REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 113 



reared to the fourth stage from the beef-fed lobsters than from the 

 lobsters fed with clams. 



Another item which must not be overlooked in comparing these 

 results is that of waste. In the clam, the siphon, or "snout," and 

 other cuticular tissues form a considerable part of its flesh. These 

 cuticular structures, as Dr. L. W. Williams has observed, are "regu- 

 larly rejected by the lobster, " and only eaten in the absence of other 

 food.* In beef there is a much smaller amount of such inedible 

 material, consequently there is much less waste involved in feeding 

 beef than clam. 



The subject of supply is also a matter of considerable practical 

 importance. The supply of clam is more irregular and uncertain 

 than beef. For in securing fresh clams dependence is placed on the 

 local clamdigger, but on account of tide and weather and other 

 exigencies, the hatchery is frequently short in the supply of fresh 

 clams. On the other hand, fresh beef is always available in the 

 markets. 



V. Summary and Conclusions. 



A series of experiments was made to test the value of different 

 foods for rearing young lobsters. The following results were 

 obtained: 



1. It was found that fourth-stage lobsters grew as well when fed 

 on beef, if not better, than when fed on clam, fish, lobster muscle, or 

 beef liver. 



2. In an experiment with 40,000 lobsters just hatched, 4 per 

 cent, more lobsters were reared to the fourth stage from the beef- 

 fed, than from the clam-fed lobsters. 



3. The beef cost 28 per cent, less than the clam. 



4. These results suggest the adoption of beef instead of clam as 

 a food for rearing young lobsters, for the following reasons: 



* L. W. Williams: "The Stomach of the Lobster and the Food of Larval Lobsters." 37th 

 Annual Report of the Rhode Island Commission of Inland Fisheries, 1907, p. 153-180. 

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