OF MASSACHUSETTS. 107 



any other method. Twelve men were engaged in the fishery during the 

 1907-OS season. The boats, 7 in number, consisted of 3 power and 

 4 sail; 5 were manned by 2 men, 2 were sailed singly. The dredges 

 used here are the same style as the Chatham dredge. 



The 1907-08 production was 2,170 gallons, valued at $2,843. The 

 scallops were shipped to the Boston and New York markets, the greater 

 part being shipped to New York, at an average price of $1.30 per 

 gallon. The scallops taken in 1907-08 were large, opening 3V 2 quarts 

 to the bushel. 



Capital invested. 



Value of boats, $2,350 



Value of gear, 280 



Value of shore property, 400 



Total, $3,030 



For the last two years there has been practically no scallop fishery. 

 The 1904-05 season was the last successful season, when the large bed 

 of scallops was found off Dennis. The 1907-08 season, however, has 

 been fairly good, and it is thought that the following year may be as 

 successful. 



Marion, 



Marion was included in the general revival of the scallop fishery 

 which came to Buzzards Bay during the past season of 1907-08, and 

 for the first time in eight years has had a successful scallop season. 



The scallop grounds of the town extend over an area of 1,500 acres, 

 situated on both sides of Great Neck, and extending from the Ware- 

 ham line to Aucoot Cove. 



All scalloping is done by dredging. The fishery can be divided into 

 two classes: (1) the boat fishery; (2) the skiff fishery. Under the 

 first class comes the cat boat and sloop, carrying six dredges; while 

 the second class consists of the small sail skiffs, with one dredge. The 

 skiff scalloper rows or sails, as the wind permits, and with his one 

 dredge makes an average catch of 3 bushels per day. Forty-four men, 

 using 16 sail and power boats and 24 skiffs are engaged in the fishery. 

 The business likewise requires the services of nearly 24 openers. 



About two-thirds of the dredges are of the " scraper " type, with 

 chain netting; the rest "sliders," with loose blades. A very few 

 " roller " or " lead " dredges are used. 



The production for 1907-08 was 7,000 gallons, valued at $9,170. 

 The scallops were mostly sent to the New Bedford market. The scal- 

 lops are of two sizes : the smaller, which are taken in the shallow water, 

 open only 2 1 /2 quarts per bushel, while in the deeper water the larger 

 scallops yield about 3% quarts. The rest of the body of the scallop, 

 after the removal of the eye, is saved for bait at Marion, the scalloper 

 receiving 30 cents per bucket. 



