OTHER METHODS OF FISHING 143 



Fig. 36. Eagle Claw Clam Rake. 



clam diggers of Long Island. The rake, which is illus- 

 trated in Fig. 36, has nine teeth ; they are bent to form a 

 large, roomy basket. This is a very convenient appliance 

 to catch fresh-water mussels in some shallow pools. 



The rake must be mounted on long handles. In using 

 this rake the mussels are loosened and shaken into the 

 basket part of the rake, then lifted out of the water. 



A very common method is that of wading into the 

 water and picking up the mussels. This, of course, must 

 be done in the summer while the rivers are low and the 

 water is warmest. Under some conditions it is one of 

 the most profitable methods. The men sometimes make 

 $10.00 to $12.00 per day of about five hours. It is nec- 

 essary to wear considerable clothing as a protection 

 against the cool water. A rubber coat is needed as a pro- 

 tection against the wind, which is nearly always blowing 

 on a river. The mussels are picked up and placed in a 

 wy-e basket, or an old bucket, which has been perforated, 

 and when it is filled it is emptied into the boat, which is 

 anchored near. 



