or 
REPORT OF COMMISSIONERS OF INLAND FISHERIES. 3 
clam of 30 millimeters in length, and a ripe female of 50 millime- 
ters. As we have already stated, many clams, undoubtedly of this 
year’s growth, were more than 30 millimeters lone, and some 
nearly 50 millimeters, before the end of September. 
2. In the autumn the sexual glands of this season’s clams were 
considerably developed, although the breeding-season does not 
occur until spring. 
Therefore, while I cannot make it as a positive statement, not 
having yet followed the development of the sexual glands through- 
out the year, I would venture the conjecture that many of the clams 
of last summer's set (1899) will breed next spring (1900). 
Summary of Preceding Chapters, and Bearing of These Results on 
the Problem of Clam Culture in Narragansett Bay. 
(1) From the point of view of clam culture, and the practica- 
bility and feasibility of re-instating an almost defunct industry, 
the observations recorded in the preceding pages open up a very 
encouraging’ prospect. 
(2) The preliminary survey indicates that there are more than 
fifty miles of Rhode Island shore in the Bay alone which are more 
or less available for the rearing of clams. 
(3) The range and the adaptability of the clam is great. It 
will thrive in various kinds of soil; in sand, mud, clay, and among 
stones; from near high-water to considerably below low water ; 
from brackish ponds to the densely salt water of the outside shore 
and Seaconnet river. 
(4) It is the general testimony that the clams have been de- 
creasing in quantity gradually during the last twenty years, and 
it is an undisputed fact that they are now comparatively scarce. 
The disappearance has been nearly uniform in all parts of the 
Rhode Island shore of the Bay; in localities protected from the 
wash of the steamers and not contaminated by the waste of towns, 
as well as in localities less fortunately situated. It is still, in cer- 
tain localities, comparatively abundant below the low-tide mark, 
