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State of Abode Island and Providence Plantations.

THIRTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES,

GENERAL ASSEMBLY
AT ITS

ie NA oie LON, 1902.

7 PROVIDENCE:
E, L. FREEMAN & SONS, PRINTERS TO THE STATE.
1902.

COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES OF RHODE ISLAND.

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LDN Va RO Ole whreasUuneire sae ooo ie Eee ee Providence, R.
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CHAS: Wy Wy oy AgR Date s:..d a Reta eae ke cine voeayale Pe Westerly, R.
ADELBERT D. BOBERIS .:..:-.5. ...P. O. Box 264, Woonsocket, R.
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REPORT.

To the Honorable the General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island
and Providence Plantations, at its January Session, 1902 :

The Commissioners of Inland Fisheries herewith present their
annual report for the year 1901:

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.

Second. The collection of definite data respecting the times of
arrival and departure of various food-fishes, and the preparatron
of statistics of exportation.

Third. The location of fish-traps within the waters of Narra-
gansett Bay, and the collection of statistical date bearing upon
their ownership. i

Fourth. Experiments resulting in a new method of hatching
flat-fish eges.

Fifth. Further investigation of the red-water plague.

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

Seventh. A continuance of the survey of the shores of the Bay,
for the purpose of determining those portions which are most
productive of young seed-clams.

Tighth. A continued investigation of the life-history of the
clam. Methods of artificial propagation and cultivation.

Ninth. Experiments in lobster-culture.

4 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

Tenth. The efforts of the commission to prevent the illegal
taking of short lobsters.
Eleventh. Preparation of an exhibit at the Pan-American Ex-

position.

Your commission felt keenly the death of Governor Gregory.
He took a genuine interest in the work of the commission, not
only in his official capacity, but personally as a resident of the
State and the town of Wickford, where the laboratory is located.

Five years ago your commission undertook a systematic survey
of the marine animals of Narragansett Bay, for the purpose of
gaining an accurate first-hand acquaintance with them and the
conditions in which they live. It was believed that this proced-
ure would in time prove to be of direct benefit to the fishing in-
dustries, which are of great importance in this State. In this
work we have had the support of your honorable body, in gener-
ous appropriations which have been spent carefully, and for which
returns have been made each year in the form of investigations of
the problems which seemed most to need solution. We have en-
joyed, also, the hearty cooperation of the residents of the State,
especially of the fishermen, and this has added much to the efti-
ciency of our efforts.

The plan of the scientific work was laid out by Dr. H. C. Bumpus,
who directed it for four years. His resignation from the commis-
sion, made necessary by his removal to New York, we cordially
regret.

The first laboratory of your commission was a small house-boat,
located in the Kickemuit river. In 1899 an old scow was pur-
chased, refitted, and moored in Mill Cove, at Wickford. Those
two crude structures served their purpose well and proved be-
yond a doubt that the floating laboratory—though a novel scheme
—was superior in many respects to a more elaborate plant on shore.
They were, however, inadequate to the increasing demands of the
work; indeed, it was quite Impossible to keep them afloat. The
second house-boat—the scow—is now on shore at Wickford, and

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REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

serves as a most valuable adjunct to the main laboratory. The
house upon it has been extended, and furnishes room for sleeping-
quarters, and for storing apparatus, etc.

A new structure was built and launched in 1900. This house-
boat laboratory has met all expectations, and is satisfactory in
every respect.

The new house-boat laboratory was built by the Providence Dry
Dock Company, in April, 1900, and is a thoroughly staunch craft.
A brief description of it is as follows: There are two pontoons,
52 feet long, 4 feet wide, and 4 feet deep, of three-inch hard pine,
completely decked with two-inch hard pine; each pontoon has
three bulk-heads and four water-tight compartments accessible by
hatches. The pontoons are placed 8 feet apart and securely fast-
ened together by cross-beams and knees at each end, and are
painted all over, having copper paint below. A house 10x10
feet is located at each end of the boat, with floors of two-inch
hard pine, and with roof, sides, doors, shelves, and closets of
North Carolina pine. They are painted white outside, and fin-
ished in natural wood inside. The roof, 7 feet from the floor, is
covered with canvas and painted. The well between the pontoons
is open from one house to the other for a distance of 20 feet, and
under the houses is accessible through hatches in the floors. The
more exact measurements and proportions are given in the accom-
panying drawing smade to scale. In drawing number 4 the struc-
ures under the house are shown at one end, while in the other we
_ have a ground plan of the floor. The craft is secured at one end
by two mushroom anchors, placed about thirty feet apart, from
which cables are brought together into a swivel, then through the
ring of the swivel is passed a galvanized-iron chain which is made
fast to bits on either side of the house. By this arrangement the
strain upon each anchor is mainly in one direction, and the boat
is always headed into the wind without swinging as if would if the
chains were attached to one bit. At the side of the house-boat
booms are rigged, to which the small boats may be tied. One or
more floats are also usually attached to the house-boat, in order

6 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

to furnish additional room for the hatching-cars. An awning may
be spread between the roofs of the two houses on a gas-pipe frame,
which can easily be removed. This laboratory serves as the head-
quarters for the scientific work of the commission. Excursions
are frequently made to other parts of the Bay in the small naphtha
launch which was bought two years ago, and which has proved to
be very serviceable and satisfactory, although it is not large enough
to go with safety outside the Bay. It has been absolutely essen-
tial to much of the work in the clam experiments.

During the past season the efforts of the commission have been
directed mainly to perfecting the methods of clam and lobster-
culture, and have met with greater success than was expected.
For the first time, lobsters have been reared from the newly-
hatched fry and carried through the winter; and the invention of
a practical method of rearing them through the early critical
period to the fourth stage is an important step. A considerable
advance has been made in the experimental propagation of clams.

Your commission believes that the State is now beginning to be
benefited in a practical way by the results of the investigations
on the clam and the lobster, and that further benefits will accrue.
The investigation of the red water is being extended, as well as
other systematic collections of data on the physical and biological
conditions of the waters of the Bay. ‘

An exhibition illustrative of the work of the commission was
prepared and sent to the Pan-American Exposition, at Buffalo,
and was awarded a gold medal.

An attempt has been made to enforce the law prohibiting the
taking of short lobsters, and has necessitated the expenditure of a
considerable sum of money in defraying the expenses of the depu-
ties. The usual work of restocking the streams and rivers with
fish has been carried on in the ordinary manner and with good
effect. Taken all together, the results of the past year have been
of exceptional value.

The receipts and disbursements of the commission have been as
follows :

6 lights in
end windows.
8 KIS

ELEVATION SHOWING PECK HOUSES END VIEW SHOWING PONTOONS AND
AND PARTITIONS IN PONTOONS. METHOD OF BRACING.

FLOATING LABORATORY

OF
R.}. COMMISSION OF INLAND FISHERIES

SCALE a !

PLAN SHOWING LOCATION OF BULKHEADS,PLAN OF DECK HOUSE AND BRACING.

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REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

State of Rhode Island in Account with Commissioners of Inland Fisheries.

1900. Dr.
Deeieal. “Lo balance due CoOmMMISSIONETS../....). 22400000 os. cae ttn $84 69
1901.
Oct. 22. To paid for 32,000 yearling trout, and distributing
S12) 40 Ea nig eS Oe a eg 812 15
Dec. 31. To expenses of laboratory on lobster, clam, flat-fish,
ANGUS CHILO Pretec s Sete Ale a citatcen ts ates eet eee cae 1,347 06
To expenses of deputy commissioners under new lob-
SEV OS EN 6 as cine ae Be Oe Re ee are ei ee rms 1,511 81
fo printing, stationery, and postage...... ..2.:...... 96 00
Fo mlantines shad. 2.125: 0008.4 4 +8142. 24 aes deg wassee 2 16 50
Ho expenses Of COMmMissioners).... 02. ..2.. 6.255. 764 48

1901. CR.

Jan. Jo ob Cash front State Ereasurer .ec;.. «scales fas. ins $2 35
2 “S mea We hecctace tes cian glaaeate Then me cosy tere 19 50
oe ss Gai ater trea fore cach Urorateue che cs 91 C4
es ae SS PL Reese SPacer ance crea hie Res ote 32 00

March 13. me * Bee ute Pd havea cia ee sinh ene ey Hoe 11 25

April 2. ee “ Bord ® LE Mm chitin hota ern steers 16 50
cS or SEM T fates SIOOR RC ee 12 03
a Ye Hie Meno oat ob oco eon 75 00
= a fe ah roe Stas chawats ictet uve mec Eas 72 68
ot Ss Pere Ws Re Mewar nets neesieaie ooh aeons 100 00
ss ei Fees “capra Setth ares Sets RA ee 45 00
a he Pe Ne BAC etches reach erence Shoe ey 22 52

3 = Rs Spe \Siansiataren He tohe ale ato a NEN 8 60
9 Bt + re SNARRS eds hie shad Steere 4 00
ie eS Re (Mak inaphe dousuc Sted mca. cuahecr ey: 5 80
cs ve I, Mearns gs Rea MeICRe eer ete te dT 92

May 2 ‘a " BED la Rebs ccna talc ait era he, aia Peete 0 00

< * CEN a5 it hare SNe tar oe 8 Se RASA METSS so 9 00

4 “s Oe McA N RS Scrat furattan sea Ae SoA aa Ot 6 20

9 i us SO aE ee ae tohee retested Gs ePereseeny Ses 2 00

June 4. ss as REVAL | PSRERIRS WN cinta cans see ape 60 56

1901.
June 4,
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Aug. 1.

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Sept. 3.

Oct” iL:

' REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

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REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES,

1901.
Oct. 21. By cash from State Treasurer.....................5-- 800 00
Novy. i a MS Sr ih Uae apap chic Focciot oh sey si eaensh Soo © Sraserohs 49 00
GG ee SSM s asiayets Cec aciarers aicts weeroh ame, « 76 55
OG = Eos 1 SS ce Vc uexsmuamekensrsave tke tshectiayp erst a's 65 00
12 ot SE lle aie OA Rec oo Pe RA Cialis 40 00
18 “6 ‘e EEA MOLI RLY BTL 127 91
Dec. 6 se x ESOS] vthaed vahy MewetyslRis poe ceca 74 05
WY $s LUE Bags ercacichn Bios 6 ea cine CIC encore 52 50
a es UE ie | as Abo DNOOROC NY CLEC COE 67 35
12 Bc 6 Moh. vovnte Dtuaid Waves hesya tone aha = 15 00
se “s Ce erie oe Seas Esc ere 77 81
Sie. By Dalance die;COMMISSIONGLS 1.6.2 ci. ete ete ci wee tess 37 07
MMBitey ee tio ce Aah nicks Ae ao cierto mama hiias vs te ore eam le eR em aiey Fe PARDO eROO

I. Tuer Srockinc oF ouR PoNnDS AND STREAMS WITH SUITABLE
FrREsH-WATER FisoH, THrouGH THE DISTRIBUTION OF EaGs
AND. FRY.

Trout.

The commission has purchased, during the past year, and
planted in the several streams of the State, 32,000 yearling trout.
Good catches of trout have frequently been reported by the fish-
ermen.

Shad.

The commission has received from the United States Fish Com-
mission, through the courtesy of the Hon. George M. Bowers, the
following shipments of shad fry: June 4, 1901, 2,125,000, which
were distributed as follows: 350,000 in the Pawtuxet river, 700,-
000 in Runnins river, and 1,075,000 in Palmer river at the shad
factory. The trap fishermen made good catches of shad in the
early parts of the spring, both in Palmer river and in Runnins
river. Several complaints were made to the commissioners that
the length of the leaders of some of these traps was too great, and
the owners were promptly notified and shortened the leaders.

