— 61 — 



acres of otherwise useless tide flats. Humboldt, Tomales, Sau Francisco, 

 Morro and False bays are the chief bodies of water with extensive 

 enoug'h tiats to permit of such an industry ; the two northern bays are 

 already stocked while Morro Bay though planted* shows little result 

 and as far as known False Bay is entirely without Mya>. Mija is 

 characteristically a northern species but since on the Atlantic coast 

 it extends as far south as Cape Hatteras, where the maximum ocean 

 temperature is al)Out 10° higher than at San Diego, there seems to be 

 no reason why it should not thi'ive at any point on the California coast. 



Fig. 2 5. Wissing soft-shell clams at Pinole, San Francisco Bay. 

 Chinese diggers at work on flat. 



The stocking of properly fenced farms in these localities with small 

 soft-shells would not be difficult and might prove to be a distinct addi- 

 tion to the resources of California. This species is without doubt the 

 one best fitted for artificial propagation and fostering; most of the 

 native commercial species may be protected but few may be extended 

 or materially increased. 



Use — The use of Mya is, next to the oyster, probably the most 

 extensive of any shellfish on the Atlantic coast. In California the 

 amount of Mya marketed is exceeded only by the Pismo clam and it is 

 doubtless destined in time to surpass the latter. Mya is highly 

 esteemed as a table mollusk, being suitable for preparation in many 

 ways. 



*In November, 1916, Dr. Heath planted 1800 individuals of Mya in Morro Bay. 

 None liave been found since and it is feared that tliey may have been eaten by skates. 



