REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 9 



habits, rate of growth, peciiharities, and requirements of these crea- 

 tures are. There has been ahnost entire lack of knowledge regarding 

 these points for the adolescent lobster, and your Commission has there- 

 fore conducted investigations along this line for several years. The 

 rate of growth, the effect of varying food on growth, the extraordinary 

 effect of loss of limbs on frequency of shedding, and consequently on 

 growth, the fact that little lobsters can withstand the cold and fresh- 

 ness of our estuary waters, and many other hitherto unknown facts 

 have been worked out to a point where they should now be tried on a 

 larger scale in an inclosure or pound of considerable size. The 

 natural configuration of our shores does not give such good oppor- 

 tunities for enclosing small bodies of tide w^ater as does that of the 

 coast of Maine, for example, but if a suitable place can be found and 

 enclosed for the purpose of experimenting on raising lobsters to the 

 adult stage, and for further experiments in breeding clams, scallops^ 

 crabs, and quahogs, the opportunity should by all means be seized. 



The work of the Commission in all departments has undergone a 

 steady and normal growth and while the appropriation of $7,500.00 

 which has been made annually for several years has been so far suffi- 

 cient, it is not now possible to continue the work we have been doings 

 and to take advantage of opportunities of increasing its efficiency^ 

 without a larger appropriation. 



In carrying out the object of this Commission, namely, that of main- 

 taining and developing the fisheries of the state, we realize the em- 

 portance of informing the public on the subject of fisheries. With 

 this in view we have devoted considerable effort to the preparation 

 of exhibits for the international exposition and, during the past two 

 3'ears, for that of the Washington County Agricultural Association. 

 The United States Government has again invited us to co-operate 

 with it in the fisheries exhibit at the Jamestown Exposition, and the 

 invitation has been accepted. 



Finally, your Commission cordially invites the members of your 

 Honorable Body to inspect the work and the expenses of the Com- 



