLEGAL
TAKING OF SHORT LOBSTERS.

During the past year your commission has continued its efforts
in this direction. Several deputies have constantly been employed
in enforcing the law, and, though it is possible that some short lob-
sters are smuggled into the market, it is certain that the effect has
been to greatly lessen this illegitimate fishing. During the months
of Dec., 1903, and Jan., 1904, about 2,000 short and egg lobsters,
shipped into Newport from outside the State, were liberated in our
waters.

One of the most encouraging features in this department of our
work is the hearty support and sympathy of many of the leading
lobster dealers, who recognize in the enforcement of the law a benefit
to their business.

84 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

XI. Tue PREPARATION AND EXHIBITION FOR THE LOUISIANA PuR—
CHASE EXPOSITION.

Your commission has prepared for the St. Louis Exposition an
exhibit to represent the investigations on the life history of marine
food animals of Rhode Island and methods of their artificial propa-
gaton. Inasmuch as some of this work was done in collaboration
with the United States Fish Commission, the exhibit is to be in-
stalled in the United States Fisheries Building. The following is
a brief explanation of the nature of the exhibit.

A collection of specimens has been made and arranged to illus-
trate, as far as possible, the features of economic importance which
our investigations have brought out:

1. A series of about fifty groups of clams illustrates the rate
of growth of these specimens during the first three years under
various conditions, location, soil, transplanting, ete.

2. A series of twenty groups of scallops illustrates the growth
of these animals during the first two and a quarter years and shows
the origin of the growth ring, by means of which seed scallops may
readily be distinguished without reference to size. The great ma-
jority of scallops fail to reach the age of two years, and it is gener-
ally believed that all die before arriving at that age. A continuous
investigation, however, has revealed the fact that some specimens
live through the second year and probably breed a second time. A
second ring of growth also appears on the shell at the beginning of
the third year of life which is similar to that appearing at the begin-
ning of the second year. The exhibit contains specimens of scallops
two years and four months old showing the two growth rings.

3. A series of star-fish illustrates the larval swimming form, the
manner of setting, the change of the larve into the adult, and the
rapid growth of the star-fish up to the time when each arm is 14
inches long. The most extraordinary difference’ in the rate of

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 85

.

growth between specimens richly provided with food and those
which are starved is illustrated by two individuals of the same age
which were kept under these different conditions. The age of all

specimens (dating from the time of setting) is definitely known.

4. The series of specimens showing the male and female lobsters,
the lobsters bearing the eggs attached to the swimmerettes, the suc-
cessive stages in the development of the lobsters from the time of
hatching to the third year of age, and specimens showing the manner
of moulting. The lobsters of the later stages represent the only
ones ever reared in this country, with the possible exception of one
or two specimens kept over winter in an aquarium. These lob-
sters were all carried through the winter in cars which were sunk in
Wickford harbor.

5. An exact reproduction of the floating laboratory or house-
boat of the commission rigged with the lobster raising apparatus is
represented by a model executed entirely in copper by Mr. F. E.
Stark, of Brown University, and Mr. Knapp. This model will be
installed in a tank of water with its machinery in motion. It is
of special interest as it is a model of the first successful lobster
raising apparatus.*

6. A series of specimens exhibited under the microscope showing
the characteristic appearance of lobster fry of different stages and

the parasitic forms which sometimes infest them.

7. A plaster model shows the configuration of the bottom of
Narragansett Bay and of the surrounding land. The model is accu-
rately made from the soundings appearing upon the government
chart and the counter lines which are.given in the topographical
map issued by the government.

The general merit of the exhibit is that, with a few exceptions,
all the facts which are illustrated have been made known for the
first time by the investigations of your commission, and the series

* This statement requires a qualification. Our first apparatus was less extensive and had
a somewhat different kind of transmitting machinery.

86 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

of specimens which illustrate them are, at the present time, there-
fore, entirely unique.

It may also be mentioned that the method of mounting the star-
fish, lobsters, etc., in a transparent solid medium, was also worked
out by a member of the commission for this purpose.

Many of the specimens above enumerated were exhibited at the
Pan-American Exhibition, but a large number of new specimens
have been added which represent the work done during the last
two years. To meet the different requirements of the prospective
exhibition, all of the older specimens have been remounted. The
relief model of the bay has been completed by the addition of the
land above the 100 foot contour line.

All of the specimens prepared for the exhibit will remain the
property of your commission, and will be exhibited, as far as possible,
in the office of your commission at the Capitol.

FISH COMMISSIONERS OF THE STATES AND TERRITORIES.

ARIZONA.

T. S. Bunch, Fish and Game Commissioner, Sanfford.

CALIFORNIA.
W. W. Van Arsdale, Mills Building, San Francisco.
W. E. Gerber, Sacramento.

CONNECTICUT.
George T. Mathewson, President, Thompsonville.
Robert G. Pike, Middletown.
E. H. Geer, Secretary, Hadlyme.

DELAWARE.
J. Stanley Short, Milford.
Dr. E. G. Shortlidge, Wilmington.

FLORIDA.
John Y. Detwiler, President, New Smyrna.
John G. Ruge, Secretary, Appalachicola.
C. R. Walker, Sanford.

