OBSERVATIONS ON THE SOFT-SHELL CLAM. 
(THIRD PAPER.) 
A. D. MEAD. 
In the spring of 1898, the Rhode Island Commission of In- 
land Fisheries began its investigation of the natural history of the 
soft-shell clam (J/ya arenaria).. It was the purpose of this inves- 
tigation to ascertain by systematic observation and continued 
experiments the life-history and habits of this shell-fish, on the 
principle that the facts thus ascertained would furnish the most 
secure foundation for a practical method of artificial clam-culture, 
or would discover a way of replenishing the shores, without re- 
sorting to the expedient of leasing to private parties. 
An account of these researches is given in detail in the reports 
of 1898, 1899, and 1900; and during the season of 1901 the effort 
has been to apply the information thus gained. Of the many 
problems which presented themselves to be solved by systematic 
investigation were the following : 
What is the breeding season ? 
How, when, and where are the eggs laid; and what are the 
habits of the young fry before they set and begin to burrow ? 
What is the rate of growth of the clams after they have set? 
At what age do they breed ? 
What are the natural enemies of the clam ? 
What is the food of the clam ? 
Without repeating the account of the investigations of these 
problems, as they are recorded in the previous reports, we may 