10 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

Large-Mouth Black Bass.

The restocking of ponds and streams with this species has been
attended with gratifying success. In all waters in which they
have been placed the results have amply repaid the small outlay.

Paweatuck river, from Niantic dam to tide-water, now affords
good fishing, where formerly it produced no food-fishes of any
practical value. During the past season it has been the rule rather
than the exception for the mill-hand to make a catch of several of
these fish after finishing his day’s work.

Through the courtesy of the United States Fish Commission a
consignment of three hundred yearlings, averaging five inches in
length, were received in November and placed in the preserve near
Wood River Junction, for the future use of the Rhode Island com-
mission in restocking other waters.

The commission received, on November 13, 1901, from the United
States Fish Commission, another consignment of two hundred and
fifty. These were planted in Quidnick reservoir, and in Skinflint
and Hospital ponds. The commissioners believe that the large-
mouth and small-mouth black bass are steadily growing in favor
as an edible fish as well as a game fish, and expect soon to be able
from their own resources to plant both kinds in the waters of the
State, not already stocked, which are suited to them.

Alewives.

Mr. G. A. Griffin, of Wakefield, reports that for fifty years the
alewife fishery has been carried on in Rhode Island. During the
last thirty years, the importance of the industry has been consid-
erable—not because of the greater abundance of fish, but because
of the greater efforts in catching and preserving them. During
the present year, 3,189 barrels have been prepared for export, and
perhaps a hundred barrels have been sold to the local markets.
A great part of these are taken in Point Judith pond, although
from three to five hundred barrels came from Narrow river.
There are at present about six different parties in Rhode Island

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 11

who pack these fish for export.’ Most of the product is bought by
New York wholesale dealers and shipped to the West. Indies.
The average price per barrel during the last year was $3.75—
somewhat smaller than that of tlhe year before.
The method of preparation of the alewives is briefly as fol-
lows: They are put into the strongest possible brine for twenty-
four to forty-eight hours. They are then turned over and stirred
and left two days, then handled again in the same way and left
for two days longer. At the end of a week they are ready to be
packed in barrels. They are packed as closely as possible—about
two hundred pounds to a barrel—and a large amount of salt
placed on the top. As the barrels must be specially made, and as
nearly two bushels of salt are used for each barrel of fish, the

profit in this fishing is smaller than might be at first expected.

II. A Conzuection oF Derrinitre Data RESPECTING THE TIMES OF
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE OF VARIOUS Foop-FISHES, AND STA-
TISTICS OF EXPORTATION.

The following table gives the amounts of the monthly exports
of fish, lobsters, and sword-fish shipped from Newport in the year
1901 by regular transportation lines:

Fish, Lobster, No. of
Barrels. Barrels. Sword-fish.
SMB Ver ten sont ok ado wats ease Tee: 598 236
BU CEGUU Yost sete bie igh hotece e dienhon at. 289 243
WRG) 1 Seth oo crete oda SOR Pr Oe a EL RES 31 340
JSS UTS Bia A a on oR aa 149 296
Miempeee secre). Ao eae ce) de ait) 16,776 444 1
J WUIGS Seton ene SEOs co ek ieee 19,034 499 20
ARTI LER eth ae An nega iar eRe eee 4,815 792
CSU BG oy 25 ote Mea Se Bete fope days cag yank bon) or eae 4,471 : 922
“SIEYC] RES 01] US) ee Cepia ay aE A ee Leola 213
MO CHOWEI Se Esler: Socata oe ee cn) 2A O24: 184
INOWEIMDCD Searels Sate re ae oe : 575 106
GCA reweeett So ae asec aed oi eS. 661 118

bo
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ARCO} SH Ieee ©. aR te RPO ae ee eT 50,500 4,393

12 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

The following is a table showing the shipment of fish, lobsters,
and sword-fish by the principal transportation lines from Newport
during the last eleven years :

Fish, Lobster, No. of
Barrels. Barrels. Sword-fish.
PSB face 5. cove Sechs a RRS etal ars tetova sace eu tiene fe 18,032 2,204
HSE Drncpcrt ixcthn ups aca ens Pact el adn cree eee ce 26,832 2,123
WS Bes ge i Pe ice sos es rakele es stetteos eregens Sites) Sacre ts 24,452 1,899
SOS serer. «infers Poca ech tan omer eae cette os Cees See | dltistoul 2,392
MSO eee csnoycate = Sie ep cteineiew ebotarete tN siaiexe apentens 24,622 2,119
UBS OG Bras eroteee ut ce tuens a vekevacevauor ete iaye Seber oes 38,064 2,115 148
PEON as Seopa teh cust sie ee Suclars coeecreMoneNa lene 25,098 2,039 45
BOS eFepray tae ee arorctele ere eo katara Nideveusis haut 34,065 1,165 74
ite}? |} reise Eaton Carte Orrechowr.o.d aes OU 384,917 4,143 162
OOO Aetis cele. meee ye sore rat een ta ee 38,184 4,793 166
MOOS mages ereiccin Sere oR creitet = sioicl rs © 50,500 4,395 21
MOCA lea SG secs eRe te artes oats 327,627 28,823 611

Bay Fishing.

The early fishing for tautog was exceptionally good this year.

A few small “tinker” mackerel were taken in the upper part of

the Bay, above Gaspee Point, which is very unusual.

Menhaden.

The menhaden have been extremely numerous in Narragansett
Bay during the summer, great numbers of them having come into
the upper parts of the Bay and died for one reason or another.

InWickford there were many schools throughout the greater part
of the summer, and sometimes were so numerous about the house-
boat that they mand#ged to flop over into the cars which contained
the young lobster fry.

Blue Fish.

During the early part of the season, the blue fish were observed
in enormous numbers in the Bay, and on one or two occasions the

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 13

schools extended over immense areas, as observed by one of the
fishermen in crossing from Wickford to Conanicut Point.

TIl. Tae Location or Fiso-Trars 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. In the reports for
1899 and 1900, revised lists of these traps and their owners were
published, and during the past season traps have again been
located, as will be seen in the following chart. A list of the
principal owners of the fish-traps is here given, together with the
localities in which the traps are set, as follows:

INSIDE TRAPS.

xa pany abe tke Cs (OOO Pes a: oar) ake eh cea ait 25, ae etopanen nse Sakonnet river.
Erownell bolrie ota ie is. West shore, Sakonnet river.
1 SCA ah ALONG [oye 0 LSM Pepa ey a ee Rumstick Point.
Warpanter) BEOS". fy.4 oss taist vogscnavelals S. Ferry wharf, Saunderstown.
(CHET OCS EITT SI Hpk 6 oO ee a ERE UR OCI ei a Beaver Head.
@alvertyGeo). x.2-2. 5... + Ken Les Aon ANS AN Sg 6 Spouting Rock.
Worey. Wid A(000)) 2282). yee one Lower west shore, Sakonnet river.
Corner (OO0)he acl eens < Lower west shore, Sakonnet river.
Corey, George and Martin (00)........ East shore, Sakonnet river.
Corey, George and Martin (00)... Lower east shore, Sakonnet river.
Corey and Seabury 23.2 ...202c0 Upper west shore, Sakonnet river.
CEH ciao Is Se ene fo) pear eaten ge eg or en N. Popasquash Point.
igi v8) TL RSS es TE AE Sean ee aR N. Popasquash Point.
(OYOLIUEH 2S. es Reema Man ra N. Popasquash Point.
@ tire se gr s ee sir Ne eee ad Oy _... W. Mount Hope.

* The three ciphers signify triple traps, and two ciphers double traps.

14 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

CastralloS s gic asin BEE aR ss ee eee eee S. Mount Hope.
Gobirell; . Wim s 5 lve diehilieeds Hh es, haere nese Tiverton.
Catrall. Wrae(00) 5 isu ctetk ssi oto al ace t VeRO ene Tiverton.
POG WNIS, WEA ten uit. 6k betes oe Upper east shore, Sakonnet river.
GANG; (9.7 Pian. Kew es hs ee eee ee eee Rumstick.
Hastorbrooks, Comer (00) i: <i. twas cna ce cee eee Price’s Neck.
Bish wClnvote tees bw te ae ae ree eae ee eos Tiverton.
Pir. linha (0).5 22 iA cack wow chee ee Gua ee eos Tiverton.
(adding (A4 Bigs otis oot se ces sareate yy cee Castle Hill, South.
Asad ding: (ATS 7.2008 oo aati as as vas hcceu-teiagete Coddington Cove.
MEP AV GA, ae en die ele te tte eS East shore, Sakonnet river.
LAA E MRC OLLO Blas! engi ats eek eines ee West shore, Sakonnet river.
Gray, Georee Bi, (000) .k0 oki ck West shore, Sakonnet river.
itn TAT eCOnCe) E,W tk susie Satie haces West shore, Sakonnet river.
Grayereorce B (O00 esc sie 0% oe amt isese serie tie Ses eapee ts Prudence.
Prins Chavon sc, 5 ee: ah ee ae Samet hae eae Watson’s Pier.
PP AEV OY COHATION po. o88 <2: tess SOR el od Bee Beware ome West shore.
Petcear, Henry (000): ...0%). senso aoe West shore, Sakonnet river.
1a iret 7 62) 6 © ee ee ee ee Ee se: Castle Hill, South.
Panes “ATHOLA See. ts he latinargee Cea N. Coddington’s Cove.
P ames: AWNOIG). oc. % sos He x cha e ieee eee Conanicut, Potter’s Cove.
Rayeds Brayton os. 2 56) oc ees 6 Nee rtigs SUR evn ale aN Prudence.
BAe ie ravGOn y= ici cks 30 qk Atenas Cie ces a ee ee Prudence.
eV) SPAY UON. 4. tr, An vtec Oe bars eee week EER ee TE Een Prudence.
seins (AS 2 eats a tees aca eet East shore, Sakonnet river.
Lake, Isaac..... SPI Maes a Mette oa ast < Seen NTA Pete there Conanicut.
MUO SAAC: Senate teas ahs ee ost e a te es Ge NA ae Sin ace MR Conanicut.
Migke, sane. node a6 ut bhon teeta ee wea (uonset Point.
WOR (SEs 02 elated itis orlee dares oe Mackerel Cove.
Pep EO Tis WY DIGS codices otha ais oe cra esl Rots. «Oca Mackerel Cove.
rwiton Ba) oa Jo. o.oo 54 oe teas Seats tet ae Castle Hill, South.
WS AIRY UOTE, Ne) cE 5 hes cvzyaud ales 4 Siheeotelads ace eae rie ks siete Brenton’s Cove.
Divs Bros? Joss: fk 5 Ste. roster eee Plum Beach.
WT ESTO 6 siesta sx5.siatoh a she det ae eee cela eae Plum Beach.