GEORGIA.
A. T. Dallis, Superintendent, La Grange.
D. E. Dallis, La Grange.

ILLINOIs.
Nat H. Cohen, President, Urbana.
8. P. Bartlett, Secretary and Superintendent, Quincy.
A. F. Gartz, Chicago.

INDIANA. al

Z. T. Sweeney, Columbus.
Towa.

George E. Delavan, State Fish Warden, Esterville.
KANSAS. ,

George W. Wiley, State Fish Warden, Meade.

88 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

MAINE.
L. T. Carleton, Chairman, Augusta.
Henry O. Stanley, Dixfield. |
Charles E. Oak, Caribou.
A. R. Nickerson, Commissioner Sea and Shore Fisheries, Boothbay Harbor.

MARYLAND.
Dr. J. W. Downey, New Market.
Clarence L. Vincent, Snow Hill.
MASSACHUSETTS.
Joseph W. Collins, Chairman, Room 115, State House, Boston.
Edward A. Brackett, Secretary, Winchester.
J. W. Delano, Superintendent of Hatcheries, Marion.

MICHIGAN. |
Freeman B. Dickerson, President, Detroit.
George M. Brown, Vice-President, Saginaw.
C. D. Joslyn, Detroit.

George D. Mussey, Secretary, Detroit.
J. H. Johnson, Treasurer, Detroit.
Seymour Bower, Superintendent, Detroit.

Minnesota. (Offices at State Capitol.)
Uril Lamprey, President, St. Paul.
W. P. Hill, Vice-President.
D. W. Meeker, Secretary.
H. G. Smith, Treasurer.
S. F. Fullerton, Executive Agent.

Missouri.
Samuel T. Rathell, President, St. Louis.
W. A. Rothwell, Vice-President, Moberly.
E. P. Yenowine, Secretary, St. Joseph.
Dr. P. L. Hurt, Booneville.
John T. Crisp, Independence.

MonrtTaANa.
W. B. Green, Kalispell.
John F. Gowan, Butte.
Perey Kennett, Helena.
NEBRASKA.
J. S. Kirkpatrick, Lincoln.
W. L. May, Omaha.
R. 8. Oberfelder, Sidney.

' APPENDIX.

NEVADA.
George T. Mills, Carson City.

New HampsuIreE.
Nathaniel Wentworth, Chairman, Hudson Center.
F. L. Hughes, Secretary, Ashland.
William H. Shurtleff, Lancaster.

New JERSEY.

H. P. Frothingham, President and Treasurer, Mt. Arlington.

William A. Halsey, Newark.
Benjamin P. Morris, Long Branch.
Richard T. Miller, Camden.

New YorK.
Timothy L. Woodruff, President, Brooklyn.
DeWitt C. Middleton, Watertown.
Charles H. Babcock, Rochester.
John D. Whish, Assistant Secretary, Albany.

NortH Dakota.
W. W. Barrett, Church’s Ferry.

OHIO.
J. L. Rodgers, Columbus.
Paul North, Cleveland.
Duff W. Greene, Dayton.
Thomas B. Baxton, Cincinnati.
J. C. Porterfield, Chief Warden, Columbus.
L. J. Weber, McConnelsville.

OREGON.
Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Salem.
H. G. Van Dusen, Master Fish Warden, Astoria.

PENNSYLVANIA.
W. E. Meehan, Commissioner of Fisheries, Harrisburg.
Barton D. Evans, Chief Clerk, Harrisburg.
John Hamberger, Erie.
Henry C. Cox, Wellsboro.
Andrew R. Whitaker, Phoenixville.
Charles L. Miller, Altoona.

PENNSYLVANIA.
John Hamberger, Erie.
W. E. Meehan, Secretary, Philadelphia.

12

89

90 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

RHODE ISLAND. (Commission Inland Fisheries, Office, State Capitol.)
Henry T. Root, President, Treasurer, and Auditor, Providence.
J. M. K. Southwick, Vice-President, Newport.
Chas. W. Willard, Westerly.
A. D. Mead, Providence.
Wm. P. Morton, Secretary, Providence.
Adelbert D. Roberts, Woonsocket.
Wm. H. Boardman, Central Falls.

TEXAS.
i. PB: Kibbe; Port Lavaca.

UranH.
John Sharp, State Fish and Game Commissioner, Salt Lake City.

VERMONT.
H. G. Thomas, Chairman, Stowe.
EH. A. Davis, Bethel.

VIRGINIA.
Frank Fletcher, Chairman, Jenkins Bridge.
Seth F. Miller, Secretary, Foster.
John A. Curtis, Richmond.
George B. Keezwell, Keezelltown.
Pembroke Pettit, Palmyra.

¢
W ASHINGTON.

T. R. Kershaw, Whitcomb, Wash.

WISCONSIN.
Edwin E. Bryant, President, Madison.
Calvert Spensley, Treasurer, Mineral Point.
Prof. E. A. Birge, Secretary, Madison.
William J. Starr, Eau Clair.
Currie G. Bell, Bayfield.
J. J. Hogan, La Crosse.
Henry D. Smith, Appleton.

