36 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 



gether with the relatively slow growth of old clams as shown in 

 other observations, it would seem that clams, like some other ma- 

 rine animals, may live until some accident deprives them of life. 

 Some of the clams raised from the seed at the Wickford Experi- 

 ment Station are now in their fourth year, and do not show any 

 signs of degeneration.* 



* For definite data concerning the rate of growth, refer to page 54. 