Sue wIS MTOR: ahd see athlete a eae Wild Goose Point:

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 15

JUtehirats) JETECS sce eeehe. ie rar ot oe ote aS ee Sauga Point.
Me wmicmbatas sere. sieht Ah. POSS: hes oe fas Dutch Island Harbor.
Berge ETON Fanti PUNE HY rien le os ies ald Conanicut.
Rests NOG PAE es chee ara trace shad Bn 95S 'els a Sue aad Conanicut.
DiS SWAG MBS WISI Ok Sr SRI eat e Big ae PSP nei Aone er A 8 Conanicut.
esas VV AL (OOO) Pas acige ts ames aie (si West shore, Sakonnet river.
Hes wala pulley Seas cottage Bat Y sine tw in-ajhs Gee era ake o8 Fogland Point.
Wier demm WO SCStys oni cine mee at alco aici nyo aero 6 caeln o Ae 8 Me rele Apponaug.
aM OMMGLOlensin rate ena bee silos Sarak htete oe Apponaug.
Manchester & Grinnell.............. West shore, Sakonnet river.
Weanehescers Wamiol- st. s wena. ss ed tes ohne es (uonset Point.
Manchester, Grinnell i ao8 yates seed 2 ks bk Sakonnet river.
TM HESTON ELA aa ae ea ar nn a PA Pali PD ti Nea) Fox Hill.
Mittele leer Lith eR ee Sek ye A Dutch Island Harbor.
JN DREAMS eB CHANEY gs eee pe Cee PC nem nn eA Mount Hope.
Pele ors COLMOLS. ct ocikite. Sata uin al a5 Sssetare clsjatg a's area Mount Hope.
iS G12 rrr ops 8 Laagate’ Nee de ie Oa eae te One ROL Re ag Beaver Tail.
Hee mee cet ctrl tae te SN, Ste Skat, ny eR) eM Hope.
meee Ener OO bts ior mee dity ouput ey ahtune rss SO GUN ee Warwick.
Iemsem@nas- (OO) co). fidis alas aero oe See es East shore, Sakonnet river.
JEW SySGi LG EC WaRA a AIAN Ee ie Ol ee SE Spar Island.
MVASe, GeO. aoe f 6 ste Saite etch sya apenas Mount Hope, east.
BN GSOMMN GOs ote a etle get cee: ... West shore, Sakonnet river.
Hose, Hdand Sam: (000)... 01s. s East shore, Sakonnet river.
Huse, Mae and: Satin do... ks wee sok East shore, Sakonnet river.
SONS: re) OU asta ain aye ica sth ts ect ele ana Upper Sakonnet river.
Baier dap NN een eteeeearntnscicta tac Se sake is Serco Dutch Island Harbor.
Be iinlmm ee Warn laters agen st saa, Cavs anit wert ter oh bo tei Fox Hill, north.
nS uum eel VIS a lel RR Ara te be Prudence.
SSS Oi a Ns en eee mR Chippanogsett.
"5 ISTS Ce Soe ee cot CON LO a Chippanogsett.
Oa Sa) nr AGA cage IR CIAO Gee Tera cia Siar Gers Aolelele te Tiverton.
A Dorr ear23), 1 Bae een aM array A es toh oe a a aca ee Sree Beaver Tail.
A oUTI nero plegataeyect: (i Seeataah ean Wa Aft Ya i ganaey ...Beaver Head.

MOTE OOOH = Pe EMA Cl cA VS WS Ma Meas ac Ata teloes o Wig Bush Neck Cove.

16 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

Walco: Ralph. hoc. 5. ext eek eee East shore, Sakonnet river.
Wileox, Ralph.....: 5 eT ae oa hoon East shore, Sakonnet river.
Walcom Malohs "9. 2.25 OP A East shore, Sakonnet river.
Diets HAS ae tk ma Se eee ere ye Potowomut Rocks.
Raison). Al. (O00) 8 ook icone a skis ch ee ‘Prudence.
Miilson Ads B29 ee RT wie ace teas ere eran a es Pojac.
Sea Traps.
Briokiman, Wedel. aut sone ea eee ee Off Seal Rock.
Brightman, W.J....... et EO ate ee Off Coggeshall’s Ledge.
Brownell, Sohne.) .ce votes Gaeta e eee Seal Rock, south.
Brownell Jonni. 3 3 +s oe ees Pee ee South Cormorant Rock.
Church 4D eT A(00),; xccahene nae eee ee South Sakonnet Light.
burch), Ps ece's.50 45.0 ee ne ope Ce eee Off Seal Rock.
Ghigwohi, $0 axe cama satire eerie eee ae Off Coggeshall’s Ledge.
Cech OS Poise. cps oe se ee ee South Cormorant Rock.
Gharel GOs 4.3 3. eek tt Eee eee ee Off Cormorant Rock.
Ghunchiend: (Bisco oe. ee ve i a eee Oe West Sakonnet Light.
Cook; Chas. (WO) 22. 52.5 ant = ae eee eee North Sakonnet Light.
Gray, Bey sb hie) clue foo sens eae Sakonnet Light.
Gray sObas. 2.62 Teed knee i eee ree North Sakonnet Point.
ROHS) ARDS. site Seen thsis oe ee Ot .....Sakonnet Point.
Bases Wil ve es osteo eeetes Off Coggeshall’s Ledge.
Bose; Wan. Bist die <c yd d Cae cowie ae gee ee Off Seal Rock.
Thonipson, (Noa) 2% 60)h spe ake eee ee Off Seal Rock.
Wait, benjes ps ad aap ta Se nee eee eee North Sakonnet Point.
Wilcox Wi rants: z:iyul5h0,0 2 5 Pee ee eee eee Off Sakonnet.
Walco. Prankers 002204 3.0 Gh) eee ee Sakonnet Point.
Wileox, Hialplincer se core. teers ere South Cormorant Rock.
Walco. Grinnell & Cone «) 2c: s es eee eee Sakonnet Point.

TV. Exprerments Resuttinc In A New Merson or HatTcHine
Friat—Fiso Eaas.

The success which attended experiments in keeping star-fish,
clams, lobsters, and various other marine animals in cars at the

NARRAGANSETT BAY.

Showing the Location of Fish Traps for 1901.

PREPARED BY THE

Rhode Island Commission of Inland Fisheries
to accompany Report for 1901.

of Ash
Sisson\ ;
Sisson§ @_/\lilson Cottrell

rp)

Lake.
e

O le OVanchester
a Lewis Bros.

3 . Corey & Seabury

oy
Lewis Gros. tA_® WL eawis
Manchester Grinnell

Lewis Bros.

Lewis Bras\@

Tourjee

Carpenter

Wilcox @ pst &,

alvert
terbrook @Srnghtman J Church @

@ foseW.
e@ Church

e
Churc® 3DChurch

Brightman.

en eo a

| neem Ae mon nan sony ernment a

‘| go.

Sop ema? ® a)
hui ws Ad zedorhs, >

wre 2
Fk PAL

e = "tk
a ie...
= IA Tae

ae ee eat ana.

5. ee

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. Iu

house-boat suggested that it might be possible to hatch the eggs
of the flat-fish without the use of such apparatus as is usually
found in the hatching-stations; and accordingly a few prelimi-
nary experiments were made during the latter part of March, at
Wickford. The flat-fish were stripped in the usual way, and the
eges thus obtained were put into shallow cars, the bottoms of
which were covered with fine-mesh wire screen in some instances,
and in others with the scrim which was used in hatching lobsters.
These cars simply floated on the surface of the water; and the
eggs, having been fertilized, were left in the cars without further
care. The results showed that this extremely simple method was
very effective, for the flat-fish were hatched in large numbers,
and apparently the only eggs which went bad were those which
were allowed to remain sticking together in masses of considera-
ble size.

The invention of so simple a method of hatching flat-fish eggs
makes it possible to establish stations at almost any place where
the water is comparatively quiet; and it may be possible to devise
similar apparatus for hatching the ege's of other fishes.

V. FurtHer INVESTIGATION OF THE RED-WATER PLAGUE.

The annual recurrence of the so-called “red water” in Narra-
gansett Bay, and the wholesale destruction of fish, shrimp, crabs,
and other animals which seems to be associated with its occurence,
has led us to make a special effort to ascertain the life-history of
the Peridinium, the animal which has been shown to be responsi-
ble for the red water, and to ascertain, if possible, how the disas-
trous effects are brought about. Accordingly, this whole problem
has been assigned to Mr. E. W. Barnes, who has had considerable
training in this particular line of work, and already valuable data
have been brought together. It seems best, however, not to
publish more than a report of the progress at this time, as the
investigation will require one or more years and will appear in a

subsequent report.
3

18 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

VI. THe CONTINUED EXAMINATION OF THE PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGI-
CAL CONDITIONS OF THE WATERS OF THE Bay, BEGUN IN 1898.

During the past season a daily record was kept of the density
and temperature of the water; a daily record of the microscopic
plants and animals taken at the surface of the water with a fine
tow-net; and also miscellaneous notes regarding other physical
and biological conditions—all of which are preserved for future
reference.

Mr. George A. Griffin, of Wakefield, has informed the commis-
sion of some interesting facts concerning the results to the oyster
and clam industry which followed the opening of the breach into
Point Judith pond, early in the summer 1901. Formerly, before the
breach{was closed, oysters and clams were abundant in this pond—
the clams growing to remarkable size, while the oysters were
stunted. When the breach remained closed for a considerable time,
the water became so fresh that all of the lobsters and clams were
killed; and this was the condition of things in the early part
of 1901. During the spring, My. Griffin planted a number of
oysters and clams in the pond after the breach had been
opened, in the hope that the canal which was to be built dur-
ing the summer would keep the breach permanently open. The
canal has been dug, and oysters and clams have set abundantly
throughout the whole pond. A sample of the oysters is shown in

the accompanying figure.

VII. A ConTINUANCE OF THE SURVEY OF THE SHORES OF THE Bay,
MADE FoR THE PurPosE oF DETERMINING THOSE PORTIONS
Wuicu are Mosr PropuctTivE oF YOUNG SEED-CLAMS.

Many miles of the shore were examined for seed-clams, and, as
will be seen in the next chapter, very many were very thick in
certain localities. The data collected from year to year in this
way will be valuable in the future work of the commission. One

This figure is reproduced from a life-size photograph, and represents a sample of the newly-set
oysters taken from Point Judith pond by Mr. George A. Griffin. The small specimens are seen to be very
thickly scattered over the surface of the large oyster shell, and the larger specimens below and to the
left represent oysters which have set on the widgeon grass. The under surface of these oysters bears a
deep groove made by the growing of the shell around the spear of grass.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 19

general conclusion seems to be warranted, namely, that the
especially productive areas are not the same from year to year.

VIIL. A Contrinvrep INVESTIGATION OF THE LirEe-HISTORY OF THE
Ciam. Mertruops or ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION AND CULTIVA-
TION.

This investigation has been continued, with the laboratory at
Wickford as headquarters, and experiments have been conducted
in other parts of the Bay. The work this year has been based
upon the observations and experiments made during the two
previous years upon the natural history of this shell-fish. Your
honorable body granted permission to this commission to have
for experiment three acres of land between high and low tide, on
which to conduct experiments on a larger scale than was hereto-
fore warranted by our knowledge of the methods of clam-culture ;
and an account of the same will appear in the following pages.
In this work the commission had the co-operation of the United
States Fish Commission, and has been the recipient of many
courtesies from gentlemen owning land bordering the shores.

In the following paper will be found the results of the investi-
gations of the past season.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE SOFT-SHELL CLAM.
(THIRD PAPER.)

A. D. MEAD.

In the spring of 1898, the Rhode Island Commission of In-
land Fisheries began its investigation of the natural history of the
soft-shell clam (J/ya arenaria).. It was the purpose of this inves-
tigation to ascertain by systematic observation and continued
experiments the life-history and habits of this shell-fish, on the
principle that the facts thus ascertained would furnish the most
secure foundation for a practical method of artificial clam-culture,
or would discover a way of replenishing the shores, without re-
sorting to the expedient of leasing to private parties.

An account of these researches is given in detail in the reports
of 1898, 1899, and 1900; and during the season of 1901 the effort
has been to apply the information thus gained. Of the many
problems which presented themselves to be solved by systematic
investigation were the following :

What is the breeding season ?

