38 INLAND FISHERIES. 



The g-eneral conclusion of the chapter is — that clams of an inch 

 or less in length can be sown broadcast with little loss from their 

 not burrowing ; that as they increase in size their capacity for 

 burrowing decreases, so that for larger clams planting and cover- 

 ing is necessary; clams are best sown as soon as possible after 

 digging, but if they are to be transplanted from one place to 

 another they are better kept dry than in water, 



3. Eate of Growth, 



As was pointed out in the report of last year, this is an impor- 

 tant question in view of any attempt to regulate the natural clam 

 production and to rear clams artificially. 



It was clearly proved by the experiments of 1899 that the rate 

 of growth of the clam, like that of the star -fish, varied within 

 wide limits, according to the conditions of life, and a number of 

 experiments were undertaken during the last summer to furnish 

 more definite data bearing upon this question. 



These experiments were begun in April, and during the early 

 part of the season the clams used were those of the set of 1899, 

 and were, therefore, nearly a year old. 



According to the methods of planting, the experiments were di- 

 vided jnto three classes : 



1. Clams planted in beds on the shore. 



2. Clams planted in boxes, about 6x4 feet and 8 inches deep, 

 filled with sand and anchored in various places. 



3. Clams planted in boxes, with the bottom made of wire net- 

 ting (^-inch mesh) and filled with sand. The object of this scheme 

 was to allow the sand to be sifted out leaving the clams for ex- 

 amination. 



Owing to an unaccountable mortality of the clams during the 

 latter part of the summer (a problem for further investigation). 