OysTER CoMMISSION OF LOUISIANA.
Jas. M. Breaux, President, Houma.
Andrew G. Gugel, Secretary, 339 Carondelet St., New Orleans.
John Dymond, Junior Attorney, 339 Carondelet St., New Orleans.
Harry Gage, Chief Inspector, 339 Carondelet St., New Orleans.
H. C. Smith, Chief Surveyor, 339 Carondelet St., New Orleans.

APPENDIX.

FISHERIES LAWS

OF

RHODE ISLAND,

1904.

COMPILED BY THE
COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

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7,

GENERAL LAWS.

CHAPTER 1.

The jurisdiction of the commissioners of inland fisheries covers the territorial
limits of the State as given in the following two sections of chapter one, and
covers all the fisheries of the State except the oyster and scallop fisheries, which
are under the jurisdiction of the shell fish commissioners.

Section 1. The territorial limits of this State extend one marine league
from its seashore at high water mark. When an inlet or arm of the sea does not
exceed two marine leagues in width between its headlands, a straight line from
one headland to the other is equivalent to the shore-line. The boundaries of
counties bordering on the sea extend to the line of the State as above defined.

Sec. 2. The jurisdiction of the State shall extend to, and embrace, all places
within the boundaries thereof, except as to those places that have been ceded to
the United States, or have been purchased by the United States with the consent
of the State.

CHAPTER 171.
Of Certain Fisheries.

Section 1. Every person who shall set or draw any seine in any part of the
river running from Warren river through the town of Barrington, except that
part lying north of the Congregational church building in the said town of Bar-
rington, shall forfeit twenty dollars.

Sec. 2. Every person who shall set or draw any seine or net in Easton’s
pond in Newport and Middletown for the purpose of catching fish, or shall set
any such net or seine in the creeks or inlets of said pond above the bridge at
Easton’s beach, shall be fined twenty dollars or be imprisoned ten days.

Sec. 3. Every person who shall set or draw any seine or net in Kickamuit
river within half a mile from the place called the narrows shall forfeit fifteen
dollars.

94 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

Sec. 4. Every person who shall erect or make any weir, pot, or other contri-
vance to obstruct the course of fish across Puncatest, alias Nomquit, pond, or
any part thereof, or in any river or stream leading into or out of said pond at
any time, shall forfeit ten dollars.

Sec. 5. Every person who shall set any hanging or mesh net in Puncatest,
alias Nomquit, pond, or in any river leading into or out of said pond, between
the first day of January and the first day of August, shall forfeit ten dollars.

Sec. 6. Every person who shall erect or continue in Palmer’s river, above
Kelly’s bridge, any weir, dam, or other obstruction to prevent the free passage
of fish up said river, shall forfeit fifteen dollars for the first offence and ten dollars
for every twenty-four hours any such weir or dam or other obstruction shall be
continued after the first twenty-four hours.

Sec. 7. Every person not at the time an inhabitant of this State who shall
set or draw any seine or net in Palmer’s river, above Kelly’s bridge, on Thursday,
Friday, or Saturday, and every person who shall set or draw any seine or net in
said river above said bridge on Sunday, or between the setting and rising of the
sun, shall forfeit for each offence fifteen dollars.

Src. 8. Repealed.

Sec. 9. Repealed.

Sec. 10. Repealed.

Sec. 11. No person shall take any fish with any kind of gill or mesh net,
or set any gill or mesh net for the purpose of taking any fish therewith, within
one mile from the shore of Block Island, between the first day of June and the
first day of November in each year, without first obtaining permission of the
town council of New Shoreham; and every person violating any provision of
this section shall be fined twenty dollars for each offence; one-half to the use of
the complainant and the other half to the use of the town of New Shoreham.

Sec. 12. Any person who shall take any fish with any kind of seine, net, or
trap, or set or draw any seine, net, or trap, for the purpose of taking any fish there-
with, in any of the fresh water ponds in the town of New Shoreham, except in
private ponds owned by one person, shall be fined not exceeding twenty dollars
or be imprisoned not exceeding ten days, or be both fined and imprisoned in
the discretion of the court.

Src. 13. The electors of the town of New Shoreham may, in town meeting
called for that purpose, enact such ordinances as they may think proper to pro-
tect and to regulate the taking of shell-fish and other fish in Great Salt pond, and
may impose penalties therefor not exceeding twenty dollars fine and three
months’ imprisonment for any one offence.

Src. 14. The electors of the town of Tiverton may, in town meeting called

for that purpose, make such regulations for the preservation of the fish, and may

APPENDIX. 95

exercise such control over the fisheries of Nomquit pond, within the limits of
said town, as they may think proper.

Src. 15. No person shall, between the first Monday in October and the first
Monday in January, erect any weir or draw any seine or net for the purpose of
catching or obstructing the passage of fish at or within one hundred and sixty
rods of the mouth of Pataquamscut river in South Kingstown, nor shall any per-
son erect or put down any weir, standing seine, or trap-seine, or hoop-net of
any kind, either within or across said river at any other season of the year.

