12 EEPORT OF COMMISSIOXERS OF IXLAXD FISHERIES. 



has materiall}^ assisted in the destruction of the clam, it has re- 

 duced the quahaug catch, and would exterminate the oj^ster were 

 it not for the eternal vigilance of the oyster-men. 



In view of the above fact it is remarkable that no one has at- 

 tempted to determine the methods of life of the star-fish, with the 

 hope of discovering some period of its existence when it can be 

 more easily captured and killed than by the present methods, or 

 of some natural enemy wliicli might destroy tlie pest withont the 

 toil of the fisherman, or of some plan of enclosure which might re- 

 strict if not prevent its inroads. A knowledge of the life history 

 of various insects has enabled the agriculturist to prevent their 

 ravages. The understanding of the life habits of bacteria has 

 revolutionized the methods of sui-gery and medicine. The first 

 step in the campaign against any eneni}^ should l)e a determina- 

 tion of the characters of the eneni}^ itself. 



That this study might be undertaken without delay, my colleagues 

 on the Commission very kindl}^ relinquished a generous part of 

 the approj)riation made to them for their expenses, and the Chair- 

 man, Hon. J. M. K. Southwick, x^laced at my disj^osal the house- 

 boat and car which he had used in connection with his work on 

 the lobster. This floating laboratory was placed at the mouth of the 

 Kickemuit river, immediately over one of the most valuable oyster 

 beds in the bay. It was fully equipped with instruments, micro- 

 scopes, chemicals, glassware, etc., by the Anatomical Laboratory 

 of Brown University. Dr. A. D. Mead was placed in charge, and 

 certain questions were given him for solution. It will be noted 

 below that man}^ of the questions must, from their nature, reuiain 

 unanswered until observations have been extended throughout the 

 entire year, and it is probable that two or three years, or even a 

 longer time, will be necessary for the final clearing up of questions 

 of rate of growth, time of sexual maturity, etc. Those who have 

 undertaken similar lines of research know that really valuable 

 results can be secured only through j)atience and protracted in- 

 vestigation — one well established fact is worth more than a thou- 

 sand fancies. 



