Mussel resources of the holston and clinch rivers. 13 



value of the blanks obtained was estimated to amount to $12.74; the 

 remaining parts of the same shells were then used again, cutting out 

 228 blanks and tips of 20 lines and the value of these was estimated 

 at $21.68 per ton of shells. Thus, if the shells were worked twice for 

 the two sizes of blanks, the total value of the product obtained would 

 be $34.42 per ton. The shells were not especially selected for testing 

 and the results should give an approximately correct idea of the com- 

 mercial value of the mussels of the Clinch River from the region 

 investigated, after making all necessary allowances for handling, 

 transportation, etc. 



As far as laiown no shells had been shipped for the button market 

 prior to the time of Mr. Boepple's investigation, although at that 

 time some shells were being collected near Clinton, and a single car 

 of shells reached the market late in that season, 1909. Pearls had 

 been sought for a great many years, but the value of the shells was 

 entirely unappreciated. It required some time, in fact, for the resi- 

 dents to realize that this neglected resource was of substantial value. 

 In the following seasons, 1910 and 1911, several carloads were collected 

 and sold for button manufacture. During the season of 1912, as is 

 miderstood, the search for shells is being pursued with greater vigor, 

 even up into the headwaters of these rivers, in the Appalachians, and 

 it is expected that larger shipments will be made. 



The streams are small and can not make a significant bulk yield, 

 but tke quality of the shell product, as well as the value of the pearls, 

 is such as to justify careful attention to the fishery and the proper 

 protection of the beds from depletion. 