Sec. 16. Nothing in the preceding section shall be so construed as to pro-
hibit any person from using nets or fishing crafts for the catching of smelts,
such as are commonly used in the smelt fishery, between the first day of Feb-
ruary and the first day of April, or to prohibit the setting of gill nets for bass in.
said river or pond; Provided, that such nets shall not exceed twenty fathoms in
length, nor be set within twenty fathoms of each other, nor south of the dividing
line between lands now or formerly of William G, Watson and George W. Crandall,
nor within twenty rods of the narrows that connect the upper and lower ponds;
nor shall any person maintain any such standing seine or net in the same place
for more than twenty-four hours if any other person demands the same place
for the purpose of setting a like net or drawing a seine therein.

Sec. 17. Every person who shall violate any of the previsions of the preced-
ing two sections shall be fined not less than twenty dollars nor more than fifty
dollars for each offence, and shall forfeit the seine, net, boat, and other apparatus
by him used in such violation.

Sec. 18. Every person who shall set any trap or net or draw any seine at
any time west of a line drawn from Calf-pasture Point on the north side of Allen’s
harber to Rocky Point on the south side thereof, or west of a line drawn from
Pojack Point on the south side of Potowomut river to Marsh Point on the north
side thereof, shall be fined not less than five dollars nor more than twenty dollars;
one-half thereof to the use of the complainant and one-half thereof to the use
of the State.

Sec. 19. No person shall between the fifteenth day of April and the fifteenth
day of June, inclusive of both days, or between the fifteenth day of August and
the fifteenth day of December, inclusive of both days, commencing at the rising
of the sun on both days, erect any weir or set or draw any seine or net for obstruct-
ing, catching, or hauling of fish within half a mile east from Point Judith ponds
breach, meaning the breach for the time being into the sea, or within a point
on the west side of said breach four rods distant from Joseph Champlin’s fish-
house, so called, or within said breach, or within any channel leading to said
ponds, or any branch thereof from the sea, or within a quarter of a mile of the
entrance of such channel into said ponds or branches of said ponds; and when-

96 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

ever the fifteenth day of December happens on Sunday this prohibition shall
continue to the rising of the sun on the next succeeding day.

Src. 20. No weir shall be erected, nor any standing seine or net set, in any
part of Charlestown pond, Quonochontaug pond, or Babeock’s pond, other-
wise known as Brightman’s pond, nor across the channel, or in Point Judith’s
ponds within a quarter of a mile from the following places, namely: Alder Point
near where Saukatucket river flows into said ponds; Princes narrows, which
connects. the upper with the lower ponds; Strawberry hill on Great Island;
High Point, so-called, on lands of the heirs of Joseph Sherman, and Gooseberry

‘ Hole.

Sec. 21. No person shall, between sunset on the first Monday m April and
sunrise on the second Monday in June, erect any weir or net or draw any seine
or net for the purpose of catching or obstructing the passage of fish in any part
of Point Judith pond south of a line drawn from the most northerly point of
Strawberry hill on Great Island to the most northerly point of High Point in
said pond.

Src. 22. No person shall erect any wier or set or draw any seine or net for
the obstructing, catching, or hauling of fish within any part of said ponds or any
branch thereof, at any time between sunset on the fifteenth day of August and
sunrise on the fifteenth day of December.

Src. 23. No seine or net of any,sort shall be used at any time with'n said
ponds or any branch thereof, of over one hundred fathoms in length, nor any
standing seine or net of over twenty-five fathoms in length.

Src. 24. No person shall set any standing seine or net, at any time, within
forty rods of any place within said ponds or any branch thereof where another
person may have already set his standing seine or net, nor shall any person
maintain any such standing seine or net in the same place for more than forty-
eight hours if any other person desires to occupy the place.

Src. 25. Every person violating any provision of the preceding six sections
shall be fined not less than twenty dollars nor more than fifty dollars, and shall
also forfeit the boat, seine, net, and other apparatus by him used in such viola-
tion, one-half of said fine and forfeiture to the use of the person complaining and
one-half thereof to the use of the state.

Src. 26. Every person living without the state who shall take any lobsters,
tautog, bass, or other fish within the harbors, rivers, or waters of this state, for
the purpose of carrying them thence in vessels or smacks, shall be fined ten dol-
lars for every offence, and shall forfeit all the fish or lobsters so taken.

Src. 27. Every person who shall take any fish in any stream or fresh pond,
except upon his own land, otherwise than by a single hook and line, or who shall

take or carry away any fish from any private pond, brook, stream, preserve, or

APPENDIX. 97

any other place made, constructed, or used for the purpose of breeding or grow-
ing fish therein, without the consent of the proprietor or lessee of such pond,
brook, stream, or preserve, shall be fined not exceeding twenty dollars or be im-
prisoned not exceeding thirty days, or be both fined and imprisoned; but noth-
ing herein contained shall be so construed as to authorize the taking of any fish
from any pond or stream stocked with fish at the expense of the state.

