160 REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 



? 6it 



1. July 1, 1883 7^ 



2. December 25, 1883 8 



3. July 25, 1884 8}f 



4. November 19, 1884 9,^ 



In consequence Herrick assumes that if a lobster 6 or 7 inches long,, 

 kept in the unfavorable conditions of an aquarium, will gain 2^ inches 

 in 14 to 17 months, a 6-inch lobster vnll attain a length of 9 to 10 inches- 

 in 2 years. He further believes that 5 molts may elapse between the: 

 3-inch stage and the 6-inch stage; and that these 5 molts can not 

 take more than 2 years. As to the rate of growth of lobsters just 

 under 3 inches, Herrick mentions a young female lobster which 

 measured 51.8 mm. on the 10th of December. If it had lived, 

 Herrick thought probable that it would have molted 3 times before the 

 following June; and that by this date it would have attained a length 

 of over 3 inches. 



He considers that the young lobster probably molts 14 to 17 times: 

 during the first year and in this time attains a length of 2 to S inches,, 

 which length may be greatly exceeded. Putting all these facts together,. 

 Herrick finally concludes that a lobster lOJ inches long is between 4^ 

 and 5 years old, the higher degree of probability being in favor of the 

 smaller number. 



Before considering the data in hand it may be well to examine- 

 briefly some facts concerning the development of the European 

 lobster (Homarus vulgaris) which, though usually somewhat smaller,, 

 is very similar in other respects to Homarus americanus. 



III. General Observations on the European Lobster 

 (Homarus vulgaris). 



There appears to be a wide variation in the reports concerning the 

 development of the European lobster. As is the case with the 

 American lobster, the early stages may be divided into two groups. 



