REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 121 



14. Decrease in Abundance of Lobsters 130 



Methods Employed to Prevent Extermination 131 



Introduction 131 



A. Legal Restrictions 131 



1. Protection of Egg Lobsters 131 



2. Protection of Immature Lobsters 131 



3. Protection of Large Lobsters 132 



4. A Double Limit 132 



5. Close Time 133 



6. Prevention of Mutilation 133 



7. Further Regulations 133 



8. Tabulation of Lobster Laws 133 



B. Artificial Hatching 135 



C. Hatching and Rearing as Developed by the Rhode Island Com- 



mission 136 



1. Introduction 136 



2. Structure of the Floats 138 



3. The Engine and Gearing 138 



4. Construction of the Rearing Bags 140 



5. Construction and Adjustment of the Paddles 142 



6. Obtaining the Egg Lobsters 144 



7. Hatching the Eggs 146 



8. Feeding the Fry 146 



9. Length of Time Required to Reach the Fourth Stage 148 



10. Liberation of the Lobsterlings 148 



11. Liberation of the Egg Lobsters 150 



12. The Conditions most Essential for the Location of a Rearing 



Plant 150 



13. Cost of a Rearing Plant 151 