Src. 28. Every person who shall take any trout between the fifteenth day
of July and the first day of April shall be fined twenty dollars for each offence,
and every person who shall take or have in his or her possession any trout less
than six inches in length at any time of the year shall be fined twenty dollars for
each trout found in his or her possession, but nothing herein contained shall be so
construed as to prohibit the taking and sale of trout artificially cultivated in private
ponds at any season of the year; Provided, that all persons raising brook-trout
artificially in private ponds shall use the initials of their names as a brand,
which brand shall be put on every box of trout shipped or put on the market
by them between the fifteenth of July and the first day of April in each year.
All persons raising and disposing of trout as aforesaid shall cause their brand
required herein to be registered by the secretary of state.

Sec. 29. All actions for violations of the provisions of the preceding two
sections shall be commenced within thirty days after the commission of the of-
fence.

Sec. 30. Every person who shall, by any seine or stop-net, or otherwise,

obstruct the channel leading from the sea into Ward’s pond, and up through
said pond on each side of Watermelon, Gooseberry, or Larkin’s islands, shall be
fined not less than five dollars nor more than twenty dollars.
Smenah, Every person who shall erect any dam, weir, or other obstruction
across Mill cove in Warwick, or from the mouth of said cove to the pond of fresh
water that runs into said cove, or such streams as run into said pond, or who
shall keep up any dam, or weir, or other obstruction therein made, and every
owner or occupant of lands adjoining said Mill cove or the stream leading from
said pond into said cove who shall permit any such obstruction to be erected
or continued in or upon said cove or stream adjacent to his land, at any time
between the first day of March and the first day of November, shall forfeit
one hundred dollars for each offence.

Sec. 32. Every person who on Saturday or Sunday shall fish in said cove
except with a hook and line, or who shall catch or hinder any alewives coming
down said Mill cove or said stream, or shall therein at any time set any weir
or device to prevent the passage of the fish, shall forfeit ten dollars for each
offence: Provided, that nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to

authorize fishing on Sunday.
13

9S REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

Sec. 33. Every person who shall set or draw any seine or net in said Mill
cove, or off from the mouth thereof to Long Meadow rocks, or from the mouth
thereof to the pond of fresh water which empties into said cove, between the first
day of March and the fifteenth day of June, or who shall take any alewives
from said pond, or streams flowing into said pond, between the first day of
March and the first day of November in any year, shall for each offence forfeit
one hundred dollars and the boats, semes, and other apparatus used in the
commission thereof: Provided, however, that nothing in this chapter shall be so
construed as to prohibit any person from fishing for alewives in said cove, or
stream running from said pond into said cove, with a bowed net not larger than
twelve feet around the mouth of said net, on days other than those excepted

in section thirty-two of this chapter.

Sec. 34. There shall be, between the first day of May and the first day of
August, a weekly close-time extending from Saturday morning at sunrise to Mon-
day morning at sunrise, during which time no fish of any description shall be
taken by weirs, traps, or similar contrivances, from any of the waters of the
coast-line of the state and Narragansett bay. If there be any weir, trap, or
other stationary contrivances used for the purpose of catching or obstructing
the passage of fish in that part thereof where the fish are usually taken, the net-
ting at the mouth of the same shall be floated to the surface of the water so as
to effectually close the mouth thereof during the weekly close-time, so that dur-
ing said time the fish may have a free, unobstructed passage, and no device
shall be placed in any part of said limits which shall tend to hinder such fish
from running up the waters of such rivers. In case the inclosure where the fish
are taken is furnished with a board floor, an opening three feet wide shall be made
extending from the floor to the top of the weir, trap, or other contrivances:

Provided, however, that nothing herein shall be so construed as to apply to the

shad and herring fisheries in the tributaries of Narragansett bay.

Sec. 35. The commissioners of inland fisheries shall have a general super-
vision of all matters relating to the subjects contained in sections eight, ten,
twenty-six, twenty-seven, and thirty-four of this chapter, and may make all
needful regulations to carry out the provisions of said sections, and shall from
time to time examine all the weirs, traps, or other contrivances, with a view of
varrying out such regulations as are most beneficial to the people of the state,
and shall prosecute for the violation of such regulations or for the infringement
of the provisions of any of said sections. They may co-operate with the fish
commissioners of other states, and shall make an annual report to the general
assembly of their doings, with such facts and suggestions in relation to the

object for which they are appointed as they may deem proper. Said commis-

APPENDIX. 99

sioners shall be allowed their actual disbursements made in the execution of
this chapter.

Src. 36. Every person who shall violate any of the regulations made by said
commissioners under the authority of the provisions of the preceding section of
this chapter, or who, during the close-time mentioned in section thirty-four,
shall set any weir,.trap, or contrivances contrary to such provisions, shall be
fined not exceeding one hundred dollars or be imprisoned not exceeding three
months, or both, in the discretion of the court before which the offender shall
be tried.

Sec. 37. All forfeitures under this chapter shall, where there is no other
provision made to the contrary, enure one-half thereof to the use of the town
where the offence shall be committed and one-half thereof to the use of the per-

son suing for the same.

CHAPTER 172.
Of the Fishery of Pawcatuck River.

