6 MUSSEL KESOUKCES OF THE HOLSTON AND CLINCH RIVERS. 



per cent of the catch, while 20 per cent were large black muckets 

 and 20 per cent three-ridges. It will be understood that the valuation 

 was based on the contemporary market, that a number of species 

 were not tested out, and that the figures are to be taken as being 

 only approximately correct. 



A later and more careful valuation of species is given below: 



HOLSTON RIVER, NEAR STRAW PLAINS, TENN. 



After a week spent in completion of the investigation in the vicinity 

 of Morristown, a visit was made to Straw Plains, Tenn., where it was 

 understood that a pearl fishery was prosecuted. The Holston River 

 had then risen about 2 feet and the water was very yellow and muddy. 

 Heaps of mussel shells were observed on the banks, but the fishermen 

 had left tMs place and were found at a point on the river 3 miles 

 above Straw Plains. 



Observations were made of the piles of shells about the camps of 

 the fishermen; the shells looked quite fresh, but were then partly 

 submerged by the rise of the river. Unfortunately, it was not possible 

 to work on the beds in the river, since no sound boat was available. 

 It was noted that about 65 per cent of the shells taken by the pearlers 

 were good muckets of like value with those collected at Three Springs. 

 The niggerhead shell occurred in the proportion of about 15 per cent, 

 wliile other species were present in limited quantities. A consider- 

 able number of the shells were taken to Knoxville, where there was 

 opportunity to sort and observe them more carefully. 



The following is a list of species collected : 



Species of Mussels Collected in Holston River, Near Straw Plains, Tenn. 