How, when, and where are the eggs laid; and what are the
habits of the young fry before they set and begin to burrow ?

What is the rate of growth of the clams after they have set?

At what age do they breed ?

What are the natural enemies of the clam ?

What is the food of the clam ?

Without repeating the account of the investigations of these
problems, as they are recorded in the previous reports, we may

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. Dili

very briefly summarize some of the results which have been found
of special service because of their practical application.

SuMMARY OF NATURAL HISTORY.

The breeding season was found to be, for the most part, in June,
though it begins in May and ends in July. Clams spawn to some
extent also in other months, but in comparatively small numbers.
In the early spring (April) a meagre set is sometimes found, which,
from the uniform size of the specimens, seems to represent a
definite breeding season, probably in the late autumn. This set
is so sparse that it can hardly be considered to be of any economic
importance. (Report for 1899, page 23; report for 1900, pages 22
and 23.)

The sexes of the clam are separate. The eggs are of micro-
scopic size and are laid in inconceivably great numbers wherever
adult clams abound, being extruded without any means of protec-
tion into the sea-water, where they are fertilized. The young larvze
which develop from these eggs are swimming animals of micro-
scopic size also, and are carried by the tides and scattered in every
direction until, after a period of several days (the exact duration
is not known), they strike upon some object like sea-weed, stones,
or the ground itself, and become attached by an apparatus ex-
actly comparable to the anchor-threads of the common mussel.
But, although the spat is everywhere present in the water, the
density of the set along the shore is very unequally distributed ;
so that in one area the little clams may be found in great abun-
dance, while in other areas, not far off, very few are to be found. It
is also true that these areas which are most favorable for catching.
the spat are often not favorable for the future growth of the clams.
The significance of these peculiarities of the young clam for the
future of the clam industry cannot be overestimated. (Report
for 1899, pages 23 to 27.)

The problem of the rate of growth of the clams after they have
set has received a large amount of attention, on account of its

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

obvious practical value, and the results are given, illustrated by
numerous photographs, in the reports for 1899 and 1900. The rate
of growth varies greatly according to the locality, and the varia-
tion can be referred back still further to two general conditions :
Ist, the position of the individual clams as regards comfortable
surroundings ; and 2nd, of more importance, the position in rela-
tion to the abundance of food-supply. In certain localities, and
at certain depths of water, the average food-supply is greater than
at others. Moreover, the longer the water covers the clams, the
longer time they can feed; for they derive all of their food from
the water, and can take it only when they are submerged. Other
conditions being the same, clams grow more slowly near the high-
water mark. The Japanese take advantage of this fact, as Mr.
Nishikawa, of the Imperial Fisheries Bureau, of Japan, informs
me in the following extract from a letter which I take the liberty
to quote: “In the Gulf of Kojima there is a contrivance to retain
the shells in their fixed size, for the purpose of export to China.
The Chinese use only the moderate sized Arca sp., about one inch
in length. The culturists plant the mollusks densely, at a distance
from the low-water mark, in beds which are submerged only a
short portion of the day. By this method the shells can be re-
tained at the two-years-old size for six or seven years. I am very
glad to tell you that this contrivance is one which accords with the
conclusions which you have come to from your own experiments.”
In some of our experiments, individual clams grew from one-half
inch to three inches between the middle of July of one year and
the middle of September of the year following. These three-inch
clams were about one year and four months old, as they were
spawned in June. Without taking into account the extreme vari-
ation, the one-year-old specimens vary between three-quarters of
an inch and two inches in length.

Contrary to the opinion ordinarily held, the clams reach sexual
maturity and breed during the first year of their life.

In regard to the natural enemies of the clam, it is doubtless im-
possible to enumerate them all. Of the eggs laid, probably great

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 23

numbers perish without being fertilized. Of the numerous num-
ber which reach the swimming stage of development, it is certain
that only relatively few are successful in burrowing. During these
early stages, not only are they preyed upon by innumerable small
predaceous animals, but the chances of perishing by falling upon
unfavorable ground where they are smothered by the silt, or where
they cannot burrow on account of the rocks, are equal, if not
greater than their chances of falling upon good ground. When
they begin to burrow they are subject to the attacks of the crabs,
eels, star-fish, and probably many other enemies; and those which
attain a somewhat greater age are continually being dug out of
their burrows by man, and thus exposed to the attacks of fishes and
all other enemies, even if they are not actually carried away by the
clam-diggers. There is some evidence that in certain parts of the
Bay the red water has worked havoc among the clams, as was
mentioned in the last report. It is probable, however, that the
excessive and indiscriminate digging is largely responsible for the
decrease in the clam product of the Bay.

The clam gets its food-supply from the sea-water, which is
drawn in through the incurrent openings of the snout or siphon.
It consists of microscopic organisms of various sorts, a large por-
tion being diatoms. The abundance of this food varies in differ-
ent localities, and in the different depths of water, and at the vari-
ous times of the year. The clam feeds continuously, if it is com-
fortably situated, when covered with water.

Summary oF Previous EXPERIMENTS.

The observations of the natural history of the clam, which have
been summarized briefly above, suggested numerous problems re-

lating to clam propagation, which required experimental tests.

Methods of Collecting Clam-Spat.—In oyster-culture, one great
feature is a successful collection of spat; and the value of the
oyster industry depends in not a small degree upon the economy
and certainty with which such spat can be collected and trans-

24 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

planted. And it is obvious that this is also a very important
feature in any scheme of clam-culture. The methods which are
successfully used with oysters cannot be applied in the case of the
clams, on account of their very different habits, so that new meth-
ods must be developed. The study of the egg-laying habits and
the peculiar behavior of the young clams have suggested numer-
ous schemes for the development of such a method.

First, a number of experiments were made for the purpose of
ascertaining whether it would be feasible to obtain the spat by
artificial fertilization of the eggs. Although the eggs can to some
extent be artificially fertilized, the outlook for this method cannot
be said to be very bright.

Another promising method was suggested by the enermous
numbers of the free-swimming fry, which may be found at almost
any time at the surface of the water during the breeding season—
for about six weeks. When these swimming larvie were captured
by means of a fine bolting-cloth net, and their behavior observed
under the microscope, it was noticed that a sudden agitation of
the water in which they were swimming, caused by a sharp tap on
the side of the dish, caused the animals to cease swimming, close
their shells, and sink to the bottom. On the basis of this and simi-
lar observations, a contrivance was constructed which it was hoped
would have the same effect upon the swimming fry while they were
in the sea. This device consisted of a square box without a bot-
tom, set into the ground, with the sides projecting several inches
above the ground, and with the top covered by a fine galvanized
wire screen. It was hoped that the larvee, striking against the wire
screen, would close their shells and drop to the bottom of the box,
and subsequently burrow in the sand. The sides of the box pro-
jecting above the general surface of the ground would tend to pre-
vent their being swept away by the tides, and those which rose to
the wire screen on the top would fall again. The first test of this
device was made in the summer of 1900. At the beginning of;the
breeding season, this apparatus was put into use in a locality where
the clam-set, as arule, is very sparse. In August, when the clams

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 25

are usually but a quarter of an inch long, this box was examined,
and from one square foot of the sand in the bottom thirteen hun-
dred clams were taken. They were, of course, of small size, and
the thirteen hundred measured in bulk three-quarters of a pint.
These clams were carefully transplanted and, although many have
been preserved as specimens for future reference and others were
destroyed or lost in the handling, on August 22d of the following
year we still had five hundred and thirty-two specimens from this
lot. At this time they measured fourteen quarts. The average
length of these was slightly over two inches—this average being
computed from careful measurements of about seventy-five speci-
mens taken at random.* It should be said that in the immediate
vicinity of this clam-catcher there were almost no small clams to
be found, so that undoubtedly the extraordinary find within the
box demonstrated the feasibility of this method of obtaining the
spat.

During the summer of 1900 several similar spat-catching appar-
atus were put down in various localities. Some of these were
successful, but many of them failed to yield the expected number
of young clams. There is very good reason to believe that the
failure of these was due to neglect in one particular feature,
namely, in having the sides of the box set well into the sand, for
it was noticed that whereyer the apparatus failed to catch the
spat, the water had been allowed to run out of the box under the
edge, and so to carry out the spat which had been precipitated
through the screen top. In one of these apparatus, which for the
most part was unsuccessful from this cause, a finger-bowl with a
little sand in the bottom was placed, and in this finger-bowl over
one hundred clams were caught, while around the finger-bowl in
the rest of the box there were comparatively few. Besides this
experiment, there were several boxes covered with screen and
filled with sand, which were kept under water all the time at the
house-boat, and the clams were precipitated in these boxes in

* Since this was written these specimens have been again examined and the average length
was slightly over 234 inches. These specimens are shown in figure 4.
4

26 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

enormous numbers. I believe that this device for catching the
clam-spat can be developed into one of very great practical utility,
the main advantage being the certainty with which the young
clams can be obtained.

Another method of collecting spat, and the one which has
been adopted in the experiments of the past summer, was
suggested by the observations of the habits of the young clams
when they first begin to burrow. It was noticed, in the summer
of 1899, that the clams were set exceedingly thick in several
limited localities, so that, for instance, in one square yard of the
shore of Cornelius Island there were taken upwards of twelve
thousand clams (Report for 1899, page 29), while in localities not
far distant very few clams were found. In the following summer
of 1900, new localities were discovered in which the set was
extremely thick, while some of the rich localities of the year
before did not yield a large crop. Again, in the summer of 1901,
the localities which had produced large numbers in previous
seasons were found to be comparatively barren, but still other
areas were located in which the yield was most remarkable. On
the east shore of Green’s Island a set was discovered, on August
13th, which in extent and in the abundance of the clams surpassed
any of those found in the previous seasons. And from this area
there were taken at intervals, up to September 7th, and trans-
planted, more than five and a half millions of small clams. It is
difficult to describe the abundance of the specimens adequately.
The ground was almost solid with clams for a distance of some
two inches below the surface in many places. In order to convey
some idea of their abundance, those caught and sifted in one
shovelful of sand were carefully counted, and they numbered
seven thousand nine hundred and ten, making something less
than a quart in quantity. The sieves which were used for the
collection of the spat were about two and one-half by five inches,
with sides from six to eight inches in height, and the bottom was
covered with about one-quarter inch mesh galvanized iron netting.
In the later experiments, however, a screen with meshes about

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 27

the size of mosquito netting was used and found to be a great
improvement, inasmuch as it saved enormous numbers of very
small clams which were excellent for transplanting, but which
would not be caught in a sieve of larger meshes. When clams
ean be found in such great abundance, it is not necessary to resort
to the special artificial devices for collecting the spat from the
water; but we must, nevertheless, bear in mind the fact before
mentioned, that these rich areas are limited in extent, and that
the set in any one area is uncertain from year to year.

For the practical experiments of this summer, we depended
mainly for our spat upon the area just described, at Green’s Island,
and more than twenty bushels of these small clams were taken
from this locality and transplanted.

Transplanting. — Having obtained the young clams, by one
method or another, we confront several problems: the best season
for planting ; the best methods for caring for the material between
the time of collecting and that of, planting; the best method of
actually planting the clams; the selecting of localities for plant-
ing, which involves, among other questions, the one relating to
the rate of growth. Here, again, the natural history has pointed
out the way for preliminary experiments, and a large number of
tests were made during the summers of 1900 and 1901. These
experiments were recorded in tabulated form in the report for
1900, pages 27 to 44. The general results may be summarized
here.