Section 1. No weir or pound or other obstructions shall be erected or con-
tinued in the channel of Paweatuck river, dividing the states of Rhode Island and
Connecticut, so as to interfere with the main channel of said river, upon penalty
of twenty dollars for the first offence, and seven dollars for every twenty hours
or any less space of time any such weir or other obstruction shall be continued
in the main channel of said river after the first offence.

Sec. 2. No weir or pound shall be erected or continued upon any flat or other
part of the bottom of said river, eastward or westward of the atoresaid channel
of said river, between the first day of June and the twentieth of March, annually,
upon penalty of fourteen dollars for the first offence and seven dollars for every
succeeding day such weir or pound shall be continued in said river, from the
first day of June to the twentieth day of March, annually.

Sec. 3. No person shall fish with mesh or scoop nets in Paweatuck river, or
any of its branches, after sunset on Friday until sunrise on Monday in each week,
from the twentieth day of March to the first day of June, annually, and no per-
son shall use more than one net at a time upon penalty of five dollars for every
offence.

Sec. 4. All penalties incurred for violation of any of the provisions of this
chapter shall enure one-half thereof to the use of the complainant and one-half
thereof to the use of the town where the offence is committed.

Src. 5. The foregoing provisions of this chapter shall be considered as form-

100 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

ing a compact with the state of Connecticut, from which the general assembly
will not depaft until the legislature of the state of Connecticut shall agree with
the general assembly of this state to a repeal thereof, alterations therein, or
additions thereto.

Src. 6. If any owner of land adjoining Pawcatuck river in this state shall
permit any weir, pound, or other obstruction to be erected or continued upon
any flat or bottom of said river, whether done, erected, or continued by him-
self, servant, lessee, or any other person, by his privity or consent, such owner
shall be liable for any such breach or violation of section two of this chapter
in the same manner as though the same had been committed by such owner in

person.

CHAPTER 174.

Of the Inland Fisheries.

*

Section 1. The governor shall appoint seven commissioners of inland fish-
eries, who shall hold their offices for three years and until their successors are
appointed.

Sec. 2. The commissioners of inland fisheries shall introduce, protect, and
cultivate fish in the inland waters of the state, and may make all needful regu-
lations for the protection of such fish, and shall prosecute for the violation of
such regulations and of the laws of the state concerning inland fisheries. (They
may, in their discretion, from time to time, make experiments in planting,
cultivating, propagating, and developing any and all kinds of shell fish; and for
the purpose of so doing may from time to time take, hold, and occupy, to the
exclusion of all others, in one or more parcels, any portions of the shores of the
public waters of the state, or land within the state covered by tide-water at
either high or low tide not within any harbor line, and which is not at the time
of such taking under lease as a private and several oyster fishery: Provided,
that the land so held and occupied at any one time shall not exceed three acres.
Said commissioners upon taking such land shall forthwith give public notice
thereof by advertisement in some newspaper in the county in which said land
is situated, which advertisement shall contain a description of said land; they
shall also forthwith notify the commissioners of shell fisheries of such taking
and shall transmit to them a description of said land, and shall also stake out
or otherwise mark the bounds of said land. Said commissioners may make all
needful regulations for the protection of the land so taken, and of all animal

life and other property within the lines thereof, and shall prosecute the violations

APPENDIX. 101

thereof.) They may co-operate with the fish commissioners of other states,
and they shall make an annual report to the general assembly of their doings,
with such facts and suggestions in relation to the object for which they were
appointed as they may deem proper. Said commissioners, whenever complaint
is made by them, or either of them, for a violation of any regulation made by
them as aforesaid, or for violation of any of the provisions of this chapter or of
chapters 171, 172, and 173, shall not be required to enter into recognizance on
such complaint or become liable for costs thereon.

Src. 3. The said commissioners shall cause a copy of any regulation made
under the authority of the preceding section to be filed in the office of the town
clerk of any town in which any waters stocked with fish, or land occupied for
experiments under the authority of the preceding section and to which such
regulations may apply, may be, and shall also cause a copy of such regulations
to be advertised in some newspaper published in the same county.

Sec. 4. Every person who shall violate any of the regulations made by the
commissioners of inland fisheries under the authority of the provisions of the pre-
ceding three sections, or who shall take any fish, fish-spawn, or any apparatus
used in hatching or protecting fish, from any pond, lake, river, or stream stocked
with or set apart by said commissioners, or by private parties, for the protec-
tion and cultivation of fish with the consent of the town council of the town
where such cultivation is carried on, without the consent of such commissioners,
or, if the cultivation of fish be carried oy by a private party, without the con-
sent of the person cultivating the same, or who shall trespass within the boun-
daries of any land which may be taken and occupied by said commissioners for
their experiments in relation to shell-fish, authorized by section two of this
chapter, shall be fined not exceeding three hundred dollars or be imprisoned
not exceeding six months, or be both fined and imprisoned in the discretion of
the court be fore which the offender shall be tried.

Sec. 5. Every person who shall catch any fish or shall use any seine for catch-
ing fish within half a mile from the mouth or outlet of any fishery set apart as is
herein provided, and within any waters into which the waters of such fishery
are let out, and every person who shall violate any of the provisions of sections
seven, eight, and ten of this chapter, shall forfeit for the first offence the sum
of fifty dollars, and for every subsequent offence shall forfeit one hundred dol-
lars; and in addition to the penalties herein provided shall forfeit all the appa-
ratus by him used in violation of the provisions of this section.

