OF MASSACHUSETTS. 167 



the production can be so increased as to even exceed that of former 

 years. Immediate action is necessary, if this important industry is to 

 be saved. 



The Eemedy. The remedy is comparatively simple, and abundant 

 proof of its success is at hand. By restocking the barren and unpro- 

 ductive areas of the Commonwealth the present production can be in- 

 creased many times. Experiments have shown that clams can be 

 readily, successfully and economically transplanted, and that it is 

 a completely practical undertaking. Not only can the ban-en areas be 

 restocked, but the yield of the productive areas can be much increased. 

 Clam farming is the only practical method of restocking these areas, 

 and only through such means can the clam flats be made to yield their 

 normal harvest. 



Clam Farming. 



The subject of clam fanning has received a good deal of attention 

 the past few years, and much has been said concerning the enormous 

 profits which would result from the cultivation of this shellfish. While 

 the newspaper statements have been for the most part correct, there has 

 been considerable exaggeration and many details have been inaccurate. 

 To remove any misapprehensions, the following account of clam farming 

 is given. 



The value of clam farming has been perhaps overestimated. While 

 no fabulous returns are ever to be expected, the yield is large in pro- 

 portion to the labor, and steady returns are sure. The methods used 

 are simple, the capital required is small, the area suitable for raising 

 clams is extensive, and clam farming gives promise of becoming one 

 of the most prominent and remunerative shore industries. The profits 

 derived from such a system should furnish steady employment for 

 hundreds of men on the Massachusetts coast. 



Massachusetts possesses thousands of acres of tidal flats which are 

 capable of producing clams. Most of these flats are practically barren, 

 i.e., produce no clams in paying quantities, and yet if planted with 

 small clams will yield in from one to two years large quantities of 

 marketable bivalves. This large area of barren flats should be divided 

 into small farms, which should be leased to individuals for the purpose 

 of planting and raising clams. 



The Necessity of Clam Farming. It is a well-known fact that the 

 natural supply of clams is becoming rapidly exhausted, and that this 

 important fishery will become commercially extinct unless steps are 

 taken to check its decline. The only practical means known at the 

 present time is clam farming. In the past, methods such as close 

 seasons and restricting the catch have been used, but with poor results, 

 as these have been economically wrong. The correct method in such 

 cases is not to restrict the demand, but to increase the supply. Clam 

 farming offers the only means of increasing the natural production, 

 and not only checking the decline, but establishing a large industry. 



