8 THE SCALLOP FISHERY 



less than one year old, i.e., " seed scallops," may result in com- 

 plete annihilation of the future supply, - - a condition which 

 has occurred in some localities. 



The present report is largely the work of the biologist to the 

 commission, D. L. Belcling, A.B., and has been carried on upon 

 a broad outline laid out by the chairman, under whose general 

 supervision the work has progressed, in accordance with the 

 provisions of the following resolve : 



ACTS OF 1906, CHAPTER 74. 



RESOLVE TO PROVIDE FOR AN INVESTIGATION* AND REPORT BY THE COM- 

 MISSIONERS ON FISHERIES AND GAME AS TO SCALLOPS AND LOBSTERS. 

 Resolved, That the commissioners on fisheries and game be authorized 

 and directed to investigate and report upon the life history, feeding and 

 breeding habits of scallops and lobsters, and to make any investigations 

 which may assist in devising methods of commercial propagation of 

 these animals, or of increasing the market supply. The said commis- 

 sioners are authorized to establish and adequately protect structures 

 and areas of land or water wherein such animals may be kept under 

 observation, and to protect animals or material contained therein, and 

 to erect or lease such areas of land or water, buildings, boats or other 

 structures, as in their opinion may be necessary for the proper pursuit 

 of the above objects. Said commissioners may expend for the purposes 

 of this resolve a sum not exceeding fifteen hundred dollars a year for 

 a period of three years. 



CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION. 



Dr. GEORGE TV. FIELD, Chairman, Massachusetts Commission on Fish- 

 eries and Game, State House, Boston, Mass. 



SIR: I herewith submit the following report upon the life history 

 and habits of the scallop (Pecten irradians). All investigations herein 

 were made in accordance with the provisions of chapter 74, Resolves 

 of 1906. The work was conducted by D. L. Belding, assisted by W. G. 

 Vinal in 1907, 1908 and 1909, and by W. H. Gates and C. L. Savery 

 in 1906. 



Respectfully submitted, 



DAVID L. BELDING, Biologist. 



The following report embodies the results of the experiments and 

 investigations conducted on the Massachusetts coast during the j^ears 

 1905 to 1909. The facts discussed in this paper are intended for the 

 inspection of three classes of readers : the fisherman, the consumer, and 

 the scientific student, each accustomed to the daily use of terms with 

 which neither of the others is familiar. This circumstance, added to the 



