OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



189 



The main type of soil is sand, and nearly 500 acres may be properly 

 classed under this head. The remaining 150 acres are mud, and are 

 located in the creeks along the river and in the coves north of Hog 

 Island. The productive sections are scattered for the most part along 

 both sides of the Essex River, and well-developed areas are also 

 found at its mouth and on the Spit. There are several good locations 

 of seed clams. One section of about 25 acres occurs on the west side 

 of the Spit. This is composed of 1 to 2 inch clams, running 10 to 40 

 per square foot. At the mouth of the river on the north side occurs 

 another set of ^-mch clams, covering about 10 acres. On the flats 

 west of Cross Island is found a third set of VB to 2 inch clams, com- 

 prising about 30 acres. Other smaller patches of set are scattered 

 along the river almost up to its source. 



About 50 men derive an income from these flats. Some $1,200 is 

 invested, and the annual product exceeds 15,000 bushels, valued at 

 $12,750. 



The town of Essex has realized the importance of the clam problem, 

 and has attempted through legislation to deal with it. The selectmen 

 are empowered to grant to citizens of the town an area consisting of 

 an acre or less on flats already barren, for the purpose of raising 

 clams, and in this manner partially restock the flats. A rental of 

 $2 is charged, covering a period of five years, and an additional fee 

 of 50 cents is required for recording. In spite of inadequate pro- 

 tection, the experiment has been conducted long enough to prove that 

 these flats can be made profitable to the clammers. 



The history of the clam industry at Essex is one of extensive decline. 

 There is every reason to believe that the greater part at least of the 

 waste area was once very productive. Prof. James L. Kellogg in the 

 United States Fish Commission Bulletin for 1899, says : 



We have much evidence that the clam industry in Essex has, in the past, 

 been extensive. . . . Much more testimony of a similar character may be 

 had to show that the flats once very productive have almost entirely failed. 



COMPARISON OF 1907 WITH 1879. 



