132 REPORT OF COMMISSIONER OF FISH AND FISHERIES. 



resent the allowance for an ordinary voyage of a vessel of from 50 to 

 75 tons. Of late years clams have been less in demand for cod-fish- 

 ing, fresh herring purchased near the grounds or pickled herring being 

 more extensively used. 



(11) Mussels, Oysters, and Scallops. — Of the mussel there are two dis- 

 tinct species, both known under the same name, and, although gener- 

 ically distinct, having a very close external resemblance which prevents 

 their being distinguished by the ordinary observer. One of these is the 

 Mytilus, the other the Modiola. These are well-known inhabitants of 

 the waters, being found attached in great numbers to the piles of piers, 

 and to rocks, gravel, mud, and any other object to which their byssus 

 will adhere. They are a favorite article of food in some parts of the 

 world, being used largely in Europe for this purpose ; but they are less 

 esteemed in the United States. Occasionally very grave inconveni- 

 ences result from poisoning, of greater or less intensity, being produced 

 by them. In view of the well-known fecundity of the mussle, it may 

 be imagined that the spat in regions where they abound constitutes a 

 very important element in the food of young fish, and the contents 

 of the towiug-net are very frequently composed largely of extremely 

 minute mussels, which are greedily devoured by a great variety of spe- 

 cies. 



The oyster is not often used as bait. It is almost too valuable to be 

 wasted in this way, and is of so soft and delicate a texture as to break 

 away from the hook with but a slight touch. 



The common scallop, Pecten irradians, which is extremely abundant 

 off the coast of the Middle and Northern States, is largely utilized 

 for food, and only occasionally used as bait for fish. 



(12) Lobsters, Crabs, Shrimps, etc. — The lobster constitutes a very at- 

 tractive bait in the small fisheries ; but it is too valuable in itself as an 

 article of commerce, to be employed to any great extent. Frequently, 

 however, young lobsters, not marketable, or falling within prohibited 

 limits of the legal enactments of certain States, are used for capturing 

 shore fishes. 



Along the coast of the South Atlantic and Middle States a very 

 favorite bait for the ordinary shore fishes is the common blue crab (Cal- 

 Unectes liastatus) a species occurring in enormous abundance, and con- 

 stituting a favorite article of food, whether as hard or soft shell. This 

 is a great resource to the fishermen, few fish resisting its attractions, 

 especially when the old shell has been thrown off, leaving only a soft 

 skin behind. Diminishing in abundance towards Cape Cod, its place is 

 supplied, thence northward, by what is there called the common crab 

 (Carcinus mmias). This appears to constitute an especial attraction to 

 the tautog, and doubtless constitutes its food in the sea in very great 

 part. 



Shrimps also are used all along the eastern coast of the United States 

 in sea fishing:. 



