REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 15 



short of a standing army of honest and enthusiastic wardens could 

 enforce such a regulation. The only feasible solution of the problem 

 yet proposed is, we believe, the leasing, to individuals^ of the shore 

 rights for the cultivation of clams. According to the proposed law 

 before the legislature of Massachusetts, the cities or towns are given 

 the discretion in the matter of leasing. In this way consideration of 

 local interests is guaranteed. The objection to the leasing of a part 

 of clam grounds to individuals on the theory of the rights of the free- 

 fisheries loses force and justification when the particular fishery is 

 depleted almost to the vanishing point and no one is getting the 

 benefit of what might be a considerable industry. 



An extraordinary visitation of small "clams" occurred in April of 

 last year, and continued during the summer, at Easton's Beach,. 

 Newport. These were not, however, the soft-shelled clam, but the 

 young of the beach clam, or sea clam, "Mactra solidissima." These 

 moUusks, an inch more or less in diameter, were cast upon the 

 beach by successive storms, where they died in the sun and were an 

 intolerable nuisance. They were carted off by the ton and deposited 

 on the sand dunes. 



EXHIBITION OF SEA-FARMING. 



Your Commissioners believe that the importance of the present 

 fisheries industry and the possibilities of ac}uiculture in its various 

 forms should be brought to the notice and comprehension of the public 

 in every legitimate way. Accordingly this year, as for several years 

 past, they have co-operated with the authorities of the South County 

 Fair, at Kingston, in installing a so-called "Sea-farming Exhibit." 

 After considerable experimentation a salt-water aquarium has been 

 installed which is rather a unique success. For, though the sea water 

 has to be carted in street sprinklers for several miles and then used 

 over and over, and though the whole equipment is out of commission 

 except during fair week, the water is kept clean with good circulation,, 

 and the many specimens of marine fish of various kinds live through- 

 out the week in excellent condition. In fact, the mortality is lower 



