37 



STARFISH CAUGHT IN FOUR HOURS BY A CRAB OREDGE BOAT (CRABBING) IN CHESAPEAKE BAY 



technical grad^e acid, 56 Baurae acid, cost at that time about 3 cents a pound in 

 5-gallon carboy lots. Great care is needed in the mixing operation. The concen- 

 trated acid is rapidly, and the dilute acid more slowly, corrosive to both skin 

 and clothing, and the dilute acid rapidly attacks any metallic equipment unless 

 lead lined. Rubber gloves and rubber equipment are desirable as protective cloth- 

 ing, and a stoneware crock is the best mixing container usually available. In the 

 use of stoneware, care is also necessary to prevent cracking from the heat generated 

 by too rapid addition of acid to water. The above properties should be considered 

 because of the danger which would be involved if the acid were to be handled by 

 oystermen or farmers without special equipment and knowledge of the precautions 

 necessary for safety. 



The starfish used in the present investigation had been picked from mops by 

 the starfishing crews of a New Haven, Conn., company, and the acid treatment was 

 carried out in the grounds of the plant. Two lots were collected, on October 28 

 and 30. Approximately 200 pounds of starfish in the first lot were divided into 

 three piles . No facilities were available for weighing the material so all quan- 

 tities were estimated. The 3 batches of starfish were then treated with 3 di- 

 lutions of acid, 1 to 9, 4 and 2, parts of water by volume, respectively, An 

 equal quantity, 6 quarts, of each dilution was used, and this amount was sprinkled 

 slowly over the piles during the course of about one-half hour. The starfish were 

 turned and mixed with a fork several times during the process. 



There was a rapid initial action of the acid with exposed carbonate in the 

 ambulacral spines, etc., but this soon slowed down, and a considerable amount of 