Sec. 6. Each of the commissoners of inland fisheries may, personally or by
deputy, seize and remove, summarily if need be, all obstructions erected to
hinder the passage of migrating fish, or Which are illegally erected to obstruct

or in any way to impede the growth and culture of fish.

102 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

Src. 7. No person shall take or catch fish of any kind from any of the inland
waters of the state, set apart by the commissioners of inland fisheries for the
cultivation of fish, except at such times and in such manner as is hereinafter
provided.

Src. 8. The prohibition of the catching of fish by hook and line, from fisheries
stocked as hereinbefore provided, shall extend and be continued for and during
the term of three years from and after the time when such fishery was first es-
tablished: Provided, however, that fish may be caught through the ice only, and
with hook and hand-line only, in those ponds set apart for the cultivation of
black bass, during the months of December, January, and February, until
the expiration of the aforesaid term of three years.

Sec. 9. After the expiration of said three years no black bass shall be taken
in any waters of this state, except Sneach pond in the town of Cuntberland,
and Moswansicut pond in the town of Scituate, between the first day of March
and the first day of July in each year, nor at any time except by hook and line
as aforesaid. Every person taking any black bass during the time aforesaid, or
in any other manner except by hook and line, shall be fined fifteen dollars for
each black bass so taken, and every person who shall take or have in his or her
possession any black bass less than eight inches in length at any time of the year
shall be fined fifteen dollars for each black bass found in his or her possession;
and possession by any person of any black bass less than eight inches in length,
or during the time aforenamed, shall be evidence that such black bass were taken
in violation of this chapter; but nothing herein contained shall be so construed
as to prohibit the taking and sale of black bass artificially cultivated in pri-
vate ponds at any season of the year.

Sec. 10. After the expiration of said three years no fish shall be taken by any
person from any waters legally set apart by said commissioners for the culti-
vation of shad or salmon, or within one mile of the outlet of the streams so set
apart, except from and after the fifteenth day of April until the fifteenth day
of July, or at any time except by hook and hand-line, or by not less than three-
inch mesh nets or seines.

Sec. 11. One half of the fines and forfeitures recovered for violation of the
provisions of this chapter shall accrue to the complainant and one-half thereof
to the use of the state.

Src. 12. The commissioners of inland fisheries may take fish from the fisheries
hereinbefore referred to, for any purpose connected with fish culture or for
scientific observation.

Sec. 13. Each of said commissioners may, in the discharge of his duties,
enter upon and pass over private property without rendering himself liable in

an action of trespass.

APPENDIX. 103

Sec. 14. The commissioners of inland fisheries shall be allowed their actual

disbursements made in carrying into effect the provisions of this chapter.

CHAPTER 175.
General Provisions for the Protection of Fisheries.

Section 1. Every person who shall throw into or deposit in, or cause to be
thrown into or to be deposited in, any of the public tide-waters of the state or
upon the shores of any such tide-waters any fish-offal or any water impregnated
with fish, unless the same be filtered in such manner as may be determined by
the town council of the town wherein such deposit shall be made, and every
person who shall cause any deleterious substance resulting from the smelting
or manufacture of copper or from other manufactures, or from other sources,
which is destructive to fish or which repels them from coming into the said pub-
lie waters, or which shall do anything which tends to drive them therefrom, to
be emptied, deposited, or run into the said public waters, shall forfeit one hun-
dred dollars.

Src. 2. Every vessel, craft, boat, or floating apparatus employed in the pro-
curing of fish-oil, or in the dressing of bait for the mackerel fisheries, or the
dressing of fish for other purposes, in violation of this chapter, shall be liable
for any forfeiture and costs resulting from prosecution hereunder; and the same
may be attached on the original writ and held, as other personal property at-
tached may be held, to secure any judgment which may be recovered in any ac-
tion brought to enforce any such forfeiture; and any person, upon view of any
offence in violation of this chapter, may seize and detain any vessel, craft, boat,
or floating apparatus, the same to be detained for a period not exceeding’ six
hours.

Sec. 3. Every person who shall boil any menhaden fish, or press any fish
for the purpose of extracting oil therefrom, on board of any vessel on any of the
public tide-waters, shall be fined not exceeding fifty dollars.

Sec. 4. Any person who shall wilfully place any brush, trees, or limbs of
trees in any of the waters of Charlestown pond shall be fined not more than twenty
dollars nor less than five dollars for each offence; and all fines under this section
shall enure one-half thereof to the use of the complainant and one-half thereof

to the use of the town of Charlestown.

104 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

PUBLIC LAWS.

CHAPTER 969.

AN ACT IN SUBSTITUTION OF CHAPTER 857 OF THE PUBLIC LAWS,
PASSED AT THE JANUARY SESSION, A. D. 1901, ENTITLED “AN
ACT FOR THE BETTER PROTECTION OF THE LOBSTER FISH-
ERIES.”’

