54 INLAND FISHERIES. 



7. At what size and age does the scallop spaian? — So far as the 

 ag-e is concerned, the question can be answered with precision 

 and brevity: The scallop spawns when one year old. The size 

 probably varies from year to year with certain limits, but for the 

 set of 1899 the averag-e size was 60mm. or about 2^ inches from 

 hinge to ventral marg-in. 



8. Do they sjxnvn more than once ? — The scallopers are prac- 

 tically unanimous in the opinion that the animals spawn only once, 

 and they are probably, in the main, correct. For the set of 1899 

 this question cannot be answered definitely until next summer. 

 It has been observed, however, that some of the specimens in Janu- 

 ary of the second year were developing eggs and spermatozoa 

 again. 



9. What is the normal length of life of the scallop f — The general 

 opinion on this cpiestion is probably correct, namely, that the scal- 

 lop normally lives not more than two years. No very definite in- 

 formation could lie obtained from inquiry in regard to the exact 

 period of termination of life. Obviously this question must also 

 be deferred to another season. 



In conclusion we may bring together some of the facts recorded 

 above and point out their relation to one another and their bearing- 

 u])on the welfare of the scallop industry in the waters of the State. 



1. The injury to the in'dustry by the practice of taking' scallops 

 less than a year old is very grave, for several reasons : 



{a) The numl)er destroyed in obtaining- a given quantity of 

 meat is, of course, much greater than necessary. 



{}j) The destruction of the young- lessens the numl)er of spawn- 

 ing scallops for the following summer. 



if) Moreover, the young scallops are the only source of the 

 next year's supply if it is true that they breed only at the end of 

 their first year ; whereas, in the case of the clam and other food 

 animals, the adults breed for several seasons. 



{d) The scallojis of more than a year's growth can be taken 

 without any effect on the subsequent supply. 