The best clams for transplanting are the small ones, such as may
be obtained during July and August, having been spawned in the
early summer. There are two excellent reasons for this: First,
clams are more easily gathered. Not only can greater numbers
be obtained, but greater quantities, with the same expenditure of
labor ; and second, the young specimens are capable of burrowing
much more readily than the older ones. Before they are five-
eighths of an inch in length they are especially desirable, from
the fact that they have the power of anchoring themselves when
they are sown upon the surface while preparing to burrow, and

28 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

even after they have burrowed they are kept in place by these
anchor-threads so that they are not uncovered and tumbled about
by the action of the water. But, even leaving this factor out of
account, the smaller specimens burrow much more readily than the
larger ones, and the burrowing becomes more and more sluggish
as the size increases. _

In regard to the best method of taking care of the clams between
the time of collecting and of transplanting, the experiments show
that the sooner they are planted the better, but that, if they must
be kept for a considerable number of hours, it is better to keep
them in the air than in the water. They should not, however, be
allowed to become too dry, especially if they are very small, nor
should they be packed too closely together for a long time, but
should be spread out in comparatively thin layers. In one series
of experiments, in which the clams were sorted into four classes
according to size, the average per cent. of the clams of all classes
which burrowed was 91.2, when, they were planted one hour or less
after taking. The per cent. was 84.9 when they were planted after
being kept dry twenty-four hours; and 76.8 when kept in water
twenty-four hours. The rate of burrowing is facilitated by digging
up the soil, though the practice has this objection—that the clams
become less firmly fixed on account of the looseness of the soil
which is thus softened. They burrow about as satisfactorily in
light gravel as in sand, and for very small clams the gravel beds
have somewhat the advantage, because the gravel gives attach-
ment for the byssus threads which anchor these specimens.

Experiments in Clam-Culture.—Profiting by the results sum-
marized in the above accounts, we have devoted our efforts, during
the past season, mainly to larger experiments in actual clam-cul-
ture. The General Assembly of the State passed the following
act, at its January session, 1901, which permitted the commission
to occupy, to the exclusion of others, land between high and low
water mark to an extent not exceeding three acres, for the purpose
of carrying on these experiments :

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 29

An Act InN AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 174 OF THE GENERAL LAWS OF
RHODE ISLAND, ‘‘OF THE INLAND FISHERIES.”

[Passed March-29, 1901.]

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows :

SECTION 1. Section 2 of chapter 174 of the General Laws is hereby
amended so as to read as follows:

“Seo, 2. The commissioners of inland fisheries shall introduce, protect
and cultivate fish in the inland waters of the state, and may make all
needful regulations 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 privgte 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 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 sug-
gestions in relation to the subject 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.”

Sec. 2. Section 3 of chapter 174 of the General Laws is hereby amended
so as to read as follows:

“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.”

30 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

Sec. 3. Section 4 of chapter 174 of the General Laws is hereby amended
so as to read as follows:

“Sec. 4. Every person who shall violate any of the regulations made
by the commissioners of inland fisheries under the authortty of the
provisions of the preceding 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 commission-
ers, or by private parties for the protection 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 on by a private party, without the consent of the person
cultivating the same, or who shall trespass within the boundaries of any
land which may be taken and occupied by said commissioners for their
experiments in relation to shell-fish, authorized by section 2 of this chap-
ter, 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 before which the offender shall be tried.”’

Sec. 4. This act shall take effect from and after its passage.

“About two acres of shore have been occupied in accordance with
this act, and have been planted with clams. In the selection of the
areas for planting, we have endeavored to distribute the experiments
in different parts of the Bay and to occupy small areas which differ
in the character of their soil. Several of these plots border upon
private land, where, through the courtesy of the residents, tres-
passers will have their attention called to the desirability of allow-
ing the plots to remain unmolested. Several of the plots were
further protected by fences of chicken wire, which kept out ducks,
and perhaps also other enemies of the young clam, like the pad-
dlers (blue crabs).

The clams which were planted in these sections were obtained
at Green’s Island, at various times between August 14th and Sep-
tember 5th. They were collected by shovelling the sand, in which
they were densely crowded, into a sieve made for this purpose.
The meshes of the sieve used at first were comparatively coarse,
and allowed the small clams to escape. One quart of those caught
with this screen was counted, and numbered 2,135. Later a finer
sieve was substituted, and the number caught in this was about
9,700 per quart.

The clams thus collected were carried in pails or tubs to the

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 31

planting-ground and sowed broadcast» The experiments were
varied by keeping the seed for different lengths of time between
collecting and sowing, and by keeping them sometimes dry and
sometimes in water ; by sowing with varying conditions of the tide
—sometimes upon the bare ground at ebb tide, and sometimes upon
the water; by sowing in windy and calm weather; by digging up
the soil, or leaving it unmolested ; and by sowing at different times
of the day, an item which may be of impertance because of the
greater abundance of eels and other enemies at night. It is prob-
able that nearly every one of these factors will influence the result
of these experiments.

Besides the land thus occupied and staked out, several strips
were planted on the shores, which will probably be dug up by the
clammers. This was done in order to test the efficiency of sowing
where the digging is not interrupted,

The accompanying table gives the main facts in regard to the
thirteen experiments of this kind. In experiments numbered 10, 11,
12, and 13, the plots were not staked out or in any way protected.

It will not be possible, until next summer, to find out how far the
experiments are successful, but already very encouraging evidence
has been forthcoming in samples taken from some of the beds late
in the winter.

It is to be expected that some of the experiments will be failures
so far as the product is concerned, but these may be the more use-
ful in indicating what precautions should be taken and what errors
should be corrected. There is reason to expect some degree of
success in other sections, and if this proves to be the case an
important step will have been taken in clam-propagation which
will, perhaps, warrant still further attempts on a more extensive
scale.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

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1. Sample of small clams taken on
planting (see page 26); natural siz

2. Sample of clams taken from Green’s Island on August 28 and sowed
in the plot staked out at Buttonwoods. These clams were taken from
the plot on January 25; natural size.

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the plot at Rumstick Point, and collected from this place on January
25; natural size.

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4. Samples of clams caught in artificial spat collector in the summer of 1900, and reared
under fairly favorable conditions. This picture was taken from life on January 30, 1902, and
is natural size. The clams were one year and a half old. See page 25.

Mr. CHARLES ALEXANDER.

Beds for preserving clams, as used by

Mr. Charles Alexander.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 33

Through the kindness of Mr. Charles Alexander, whose resi-
dence is at the shore on Rumstick Point, I have been allowed to
publish a description of some interesting experiments which are,
in fact, the first attempt in clam-culture by a resident of Rhode
Island.

Mr. Alexander encountered the usual difficulties in procuring
clams of good quality at the desired time, and invented an in-
genious method for overcoming this difficulty. A series of heavy
boxes was put down alongside a pier, and their covers perforated
with holes. The clams, when procured, were transplanted into
these boxes, which had been filled with about eighteen inches of
sand. Here they grew readily, became very fat and tender, and
were always on hand when desired for baking.

This device not only allows the inventor to have clams whenever
he wishes them, but the clams actually grow in size; and it is the
testimony of everyone who has tried them that they are superior
in quality to those dug directly from the shore. Mr. Alexander
has hereby demonstrated the feasibility of a method which can
and probably will be used extensively by others who have land
bordering upon the shores of Narragansett Bay. 7

The accompanying figure is taken from a photograph loaned to
this commission by the owner of these beds, and gives a good
idea of their structure and situation.

TX. EXprrimMents In LOBSTER-CULTURE.

The decrease in the abundance of lobsters on the New England
coast is so evident and so significant that fishermen, dealers, and
consumers have for many years felt anxious for the future of the
lobster industry. The legislatures of the various States have
manifested their interest by enacting prohibitory laws for the pro-
tection of the female lobster bearing eggs and the young lobsters
which are not old enough to breed. The United States Fish Com-
mission has been actively engaged in artificially hatching and dis-
tributing lobster fry, with the hope that the rate of decrease might

34 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

be lessened, using, in the case of the lobster, the same methods
which have been demonstrated to be effectual in the case of certain
fishes. |

It is a very general opinion, however, that the present method
of carrying fry out to sea and putting them overboard within a
day or two after they are hatched is objectionable in this respect
—that no protection is afforded the fry during the early period of
their life, when they are more in need of protection than before
they are hatched or after this period. Although the imperfections
of this method have long been recognized, it has been pursued in
the absence of any known way of keeping the young lobsters in
captivity until they have passed through these early stages.

In 1898 a series of systematic experiments was begun at Wood’s
Hole, under the direction of Dr. H. C. Bumpus, at that time di-
rector of the scientific work of the United States Fish Commis-
sion station, and a member of your commission. In 1900 the
experiments were transferred from Wood’s Hole to the Wickford
station of your commission, where they have been continued
during the summers of 1900 and 1901. The station at Wickford
has proved to be more favorable for the experiments, and the work
has been facilitated by the cordial co-operation of the two com-
missions.

A record of the progress made at Wickford during the season

of 1901 is recorded in the following pages.

HABITS AND GROWTH OF YOUNG LOBSTERS,

AND

EXPERIMENTS IN LOBSTER-CULTURE.

A.D. MEAD.

The observations and experiments recorded in the following
pages are a continuation of those made in the season of 1900, an
account of which was published in the last report. The work
during the past two seasons has been carried on at the floating
laboratory of this commission, located at Wickford, R. 1., in
co-operation with the United States Commission of Fish and
Fisheries.

It was the original object of this investigation to become thor-
oughly acquainted with the habits and peculiarities of lobsters
from the time of hatching to the fourth stage, and thereby to
discover a means of rearing them until they reached this stage,
when they can be set free with far greater chances of living than
they would have if liberated immediately after they are hatched.

The results of the first year’s work were described in the previ-
ous paper, under the following headings, and a brief summary of
these results is necessary before we proceed with the experiments
of the past summer :

1. What changes in structure occur in early development ?

2. What is the duration of the first three stages ?

3. What are the general habits of life in the first four stages ?

4, What is the best method of supplying food ?

5. What is the best means of protecting the fry in the three
stages ?

36 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

The young lobsters, after hatching, shed their skin three times
during as many weeks, and following each moult there is a marked
change in the structure as well as in the size of the animals.*
Accordingly, it is convenient to designate the young immediately
after hatching as belonging to the “ first stage ;” after they have
moulted once, as belonging to the “ second stage,” and soon. The
surest and quickest means of distinguishing the different stages is
by the appendages along the under side of the abdomen (tail). In
the first stage there are none; in the second stage several pairs of
swimmerets are present; in the third stage appendages appear
upon the end segment of the tail. The fourth stage is so different
from the preceding ones that no difficulty is ever experienced in
distinguishing it.

The time required to reach the fourth stage varies greatly ac-
cording to the temperature of the water, and perhaps according
to other conditions. At Wickford this period varied from nine to
sixteen days, and became shorter as the temperature became
higher. At Wood’s Hole the development was very much slower,
and the period was nearly twice as long as at Wickford.

A great deal of attention was given to the general habits of the
fry during the first three stages, for obviously the success of the
experiments depends in a large measure upon understanding them.
From the time they are hatched until they reach the fourth stage
they are essentially swimming animals, and are in no way adapted
for living on the bottom or in contact with any solid substance.
They are constantly in motion; in moments of apparent rest the
motion of the swimmerets prevents them from sinking, and for the
greater part of the time they are swimming around or executing
absurd jerking movements*by sudden strokes of the tail. Only
slightly do they direct their movements toward particular objects
or places, but they are carried by the current in the direction of
least resistance. Their constant aimless activity tends to keep
them suspended in the water and occasionally brings them into

*F, H. Herrick,“*‘ The American Lobster:;” Bulletin of the United States Fish Commission
for 1895; and Report of Rhode Island Fish Commission for 1900.

