SHELLFISH RESOURCES OF NORTHWEST COAST. 11 



m advance of that of previous years, due to the curtailment of the 

 supply of oysters in the Northwest, resulting from a partial destruc- 

 tion of the beds of the Puget Sound region by freezing during a 

 previous season. 



In 1897 the eastern oyster was introduced into Oregon. The 

 Yaquina River was selected as the most favorable locality for the 

 growth and possible development of the species. Plantings were 

 made near Oysterville and cared for under the direction of the State 

 biologist for a number of years, during which time the oysters grew 

 and matured. It was reported that spawning occurred, but the 

 hope of collecting spat was given up after the failures of several 

 seasons in the belief that the water was too cold. 



Investigations looking toward the determination of the spawning 

 seasons of the clams and mussels of this region were conducted at 

 intervals during the summer, winter, and spring months with the 

 result that Schizothaeims nuttaUi, the " great blue clam," was found 

 to be spawning during the month of March, the limits of the period 

 probably being from the last of February or the first of March to 

 well along in April. At no other season was the species found to 

 be spawning although examinations were made during other months 

 of the year in this locality and elsewhere. 



Paphya staminea was found to be in a spawning condition during 

 the month of March at Yaquina, while the species was found in a 

 similar condition in Coos Bay during the late summer and early 

 fall. The hermaphroditic character of Cardium corhis was first 

 observed during the month of March in this locality. That spawn- 

 ing of this species occurs here in the spring months can hardly be 

 doubted. No positive assertion could be made regarding the spawn- 

 ing periods of other species of clams and mussels investigated here. 



The trial shipments of Schisothaerus nuttalli. Card'mm corhis^ and 

 Paphya staminea were made from Newport to Eugene, Oreg., at 

 intervals during the winter months of 1918. These were made to 

 determine the shipping qualities of the different species and enabled 

 the author to reach conclusions as to the marketable value of the 

 clams, in fresh condition, at points some distance from the source 

 of supply. The time required by express from Newport to Eugene 

 is usually seven or eight hours, with one transfer. 



Schizothaerus does not ship well. Its shell is quite brittle and is 

 often broken into fragments in transit. The clam is a " gaper," the 

 adductor muscles relaxing soon after the animal is removed from 

 the salt water, permitting the shell to open widely. Cold-storage 

 methods were not successful in preserving this clam in an edible 

 condition for more than three or four days. Advice' given to the 

 public was to prepare the " great blue clam " for use as soon as 

 possible after it was taken, otherwise it might prove to be a dan- 

 gerous food. 



Much of what has been said about the previous species may be 

 said of Cardium corhis. The shell of the " cockle," however, will 

 withstand the shocks of transportation, but the clam is also a 

 " gaper " and can hardly be relied upon as food after being out 

 of water for 24 hours, unless placed upon ice, which method may 

 preserve it safely for another clay. The species is an excellent one 

 for local consumption, but can not be counted upon for shipment in 

 a fresh condition. 



