OF MASSACHUSETTS. 35 



the first, and possibly the final solution, is, however, not practical of 

 application to the existing conditions. Later, when these conditions 

 are removed, it may prove the best solution of the problem. 



(3) The present system of town control to remain. The appoint- 

 ment of the Fish and Game Commission, or a similar commission, to 

 have complete advisory power over the towns, and power to force each 

 town to properly protect its shellfish. A State law would be passed, 

 legalizing grants to individuals and dividing the flats into two equal 

 parts, — public and private. The leasing of grants would be in the 

 hands of the town authorities, but subject to appeal for any grievance 

 to the Fish and Game Commission. 



In the chapter relating to each shellfish will be given the practical 

 methods of cultivation for reclaiming the waste areas. These methods 

 have been proved by the experimental work of this commission, the 

 results of which may be published in a subsequent scientific report upon 

 the shellfish. The commission has definitely shown that shellfish culture 

 in Massachusetts is a possibility, and, moreover, a remunerative pos- 

 sibility. 



Who would benefit? 



(1) Under the proposed system of practical shellfish culture, many 

 classes of people would be benefited. The person who would be pri- 

 marily benefited is the fisherman. In the following ways the condition of 

 the industrious fisherman would be bettered: (a) his work would be 

 steady, not uncertain; (&) he would know his exact annual income, and 

 could govern his living expenses accordingly; (c) he would receive more 

 money, with less hardship; (d) he would ensure steady market returns, 

 which under the present system are very uncertain; (e) he would be his 

 own master, and not forced to work for poor pay, under the stress of 

 wasteful competition. 



(2) The shellfisheries are not for any particular class, but should ben- 

 efit all, and any improvement in the industry affects all people. A sec- 

 ond class would also be benefited by an increase in the shellfish 

 industries. This class can be divided into two groups: (a) those directly 

 influenced; (&) those indirectly. In the first group are the middlemen, 

 — dealers. By an increased trade, more firms enter the business, more 

 men are hired, etc. Comprising the second group are teamsters, coopers, 

 shop owners, sailors, transportation lines, — an indefinite list, which 

 would be indirectly benefited by an increase in the shellfish industry. 



(3) Thirdly, the consumer would receive the benefit of improved 

 quality of goods, reasonable prices, etc. Through increased trans- 

 portation facilities the inland consumer would have the pleasure of 

 partaking of sea food, and what were once the luxuries of the rich could 

 be had bv all. 