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. af

contact with food, but does not protect them from their enemies ;
indeed, as they have no sense of fear and are very conspicuous in
the water, they fall prey to all sorts of fishes and shrimp, and
even to their own brethren. |

They swim sometimes at the surface of the water, but again show
a tendency to sink to lower depths. Undoubtedly the movements
of the lobster fry are affected by the light, and perhaps also by
the temperature, but the nature and extent of these disturbances
are yet to be learned.

From the practical point of view a great deal more depends
upon the understanding of their habits and the effect of tempera-
ture and light upon them than would at first appear. Indeed, one
of the most serious difficulties, if not the most serious one, in the
rearing of the young is that of adapting the apparatus to the
peculiarities of the swimming habit.

What has been said above applies to the first, second, and third
_ stages of the young lobster. When the skin has been shed the
third time and the lobsters have entered the fourth stage, there is
immediately an almost miraculous change in their habits. In
this stage they become at once adapted to life on the bottom.
They tend to quit their swimming habits, except for the purpose
of changing their position, capturing prey, etc. They crawl over
the bottom, hide under shells and sea-weed, and, if these objects
cannot be found, they even burrow in the sand. For the first
time the sense of fear is evinced, and they retreat from danger;
there is a purpose and direction in their activities which was not
apparent in the three earlier stages.

It should not be inferred that they lose the power of swimming
—this is not lost for months—but the swimming is now for the
‘purpose of going from place to place, or for retreating from danger,
not merely to keep them afloat.

The moulting, or shedding the skin, first takes place when
the lobster is about three days old, is repeated twice during the
first two weeks, and continues with longer and longer intervals
throughout life. In the first moults, as in the succeeding ones,

38 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

the process is the same, the old skin being split across the back,
between the thorax and the abdomen, and the body worked
out through this opening, leaving the cast-off skin otherwise
intact.

The actual process of moulting usually occupies only a few
minutes, but not infrequently something goes wrong and the
struggle is quite prolonged. Often the lobster dies in the process,
and the period of moulting is at best a very precarious one in the
life of the lobster, whether in the young stages or in the later
ones.

The newly-hatched lobsters feed normally upon all sorts of
minute organisms (copepods, diatoms, etc.), and will readily eat
some kinds of flesh, if it is chopped into fine pieces and kept sus-
pended in the water where the fry come in contact with it. Ap-
parently they do not distinguish food sufticiently well to go to it
from any considerable distance, but take -what they come in con-
tact with ; and as they are continuously moving about in an ocean
full of organisms, they must rarely want for food.

When a large number of fry are kept in an enclosure, the natural
food-supply, consisting of other organisms, is of course not suffi-
cient in quantity, and other food must be introduced. The fry
decidedly prefer an animal to a vegetable diet, and in providing
an animal food it is necessary to select tissues which can easily
be shredded or crumbled into small pieces. Shredded fresh fish is
fairly good, and is very satisfactory in the later stages. The best
food so far discovered is the soft parts of clams. The bodies of
the clams are cut out and chopped into fine pieces in a chopping-
tray and then thrown into the water.

There is one habit of the fry which makes the question of ample
food-supply especially important—their atrocious cannibalism’
The only way to prevent them from destroying one another is to
give them an abundance of food.

There are two main difficulties in the way of providing a suitable
enclosure for the fry which will allow them sufficient freedom, and
which will at the same time confine them and protect them from

“REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 39

enemies. The fact that the young fry swim aimlessly about and
are carried hither and thither by the currents constitutes the first
difficulty, for when they are placed in an enclosure provided with
a sereen which will allow a free circulation of water from the out-
side, but shuts out the enemies, the fry are carried against the
sereen and die. The second difficulty is quite as serious, and is
due to the fact that at certain times the fry have a tendency to
leave the surface and sink to the lower depths. This tendency re-
sults in tremendous mortality, for the fry settle into the pockets
at the lowest point and smother, or become foul with the sediment
and unused food. A large number of experiments were made to
discover a means of obviating these difficulties, and gradually,
towards the end of the first season, we, came to the conclusion that
the secret of success in rearing the young lobsters was to keep
the water in continuous motion. This accomplishes two things:
it prevents the fry from settling into pockets where they smother
or devour one another, and it keeps food in suspension so that
the fry can obtain it.

To prove the correctness of this conclusion with the material and
apparatus at hand, it was decided to experiment with the lobsters
which were at that time in small bags. Accordingly, the force at
the laboratory was divided into watches, and the water in the bags
was thenceforth stirred with an oar continuously, night and day,
for a week. The result was ample proof that the conclusion was
correct.

EXPERIMENTS IN 1901.

Stirring- Apparatus.—The evident efficiency of the crude method
of stirring in maintaining the life of the young fry naturally sug-
gested that during the next season a mechanical contrivance
should be arranged to do the work. This suggestion was carried
into effect, and the results thereby attained during the past sum-
mer of 1901 have fulfilled expectations. They have demonstrated
adequately the feasibility of protecting lobster fry through the
extremely critical period of their early life.

40 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

The description of the apparatus used is briefly as follows:

A series of bags made of scrim was sunk into the water and held -
securely in place. In each bag, near the bottom, was placed a
two-bladed rotating fan resembling that commonly in use over
restaurant tables. These fans or propellers were connected with
vertical shafts, which in turn were geared up to a gasoline engine.
When the. machinery was set in motion, the rotation of the fans
created a continuous current of water, directed upward from the
bottom of the bags. The force of the current could be controlled
readily by various simple means, such as altering the angle of the
blades.

The credit of planning and constructing the apparatus in detail
belongs to Mr. George H. Sherwood, who has submitted the fol-
lowing description :

“The apparatus may be described as consisting of two parts: A, the
ear or bag (with its supporting framework) used for holding the fry; B,
the mechanism (propeller, belts, shafting, etc.) for stirring the water.

“A. The Car or Bag.

“The requirements of the car or bag were :

“1, That it should allow for abundant circulation of water from the
outside.

9 Jt should have as few corners and pockets as possible.

“3. It should be fastened so that it could be readily changed and
cleaned.

“4. Jt should be rigid enough to keep its walls from the propeller or
fan.

“Galvanized wire netting was first suggested as the most suitable
material for the car. This was soon abandoned, because it is so liable to
breakage, and because it was feared that the current of water might carry
the young lobsters against the rigid metal and fatally injure them. The
scrim, such as was used for the experiments of last year, was considered
more practicable. It would permit free circulation, was comparatively
inexpensive, and could easily be cleaned. The only difficulty connected
with its use was keeping the cloth free from the propeller blades.

“Size and Shape of Bag.—From this material was made a cylindrical
bag a little more than three feet in diameter and forty inches deep—the

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 41

latter being the width of the goods as it comes from the factory. By
making the sack of this size, it was necessary to have only two seams—
one up the side, the other around the bottom of the bag. This did away
with the pockets and corners which were so troublesome in the square
bags last year. Along the bottom seam, on the outside of the bag, was
sewed a piece of drilling four inches wide. This drilling was turned over
a wooden hoop (child’s rolling hoop), which was a little larger in diameter
than the bag. The hoop kept the bottom taut, while it also furnished a
strong attachment for the ropes necessary to hold the bag in place. Ina
like manner another hoop kept the mouth of the bag open.

“The Support of the Bag.—On the inside wall of each pontoon, and six
inches above the water, there is a cleat which runs lengthwise. Every
four feet of these cleats a 2x6 plank was laid across the well and fastened
securely. To the under side of each plank were nailed three posts four
feet long—one at each end and one in the middle (see diagram). To make
the frame still stronger, the submerged free ends of the posts hanging
from consecutive planks were joined together by scantling pieces, Brass
screw-eyes were screwed into the bottom of each post.

“The bag was held in the frame just as the bowl or pocket of a fish-
pound is secured. The top hoop of the bag was fastened with strings to
the planks above (see diagram). The bottom was drawn down and the
side of the bag stretched by means of ‘down hauls’ or ropes which rove
through the screw-eyes in the posts. In this manner the bag was held
so securely that there was little danger of the wind or tide carrying the
cloth into the fan which was suspended in it. At the same time, it was
a very simple matter to remove it whenever desired.

“ B. The Mechanism (fan, belts, shaft, etc.) for Stirring the Water.

“To keep the fry from settling to the bottom of the bag, a simple two-
bladed fan, similar to those so often seen in restaurants for circulating air,
was suspended in the bag and revolved slowly. The blades (F’) of the fan
(see diagram) were 14m. x5m., made of cypress, and screwed firmly to a
piece of maple (G), one end of which fitted snugly into the %-inch Tee
(77). The blades were then set on angles and opposite to each other. The
shaft of the fan was made of two pieces of galvanized gas-pipe, each three
feet long, and of different sizes. One end of the lower half (%%-inch pipe)
was screwed into the Tee, and the other was joined to the upper pipe (%4-
inch pipe) by a reducing coupling. The whole was then suspended in the
bag by means of some 2x3 pieces, as shown in the diagram—the reducing

42 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

coupling serving as the bearing for the shaft. To make the fan tum
easier, an iron washer was sunk into the frame, and the coupling revolved
in this. When the fan was in position, the blades were about six inches
from the bottom and about the same distance from the side of the bag.
An 8-inch galvanized sheave (Z, diagram) was put on the upper end of
the shaft and fastened with a set-screw. A belt from the main power
shaft on one of the pontoons to this wheel transmitted the power for re-
volving the fan. The speed needed to be sufficient to lift all the fry and
the excess food from the bottom of the net, but not great enough to hurl
the young lobsters against its sides. It was found that the strength of the
current could easily be controlled by changing the angle of the blades.

“The power for rotating the fans was supplied by a Fairbanks and Morse
gasoline engine of 2% H. P., which was placed in one of the houses of the
house-boat and connected by a belt with a large driving-wheel on the main
power-shaft (see diagram). This shaft was set up on the deck of one
pontoon and extended the length of the well. At intervals on the shaft,
corresponding to the positions of the fans, small 3!-inch wheels were
fastened with set-screws. Each of these wheels was connected with the
driving-wheel of the fan by a rope belt (see diagram).

“The most troublesome part of the mechanism was the belting. All the
machinery, excepting the engine, was exposed to the weather. No belting
was found that would stand the weather and not stretch and shrink, but
finally a loose-laid inch rope, called ‘Russia purse-line,”
this seemed to be less easily affected by dampness than any other. The
annoyance caused by the slacking and shrinking of the belts was lessened
in two ways. A belt could be lengthened or shortened several inches by
moving the sheave up or down on the shaft of the fan. When this was
not sufficient, the belts were run over spools, which were fastened to the

was used, as

supporting posts and which acted as third pulleys.

“The fans revolved at the rate of 15-20 turns per minute, and produced
a current which took all the material from the bottom, and still allowed a
comparatively uniform distribution of fry in the upper part of the bag.
Undoubtedly a smaller engine would have turned the twelve fans without
difficulty.

“From the foregoing, it is readily seen that the apparatus is simple in
construction, and that it would be neither difficult nor expensive to adapt
or construct similar apparatus for economic lobster-culture.”’

10. From a photograph of the apparatus used in rearing the lobster
fry at the house-boat at Wickford. The tops of the bags or cars may be
seen in well between the two pontoons. The horizontal shaft 1s some-
what indistinctly seen on the night, with the rope belts connecting the
vertical shafts. Through the door of the house may be seen the gasoline
engine which furnishes the power. From the top of the house extends
the frame-work which supports the awning.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING OF STIRRING APPARATUS
USED IN HarcHING AND Rrarinc Lopsters.

