30 INLAND FISHEEIES COMMISSIONERS' REPORT. 



SIZE. 



The average size of lobsters brought to three of the principal markets, as given 

 by reliable dealers, is as follovrs, the length being exclusive of the big claws: 



Length. Weight. 



Boston 11 to Hi inches. li to If pounds. 



New Haven 10^ " 



New York 10^ to 15 " 2^ pounds. 



Mr. Fuller, of New Haven, says that the average size brought there now is 

 about ten and one-half inches against thirteen inches twenty years ago. 



The information received from catchers on the same subject varies, and cannot 

 be as reliable as the above. Along the southern New England coast, however, 

 most catchers agree in giving the average size of those caught and disposed of 

 as from about ten and one-half to twelve inches. But one or two said as low 

 as eight inches. On the coast of Maine, the average is rather higher, but not 

 much. 



As to whether the lobster had decreased in size or not, the universal answer 

 was "yes"; but very few gave any figures. Some said the decrease in average 

 size was slight; others, one-half. The decrease is probably greater than most 

 lobster-men are aware of, and in this connection I will quote Mr. S. M. John- 

 son, of Boston: "They decreased rapidly until the law was enacted regulating 

 the size of those brought to market, the enforcement of which arrested the 

 apparent decrease. 



"I would say here that the effect of a law regulating the size of those saved 

 for food is, after a time, to bring a very large majority of those offered for sale 

 to about the legal limit, and an improvement can only be looked for by increas- 

 ing the limit from time to time." 



As to the annual rate of growth the replies of the lobster-men are without 

 value, as they have no means of correct observation in a matter of this kind; 

 their answers differed very widely. Neither can I find any published data on 

 the subject, though some such may exist which I have overlooked. I am, 

 therefore, unable to give the length of time required by a lobster to attain the 

 adult size. I will, however, again quote Mr. Johnson, and can say that what 

 are, perhaps, the most trustworthy observers agree more or less closely with him, 

 as I'egards rate of growth between periods of shedding: 



" The rate of growth, if estimated by weight, is probably about double at each 

 shedding. If taken by measurement, my own observation has been directed to 

 one size with this result: A lobster measuring just ten and one-half inches after 

 having shed measured eleven and one-half and as high as twelve inches in some 

 cases. The above fact I consider of great importance in seeking for the best 

 way to protect the lobster fishery." 



SHEDDING. 



Now the question naturally arises, how often does the lobster shed? One 

 correspondent says: 



" They shed, I think, during the greater part of the year, but principally from 

 July to October. The process is more influenced by amount of food, (good pas- 



