THE CLAM INDUSTRY OF THE UNITED STATES 



583 



clams for their own use. Some clams are also gathered by means of oyster tongs 

 or clam tongs of similar design. This method is applicable only in shallow water 

 as the tongs are seldom longer than 16 feet. Tonging is carried on in small coves 

 and inlets where the water is usually very quiet. By far the most important way 

 of taking quahogs is by means of rakes. Balding (1909) has described the various 

 types of rakes used in the quahog fishery of Massachusetts. 



In some localities a rake resembling a potato digger, with 4 or 5 slender prongs, 

 is used. It is usually equipped at the back with wire netting to help in holding 

 the clams when they are dug. A handle about 5 feet long makes it possible to use 

 this digger in shallow water or on the flats when the tide is out. This method 

 is used more often in digging for home consumption than for the market. In some 

 areas an ordinary garden rake with a wire netting basket is used in shallow 

 water. This equipment can be used from either a wading or boating position. 

 Since the rake is wider, digging is more rapid. 



A regular clam rake may vary in width and length of handle. The width of the 

 rake probably averages about 10 inches and has a handle about 6 feet long. The 

 teeth or prongs are set about an inch apart, and are bent in the shape of a semi- 

 circle so that the clams are retained more easily. This type rake is particularly 

 adapted for shallow-water digging. 



A basket rake is one that is particularly adapted to use in deep water. The 

 handle may vary between 25 and 65 feet in length and is about IJz inches in 

 diameter. Wood is preferred for the handle because of its light weight. The end 

 of the handle is fitted with a cross piece to aid in dragging the rake across the 

 clam bed. A basket of wire or netting is attached to the back of the rake to re- 

 tain the clams. 



The basket rake is ordinarily handled from a small boat. When the fishing 

 ground is reached, an anchor attached to a long rope is dropped overboard; then 

 the boat is moved a distance of 5 or 6 hundred feet and another anchor attached 

 to the same rope is dropped overboard. The long rope is attached to the bow of 



(Courtesy Providence Journal-Bulletin) 

 Fig. 27-1. Digging quahog clams with long handle bull rake. 



