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COONAMESSETT RlVER. 



Coonamessett River, or Dexter's River, flows from Coonames- 

 sett Pond to Great Pond, and thence into Vineyard Sound. 

 There are two fishing places, — one in East Falmouth, and the 

 other near the pond. Below Coonamessett Pond is a timbered 

 channel 3 feet in width. At the upper fish house is a dam 

 below which the stream passes through 150 acres of cranberry 

 bogs, where it is crossed by nine embankments before it 

 finally passes into a series of five ponds. 



In 1906 alewives were plentiful in Coonamessett River, 

 and a 300-yard ditch was dug to allow the fish to reach Coona- 

 messett Pond. The fishery, the most important in Falmouth, 

 is of considerable importance, as the stream is naturally adapted 

 for alewives, and Coonamessett Pond provides an excellent 

 spawning ground. The inevitable conflict with the cranberry 

 industry cannot be remedied except by requiring the bog 

 owners to maintain competent passageways for the fish. 



Falmouth Ponds. 



Oyster Pond. — Oyster Pond, a large brackish water pond, 

 is situated in the southeastern part of the town. The outlet 

 passes through a thatch meadow and under the road and 

 railroad tracks to empty into Vineyard Sound by a wooden 

 flume. Its fishery is public, and each inhabitant is entitled to 

 a share which he may dispose of as he sees fit. It is common 

 practice for a local dealer to buy as many of the shares as 

 possible. Only on few occasions has the town otherwise dis- 

 posed of the fishery. 



Salt Pond. — Salt Pond is situated to the east of Oyster 

 Pond, and is separated from Vineyard Sound by a road. The 

 outlet is an excavated stream 4 to 5 feet wide. The fishery 

 is similar to that of Oyster Pond. 



Fresh Pond. — ■ Fresh Pond is situated to the east of Salt 

 Pond, and is connected with Vineyard Sound by a stream 

 S to 10 feet wide. The outlet is natural, but requires frequent 

 clearing. 