Section 1. Every person who catches, takes, or has in his or her possession
any lobster less than nine inches in length, measuring from the end of the bone
projecting from the head to the end of the bone of the middle flipper of the tail,
the lobster extended on its back its natural length, and every person who has in
his or her possession any cooked lobster less than eight and three-quarters
inches in length, and every person who has in his or her possession any female
lobster bearing eggs or from which the eggs have been brushed or removed, shall
be fined five dollars for every such lobster; but a person catching or taking
any such live lobster and immediately returning the same alive to the water
from which taken shall not be subject to such fine. The possession of any such
lobster, cooked or uncooked, not of the prescribed length, shall be prima jacie
evidence to convict.

Sec. 2. All lobster pots, cars, and other contrivances used for the catching
or keeping of lobsters shall be plainly marked with the name or names of the
owner or owners. And every person who shall not have his lobster pots, cars,
or other contrivances so marked shall be fined twenty dollars and be imprisoned
not more than thirty days for each such offence. And all pots, cars, and other
contrivances used contrary to the provisions of this section shall be seized by
the officer engaged in the enforcement of this law, and said property shall be
forfeited.

Sec. 3. There shall be, between the fifteenth day of November and the fif-
teenth day of April next succeeding, a close time, during which time it shall be
unlawful.for any person to set or keep, or cause to be set or kept, within any of
the waters of this state, any pots or nets for the catching of lobsters, or to take
any lobsters during such close time. Every person violating any of the provisions
of this section shall be fined twenty dollars and be imprisoned not more than

thirty days for each such offence.

APPENDIX. 105

Sec. 4. No person shall be allowed to set or keep, or cause to be set or kept,
within any of the waters of the state, any pots or nets for the catching of lobsters
who has not had his home and residence in this state for the period of one year
next preceding the time of his catching such lobsters. Every person violating
any of the provisions of this section shall be fined twenty dollars and be im-
prisoned not more than thirty days for each such offence.

Sec. 5. Every person, except the commissioners of inland fisheries and their
deputies, who shall lift or raise any pot or net set for the catching of lobsters,
without the permission of the owner or owners thereof, shall be fined ten dollars
for each such offence.

Sec. 6. Every person who mutilates a lobtser by severing its tail from its
body, or has in his or her possession any such tail or tails of lobsters before such
lobsters are cooked, shall be fined five dollars for each such offence; and in all
prosecutions under this act the possession of any such tail or tails of uncooked
lobsters shall be prima facie evidence to convict.

Sec. 7. The commissioners of inland fisheries shall appoint at least two
deputies, whose duties shall be the enforcing of the provisions of this act. Each
of said deputies appointed as aforesaid shall be, by virtue of his office, a special
constable, and as such deputy may, without warrants, arrest any person found
violating any of the provisions of this act and detain such person for prosecution
not exceeding twenty-four hours. Said deputies shall not be required to enter
into recognizance or become lable for costs.

Sec. 8. For the purpose of enforcing the provisions relative the protection
of lobsters, the commissioners of inland fisheries and their appointed deputies
may search in suspected places, or upon any boat or vessel that they may believe
is used in the catching or transporting of lobsters, and may seize and remove
lobserts taken, held, or offered for sale in violation of the provisions of this act.

Sec. 9. Fines incurred under any of the provisions of this act shall enure one-
half thereof to the use of the complaimant and one-half thereof to the use of the
state.

Sec. 10. ‘The several district courts shall have concurrent jurisdiction with
the common pleas division of the supreme court over all offences under this act,
and to the full extent of the penalties therein specified; parties defendant, how-
ever, having the same right to appeal from the sentences of said district courts
as is now provided by law in other criminal cases.

Sec. 11. Sections eight, nine, and ten of Chapter 171 of the General Laws,
entitled “Of certain fisheries,’ and also Chapters 316 and 857 of the Public
Laws, and all acts and parts of acts inconsistent herewith, are hereby repealed.

Sec. 12. This act shall take effect upon and after its passage.

14

106 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

CHAPTER 1006.
AN ACT IN RELATION TO TRESPASS ON LAND.

Section 1. Whoever shall enter upon the land of another for the purpose
of either shooting, trapping, or fishing when the same shall be conspicuously
posted by the owner or occupant with notices that shooting, trapping, or fishing
is prohibited thereon, or whoever shall without right mutilate, destroy, or re-
move any such notice, shall be fined not exceeding twenty dollars.

Sec. 2. All acts or parts of acts inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed,
and this act shall take effect July Ist, 1902.

CHAPTER 1132.

AN ACT PROHIBITING THE TAKING OF FISH OF ANY SPECIES FROM
THE WATERS OF GORTON’S LAKE, SO-CALLED, IN THE TOWN
OF WARWICK, R. I., BEFORE APRIL 1, 1906.

Section 1. Every person who shall take fish of any species from the waters
of Gorton’s Lake; so-called, in the town of Warwick, before the first day of
April, A. D. 1906, shall be fined not exceeding one dollar for the first offence,
and not to exceed ten dollars for each subsequent offence.

Sec. 2. This act shall take effect immediately.

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