OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



91 



Boat Fisherman. 



Boat, . 

 Dory, . 

 Six dredges, 

 Rope and gear, 

 Culling board, 

 Incidentals, 

 Shanty, 



Total, . 



Total, 



$49' 00 



III. The Scallop Season. — There is considerable diversity of opin- 

 ion among the scallopers as to when the scallop season should open. 

 Some advocate November 1 as the opening date, instead of October 1, 

 as the present law reads; and many arguments are put forth by both 

 sides. 



The class of fishermen who desire November 1 are those who are 

 engaged in other fishing during the month of October, and either have 

 to give it up or lose the first month of scalloping. Naturally, they wish 

 a change, putting forth the additional argument of better prices if 

 the season begins later. The scalloper who is not engaged in other 

 fishing of course desires the law to remain as it is at the present time, 

 claiming that the better weather of October gives easier work, more 

 working days, and allows no chance of loss if the winter is severe. 



Under the present law, the town can regulate the opening of its 

 season to suit the demands of the market and the desire of the in- 

 habitants. This does away with the necessity of any State law on this 

 point, which, under the present system of town control, would be 

 inadvisable. 



The general opinion of the fishermen is in favor of the present date. 

 October 1. As nearly as could be determined, about 75 per cent, favor 

 October 1 and 25 per cent. November 1. This sentiment is divided by 

 localities, as more men were in favor of November 1 at Nantucket 

 and Edgartown than on Cape Cod and Buzzards Bay, where very few 

 favored a change. 



IV. The Utilization of Waste. — While it seems an enormous waste 

 that out of a bushel of scallops only 2 1 /2 to 3 quarts of edible meats 

 are obtained, it is not all absolute loss. Oyster growers buy the shells 

 for cultch to catch the oyster seed, paying from 3 to 5 cents per bushel. 

 Other uses are found, such as ornaments and in making shell roads. 

 The refuse is used for fish bait, and often barrels of it are salted for 

 this purpose. It is also used in some places for manure for agricul- 

 tural purposes. 



In the last year a new use for scallop shells has developed. Similar 

 to the souvenir postal card, scallop shells bound together with ribbon 