Bag held in frame by “ down haulers” (c).

Fan, showing method of suspension in bag.

Pontoons of floating laboratory.

Cleat on side of pontoon, on which frame-
work rests.

Main power shaft, which is connected with
engine in house.

Blade, 5” x14”.

Maple support.

. &%'' tee.

%%" gas pipe, 3 ft. long.

Reducing coupling.

&%'' gas pipe, 3 ft. long.

8'’ sheave.

A Sek

VLIPTLLEDLLLL LETTE DIET LLEOLE LESS TAIL ELTEESEA EEA EEE he

WLLL

VILLE N

Vhbititd

S
VLA,

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 43

An Account of the Experiments with this Newly-devised
Apparatus.

It should be understood, in the first place, that the object was
not to obtain the greatest possible number of “lobsterlings” in
the fourth stage, but to ascertain how high a per cent. of the
newly-hatched specimens could be reared to that stage under
varying conditions.

Some of the fry were brought from the United States Fish
Commission hatching-station, at Wood’s Hole, by train, as there
were at that time no boats available for transporting them, and
were not in as good condition as those obtained in the season of
1900. The greater portion of those in our experiments, however,
were hatched in the floating laboratory, at Wickford, from eggs
obtained at Newport.

The following table gives the more important facts in respect to
the several experiments :

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

(PLOPYOT MA 9B potpoyey, aoa
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- REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 45

The results of these experiments show that it is possible to rear
the fry to the required fourth stage in comparatively large
numbers and with a relatively small mortality. In the least
successful experiment of those which were carried through, the
per cent. which reached the fourth stage was sixteen; and of
the others, the most successful yielded fifty per cent. In the
experiments of previous years, the per cent. was probably not
more than three or four at best, and usually only a fraction of one.
The results, therefore, show conclusively that the principle of
these experiments, namely, that the fry and their food should be
kept constantly in motion, is correct.

Of course, there is room for further improvements, both in the
details of the apparatus and in the manner of feeding and other-
wise caring for the larve, and probably the proportion reared to
the fourth stage can be considerably increased. On the other
hand, we do not hesitate to express the opinion that were twenty
per cent. carried to this stage, the industry would be benefited ;
in other words, that under natural conditions less than twenty
lobsters out of every hundred live to reach this stage. If this
opinion is correct, our results have already reached the stage of
practical utility.

The experience of the past summer has indicated many cautions
which should be considered in the conduct of the future experi-
ments. The larve do not thrive well if they are too densely
crowded in small enclosures. Twenty-five hundred was a large
enough number for one bag. It is necessary to use a considerable
amount of care also in transferring the lobsters from one car to
another. They should, as far as possible, be dipped up with a
considerable quantity of water and gently lowered into the new
enclosure, so that they shall not come in contact with solid bodies
or left to stand densely crowded together in a small dish.

In the previous report, mention was made of the effect of light
upon the fry, and it has been found advisable to keep them in the
shade, at least for the greater part of the time. At certain periods
during the summer, there are great quantities of diatoms and

46 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

other small organisms, both plant and animal, which are caught
in the meshes of the scrim bags, and there accumulate to such an
extent that the circulation is often interfered with, and this,
together with the fact that unused particles of food are apt to
stick to the sides of the bags, renders it necessary occasionally to
transfer the lobsters into clean bags; and it is found that this
procedure apparently hastens the development.

Thus far the food has been, for the most part, finely-chopped
clams, although other foods, such as shredded fish and finely
divided lobster-liver, have been used. The food, in the shape of
minute animal organisms, is often brought into the enclosures in
great quantity by the constantly revolving propellers which create
the current upward through the bottom of the bags. During the
last few days in June, countless numbers of star-fish larvee were
thus carried into the bags and were kept there as in a trap, and
on other occasions great quantities of small crabs and other crus-
tacea were carried in in the same manner.

It was noticed, during the latter part of the season, that the
shrimp which crowded together upon the outer surface of the
bags, apparently having scented the food, were apt to get into the
bags occasionally and play havoe with the lobster larve; and it
is because of these shrimp that the percentage in some of the
experiments was not very much higher.

Another caution which may well be mentioned is that of moving
the lobsters as soon as they have moulted the third time and have
reached the fourth stage. There is no necessity for their being
held suspended in the current of water. They constantly endeavor
to swim in the direction of the current or to cling to the sides of
the bags. They are exceedingly voracious at this time, and it is
much better to transfer them immediately to an enclosure with a
sand bottom, or else put them overboard.

Although the bags in use last summer have given by far the
best results yet attained, it would seem that more durable and
economical apparatus could be devised for holding the fry, and
experiments will be made in that direction the following season.

-REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 47

The Efficiency of the New Apparatus for Hatching Eggs.

It was intended, during the past season, to obtain the newly-
hatched fry from the Wood’s Hole hatching-station, but unfore-
seen conditions made this impracticable, and an attempt was made
to hatch the lobster eggs with the same apparatus which was
constructed to rear the fry. Accordingly, female lobsters were
obtained from Newport in the early part of June, and the eggs
were combed off in the ordinary manner and placed in the stirring-
bags. When the propellers were set in motion, these eggs were
gently swirled about and hatched out into very beautiful young
lobsters. The device is simple, effective, and could readily be
installed at any place where the water was fairly quiet. The pro-
portion of the young which were hatched, and their condition, was,
I believe, as satisfactory as in the case of those hatched by the
elaborate apparatus used at many stations.

yeperiments in Fearing Lobsters Beyond the Fourth Stage.

In addition to the problems stated on page 35 and dealt with in
the previous chapters, there are two which pertain to the later
development: First, is it possible to raise lobsters to maturity
throughout the year in water which is so cold in the winter, is so
fresh in the spring, and so warm in the summer as the more shal-
low estuaries of Narragansett Bay; second, what is the rate of
erowth and the conditions which influence it ?

In the fall of 1900, about fifty lobsters which had been reared at
the house-boat were put into a car which had gravel-stones in the
bottom, galvanized screens at the sides, and a tight wooden cover.
The car was lowered to the bottom of the channel, near Point
wharf, at Wickford, in about ten feet of water, and left there over
winter. In the latter part of December it was examined and sey-
eral specimens taken out—the remainder being left and the car
returned to the bottom. The temperature was very low at this
time and it was necessary to break ice to reach the locality where

the car had been left. The lobsters themselves were very sluggish

48 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

in their movements, and could readily be picked up with the hand.
Those which were removed on this occasion were exceedingly
lively as soon as they were brought into somewhat warmer water.

On the 10th of May the box was lifted from the bottom and
transferred to a float attached to the house-boat, where the lob-
sters were kept during the rest of the summer, within eighteen
inches of the surface. The density of the water underwent sudden
and great variation during the months of May and June, so that
at low tide on certain days it was very fresh. For instance, on
May 11th and 18th, it was only 1.0095, the temperature being 59°
and 53° Fahrenheit. At low tide the density was 1.020. within two
or three days of these dates. These figures show a great differ-
ence in the density, nevertheless, the lobsters seemed to suffer
no inconvenience, and there was very little mortality during the
whole summer.

When the box was taken up on May 10th, twenty-three lobsters
were found alive and in good condition, and their measurements
are given on page 49. Subsequently, on June 12th, all of the
gravel was removed from the car and several specimens which
had escaped detection before were found and the number was
increased to twenty-eight. These were transferred to a new car
like the preceding one, and there remained until November 8th,
when they were again put down at the bottom of the channel for
the winter. During this time several specimens were preserved
or died through accident. During the summer they were fed on
clams and fish, but did not receive the best of care in the busy
part of the season. They shed frequently, and many of the cast
skins were secured and preserved.

The following measurements show the actual length in milli-
metres and inches on several dates during the summer; and it is
clear, from comparing these measurements, that the yearling lob-
sters reared under apparently the same conditions show remarka-
ble variations in size and characteristics, which were pointed out
in a previous report as very noticeable in the young lobsters from
two weeks old to five months:

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 49

MEASUREMENTS.
On May 10th. On June 12th. On August 22d. On November 7th.
mm. in. mm. in. mm. in. mm. in.
40 1% Ane Loe 49 2 69.85 234
41 15% HOY NE Hoye, T3202) 2%
Aili leg ADs mee NL) VUEA 79.37 334, (Male)
AD er bers ET A Di ueea 79.37 3%
a 11 Anveliie 60. 2% 82.55 3%
AAR alle Wa AV 62) 2224 82:55. 3%
ais EA Abr ALA 6b; 123% 85.72. 33% (Male)
AD a el 4 49 2 65 216 Spe. so.
47 1% 49 2 68 2% 88.90 316 (Male)
47, 1% 49 2 69 2% Os 5). | BA
48° 1% 50 2 WOW (22% Oli a | BA
HS Le HON 522 MO 1234 98.42 3% (Male)
BOL? 22 Bile 10) 28% 101.60 4
SOP 2: 52 2 10) PA 107.95 4%
Re By 2 MOMS 111.12 48% (Male)
Ree UCR D2 2 80 38 TT ghee
53821, ys be Bape 80" 3% 120.65 434 (Male)
538 2i¢ BpU iat. Ag Nt St.
ade ware 55) 24 Sey A
BO (2s 56 214 82 34
6) WA 5T 24 RB BEA
D8 214 Ti eA SGeoe.
58 2% BS) 3254 9% 3%
i AA IO 424
63) 224
64 216
GG, 42°
68 25%
Av. 48.8 2 53.4 224 70: 234 92.30 3%

This experiment of keeping the lobsters over winter gives a
definite affirmative answer to the question whether the tempera-
ture and density of the water will permit the rearing of lobsters in
the upper part of the Bay. And it is obvious that this question

is one of prime importance, for it shows that it is not necessary
7

50 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

for the lobsters to go into deep water during the winter, and this
fact brightens the prospect of propagating lobsters in our Bay,
either within artificial enclosures or free.

The second question—what is the rate of growth of the lobster
up to the legitimate length for commerce ?—is one which is very
often asked. The effect of the enforcement of the laws prohibit-
ing the capture of short lobsters depends, of course, upon the
rapidity with which lobsters reach maturity. Although the ques-
tion cannot at present be answered definitely, the experiments at
Wickford have furnished considerable data in regard to it. They
show that the rate of growth varies enormously in different indi-
viduals reared in the same car, under apparently the same condi-
tions. On September 15, 19600, when the lobsters caught that year
were about three months old, the average length was a little less
than one and a half inches. The larger specimens were about one
and three-quarters inches. In November, 1901, when they were
about one year and five months of age, the largest measured about
five inches, and the smallest not over two and three-quarters
inches. And yet both large and small specimens were in healthy
condition. The question at once arises—how do we know the rate
of growth in the cars fairly represents the rate in the free state of
nature? The healthy condition of many animals and plants whose
normal growth is known, which have been purposely or accident-
ally reared in the cars, indicates that at least many of the condi-
tions would resemble closely the natural conditions. But the
more direct evidence is the following: A number of lobsters
caught at Wood’s Hole in small traps in the middle of the summer
were not larger than the average of our lobsters when one year
old. The ones which were caught must have been at least one
year old, inasmuch as the eggs are hatched only in the early sum-
mer, and these were altogether too large for the crop of that year.
It is certain, therefore, that lobsters reared in the cars were, at the
end of the year, as large as many of those which had grown in
their natural environments. The experiments in rearing lobsters,
therefore, give a fair idea of the rate of growth during the first

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 51

year and a half, but the later growth is at present merely a matter
of conjecture. It would seem that the length of nine inches would
not usually be attained before the third year. And it is practi-
cally certain that the variation in growth is so great that it will
never be possible to tell the age of a large lobster from its length.

