^:pi=E:sriDi2^ b 



We append tlie following communication from Prof. Richard Rath- 

 bun, sent us by the kindness of Prof. S. F. Baird. It arrived after 

 our report was in tlie printer's hands, and we are only able to give it 

 here without comment. 



THE HOMARUS AMERICANUS. 



A few notes on the Size, Habits, Spaioning, etc. , of the American Lobster, {Homarus 



Americanus,) prej)ared for Newton Dexter, Esq., Fish Commissioner 



of Rhode Island, by Richard Rathbun, Assistant, in 



charge of Department of Invertebrates, United 



States National Museum. 



We have at present very little reliable data concerning the spawning and other 

 habits of the American lobster. Only two or three reports on the subject have 

 as yet been published, and none of these cover the ground referred to in your 

 letter of inquiry. They are, however, quoted at the end of this paper. 



As a special agent of the United States Census, detailed to work up the edible 

 marine invertebrates of our coast, I sent out some time ago a quantity of cir- 

 culars to the principal lobster dealers and catchers, requesting information on 

 many matters of interest. Some of the replies are undoubtedly trustworthy, 

 and from these I have hastily put together the following notes in reply to the 

 subjects you suggest. They do not cover all the ground, but may possibly assist 

 you in the good work of aiding to protect our lobster, which is fast becoming 

 exhausted along a large part of our coast. 



My census report, which must be ready by June, will be as complete as pos- 

 sible, and by that time I hope to have more data that will be of .service to j^ou, 

 and if so, I will gladly furnish it. 



