OBSERVATIONS ON THE SOFT-SHELL CLAM. 



(FIFTH PAPER.) 

 A. D. MEAD AND E. W. BARNES. 



Since the year 1898 investigations have been conducted by the 

 commission in regard to the Hfe history of the soft-shell clam 

 (Mya arenaria) and the various economic problems in connection 

 with it. 



Although there are ciuestions which still remain unanswered, and 

 new ones are constantly arising, many of the proljlems which were 

 presented at first have been satisfactorily solved. It seems appro- 

 priate at this time, therefore, to bring together the results of the 

 several years' work into a connected account. 



The present importance and future possibilities of the clam in- 

 dustry in Rhode Island are not generally appreciated. Narragan- 

 sett Bay has 250 miles of protected shore line, including peninsulas, 

 estuaries, and islands, and is situated in the central portion of the 

 clam's geographical range. At each ebb of the tide oyer ten thou- 

 sand acres of available clam ground are uncovered. Rhode Island is 

 famous for its clambakes, and nowhere in the world are clams more 

 tender and palatable. More than a thousand men depend upon 

 this product of the shore for their maintenance. The shores do not 

 now yield the aljundance of clams which they did in former years, 

 but we believe that the production can be increased, not only to its 

 former amount, but far beyond it. 



The subject will be discussed according to the following outline: 