In conclusion, we may say that although the experiments in
lobster-culture at Wickford have been carried on only two sea-
sons, they yielded satisfactory results and have solved some of
the problems of fundamental importance in lobster-propagation.
These results would, we believe, warrant attempts at lobster-cul-
ture on a considerably larger scale and further investigation of
some of the questions which are still obscure.

X. THe EFrorts oF THE COMMISSION TO PREVENT THE ILLEGAL
TAKING OF SHORT LOBSTERS.

At the January session of the General Assembly, 1901, your
honorable body passed the following act:

AN ACT FOR THE BETTER PROTECTION OF THE LOBSTER
FISHERIES.

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows :

SECTION 1. Every person who catches, takes, or has in his possession
any lobster less than nine inches in length, measuring from one extreme
of the body to the other, exclusive of claws and feelers, or any female lob-
ster bearing eggs or from which the eggs have been brushed, shall forfeit
for every such lobster five dollars, one-half thereof to the use of the com-
plainant and one-half thereof to the use of the state; but a person catch-
ing or taking any such lobster and immediately returning the same alive
to the water from which taken shall not be subject to such penalty.

Stc. 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, and other ¢ontrivances so marked shall be fined twenty
dollars and be imprisoned not more than thirty days for each such offence.

Sec. 3. There shall be between the fifteenth day of November and the
fifteenth day of April next succeeding a close time, during which time it

52 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

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.

Src. 4. No person shall be allowed 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 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 imprisoned not more than thirty days
for each such offence.

Src. 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.

Src. 6. Possession by any person of any lobsters between the fifteenth
day of November and the fifteenth day of April next succeeding shall be
prima facie evidence before any court of competent jurisdiction that such
lobsters were taken in violation of this act; and every such person shall
be fined twenty dollars and be imprisoned not more than thirty days for
each such offence.

Sec. 7. The commission 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 warrant arrest any
person found violating any of the provisions of this act and detain him
for prosecution not exceeding twenty-four hours. Said deputies shall not
be required to enter into recognizance or become liable for costs.

Sec. 8. Each of said deputies shall have the right to go upon any boat
or vessel used in the catching or transporting of lobsters and search for
and seize any such lobsters that they believe to have been taken in viola-
lation of any of the provisions of this act.

Sec. 9. Fines incurred under any of the provisions of this act shall
inure one-half thereof to the use of the complainant 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, however, having the same right to appeal from the

1. Lobsters in the first stage, one day old, hatched at the
United States Fish Commission, Wood’s Hole, Mass. Natural size.

2. Lobsters in the second stage, that is, having moulted or
shed their skins once; about four days old; reared artificially at
Wickford, Rhode Island. Natural size.

3. Lobsters in the third stage, about eight days old ; reared at
Wickford, Rhode Island. Natural size.

: :
el eo
maf Geo

4. Lobsters in the fourth stage, having moulted three times;
about two weeks old; reared at Wickford, Rhode Island.
Natural size.

5. Lobsters in the fifth and sixth stages; reared at Wickford,
Rhode Island. Natural size.

6. Lobster in the seventh stage; reared at Wickford, Rhode
fsland. Natural size.

7. Lobster seven weeks old; reared at Wickford, Rhode

Island. Natural size.

8. Lobster one year and three months old, which died in the
process of shedding. The skin has been shed from the head and
claws, but still remains attached to the abdomen or tail. The
shrunken condition of the soft claws may be observed and com-
pared with the casts of the claws. This is from a photograph and

is natural size.

Two lobsters, male and female, hatched in June, 1900, at the United States Fish Commission, at Wood's Hole, and reared to their present size,
from the day of hatching, at the house-boat at Wickford. The lobsters were photographed from life on the wth of November, 1901. They are
therefore about one year and five months old, and are the largest specimens of the lot which were carried through the winter. Natural size.

2a
So
7 ne - _ _
: os 7
ee ee

nt a ie eee ee ae Ge ee

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 53

sentences of said district courts as is now provided in law in other erimi-
nal cases.

Sec. 11. Sections 8, 9, and 10 of Chapter 173 of the General Laws, enti-
tled ‘‘Of Certain Fisheries,”’ and also Chapter 316 of the Public Laws, and
all acts and parts of acts inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.

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

Your commission has endeavored to enforce the law in regard
to the taking of short lobsters and egg lobsters. Several deputies
were appointed to act in this capacity—two of them residing in
Newport, one in Little Compton, and one at Narragansett Pier.
It has been the policy of the commission, acting through their
deputies, to prevent the violation of the law, as far as possible, with-
out antagonizing the interests of the fishermen, and consequently
arrests have been made and prosecutions instituted only in those
cases where this expedient seemed to be absolutely necessary. It
is the opinion of the commission, obtained from conversation
with the deputies, lobster dealers, and the fishermen themselves,
that the attempt to enforce this measure has been as successful as
could be expected, and that very many thousand short lobsters
have been returned to the water.

XI. PREPARATION OF AN EXHIBIT FOR THE PAN-AMERICAN EXHIBI-
TION.

At the request of the Pan-American Commission of the State of
Rhode Island that the Rhode Island Commission of Inland Fish-
eries should be represented in the exhibition, a series of collec-
tions was especially prepared to illustrate the results of the
systematic investigation which your commission has conducted
on the natural history of the marine food animals of the State.

The exhibit was neatly installed in the Agricultural Building as
a State exhibit. Much credit is due to Mr. A. G. Delaney, who
had immediate charge of the installation. The expense of in-
stalling and of returning the collection was borne by the Pan-
American Commission, to whom as a whole, and to Mr. George N.

54 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

Kingsbury in particular, we are under obligation for many
courtesies throughout the whole progress of the exhibition.

I. The first section of the exhibit consisted of a series of speci-
mens of the soft-shell clam, mounted in cases under glass, and
showing the rate of growth of the clam as determined by the in-
vestigations of Kellogg and Mead during the last three years.
The specimens exhibited varied in size from those hardly visible
to the naked eye up to those whose shells measured over three
inches in length. The special interest in this exhibit consisted in
the illustration of the variation in the rate of growth among clams
reared in different parts of the Bay, and under various other
different conditions; the size which the clam attained at maturity,
the size of the clam when a year old, and the size of the clam,
reared under favorable conditions, at the age of a year and a half.

II. The next series illustrated the growth of the scallop from
about two months old to the age of eighteen months. The princi-
pal interest in this collection is the demonstration of the so-called
line of growth in the scallop—a mark which appears clearly upon
the shell when the scallop has attained the age of one year—and
which therefore is an important feature, because, at a glance, one
may be sure whether scallops taken for market are less or more
than one year old. This, again, is exceedingly important, because
the scallop breeds only once, and that when it is about one year
old. This demonstration, therefore, is of practical importance in
connection with the efforts which are being made to stop the
illegal catching of scallops for market before they have had a
chance to breed.

III. This series of specimens was prepared to illustrate the
experiments of this commission in conjunction with the United
States Fish Commission in the artificial propagation of lobsters. —
It consisted of a series of specimens of the growing lobster, begin-
ning with the fry which had been newly hatched and were less
than a day old. The subsequent stages illustrated by these speci-
mens represented a large number of the successive stages up to
the time the lobster is a year and a half old. The more important

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 55

of these stages is the so-called fourth stage, attained by the
lobster fry after it has shed its skin three times. This stage is
important because it represents the period when the young lob-
ster is able to protect and defend itself very much better than
in the earlier stages; and it has been the effort of the United
States Fish Commission and your commission to rear the lobsters
in large quantities to this fourth stage. In the subsequent stages
illustrated by the specimens, the important features are the aver-
age rate of growth and the difference in the rate of growth of
different individuals. Several other specimens illustrated the
manner of the shedding of the skin of the lobster. This collection
of specimens was exhibited in a new solid preserving medium—
the formula for which has not yet been published. The value of
this medium is that it makes it possible to suspend the specimens
at any level in the exhibition jar, without the use of threads or
strings.

IV. This section consisted of a series of specimens of the star-
fish—the most effective and dangerous enemy of the oyster and the
scallop—and was arranged to show the rapidity with which the
star-fish attains its growth under favorable conditions, and also to .
show the great variation which may take place in the growth of
the star-fish according to different conditions of its food-supply,
ete. It also contained specimens illustrating the peculiar char-
acter of the larval star-fish, which are destroyed in such immense
numbers by the menhaden, and the manner of setting the larval
star-fish and its transformation into the form of the adult. —

V. Several specimens of oysters were shown in this section, for
the purpose of illustrating the rate of growth of the oyster. The
specimens showed the average size of oysters for the first four
years of their growth, and some exhibits of extreme age from
twelve to fifteen years. These specimens were furnished by the
Kickemit River Oyster Company, and the age of the large speci-
mens was vouched for by one who had planted them from twelve
to fifteen years ago.

VI. In this ‘section there were exhibited three interesting

56 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

fishes: 1st, a fine specimen of the tarpon, occasionally caught
in Rhode Island; 2nd, a large specimen of the small-mouthed
black bass; and 38rd, a painting, made from life, and in the pos-
session of the United States Fish Commission, of the newly dis-
covered tile fish, which is abundant off the coast of Rhode
Island, in the water of about one hundred and fifty fathoms, at
the edge of the Gulf Stream. The tile fish has been recently
introduced into the markets by the United States Fish Commis-
sion, and the history of its discovery, disappearance and reap-
pearance, and the account of its economic value, has been given in
the report of this commission for 1900.

VII. This section of the exhibit consisted of a large relief map
of Narragansett Bay and the surrounding shore, made by the
commission, to show the configuration of the sea bottom, ete.
The model was constructed from accurate government charts,
which give very numerous soundings, and the territory repre-
sented in the model extends beyond the mouth of the Bay nearly
as far’as Block Island. The location of the fish-traps and the
leased oyster grounds of the Bay for the year 1900 are indicated
upon the map.

VIII. In addition to these special exhibits, a list of the special
papers representing the investigations of the commission since
1898 was presented for the benefit of those who wished to learn
more fully the results which the exhibit was intended to illustrate.
The list is as follows :

The report of 1898 contains :

1. A preliminary report on the star-fish.

The report of 1899 contains :

2, A record of the dredging of the United States Fish Commission
steamer ‘‘ Fish Hawk,” in Narragansett Bay.

Investigations of the red-water plague, which destroyed multi-
tudes of fish and crustacea during the fall of 1898.

4. Special report on the star-fish.
Life-history of the common clam (Mya arenaria).

6. Report on the tile fish (Lopholatilus chamcleonticeps).

On
=I

REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES.

The report for 1900 coutains :

7. Observations on the soft-shell clam.

8, List of fishes known to inhabit Narragansett Bay.

9. List of diatoms found in the water over the clam, mussel, and
oyster beds at Wickford, R. I.

The report for 1901 contains :

10. Observations on the soft-shell clam (second paper).

11. Habits and life-history of the scallop (Pecten irradians).

12. Further observations on the red-water plague, with notes on its
occurrence elsewhere. '

13. Additions to the list of fishes known to inhabit Narragansett
Bay, with remarks on rare specimens recently caught.

14. Habits and growth of young lobsters, and experiments in lobster-
culture.

The exhibit was well received by visitors, and was awarded a
gold medal under Division VII, Fish and Fisheries. Several of
the collections are now displayed at the rooms of your commission
in the State House.

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Full text of "Annual report of the Commissioners of Inland Fisheries made to the General Assembly"

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