REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 33 
Through the kindness of Mr. Charles Alexander, whose resi- 
dence is at the shore on Rumstick Point, I have been allowed to 
publish a description of some interesting experiments which are, 
in fact, the first attempt in clam-culture by a resident of Rhode 
Island. 
Mr. Alexander encountered the usual difficulties in procuring 
clams of good quality at the desired time, and invented an in- 
genious method for overcoming this difficulty. A series of heavy 
boxes was put down alongside a pier, and their covers perforated 
with holes. The clams, when procured, were transplanted into 
these boxes, which had been filled with about eighteen inches of 
sand. Here they grew readily, became very fat and tender, and 
were always on hand when desired for baking. 
This device not only allows the inventor to have clams whenever 
he wishes them, but the clams actually grow in size; and it is the 
testimony of everyone who has tried them that they are superior 
in quality to those dug directly from the shore. Mr. Alexander 
has hereby demonstrated the feasibility of a method which can 
and probably will be used extensively by others who have land 
bordering upon the shores of Narragansett Bay. 7 
The accompanying figure is taken from a photograph loaned to 
this commission by the owner of these beds, and gives a good 
idea of their structure and situation. 
TX. EXprrimMents In LOBSTER-CULTURE. 
The decrease in the abundance of lobsters on the New England 
coast is so evident and so significant that fishermen, dealers, and 
consumers have for many years felt anxious for the future of the 
lobster industry. The legislatures of the various States have 
manifested their interest by enacting prohibitory laws for the pro- 
tection of the female lobster bearing eggs and the young lobsters 
which are not old enough to breed. The United States Fish Com- 
mission has been actively engaged in artificially hatching and dis- 
tributing lobster fry, with the hope that the rate of decrease might 
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