INLAND FISHERIES. 53 



tion of growth in the winter — due to the cold weather. The obser- 

 vations on the set of 1809 show clearly that the line is constant in 

 ever}" specimen and marks the cessation of growth — not however 

 in winter, but in mid-summer. The margin of the shell is doubtless 

 already subjected to more or less wear, but so long as the growth 

 is continuous no heavy line is developed. In June, during the 

 spawning-season, as is shown on the chart, there is no growth for 

 a comparatively long period, and it is this period of rest which 

 accounts for the " line of growth." The series of figures represent- 

 ing scallops taken throughout the year demonstrates this. (Plates 

 III-XV.) 



This conclusion is, of course, founded upon only one year of 

 observation, but is in all probability correct, and in any case will 

 be checked by the observation on the set of 1900. 



The observations on the rate of growth and the meaning of the 

 line are of more than passing interest, for they demonstrate 

 clearly that it is possible to tell whether a scallop is more or less 

 than one year old. Except in res])ect to the time when the line 

 appears, the results accord entirely with the information received 

 from fishennen. 



Groivth of the set, 1900. — The rate of growth of last season's 

 scallops is being observed at Greenwich Bay. The record ex- 

 tends from August to December, and is plotted in curve opposite 

 page 50. 



The sample specimens taken during (a) the first of August, (b) 

 the last of August, (c) September, and (d) the first of October are 

 photographed natural size in plates I and II. 



The following is the average size of the sets of 1900 in October, 

 November, and December : 



October G 48 . 50mm. 



November 19 49.81 " 



December 24 52 . 12 " 



The relative size for sets of 1899 and 1900 at various dates can 

 be seen at once by referring to the curves. 



