OF MASSACHUSETTS. 221 



Wareham. 



Wareham leads the towns of Buzzards Bay in the production of 

 clams, although its annual output is only 600 bushels. This clearly 

 shows the low ebb to which the industry has fallen in this region. 



There are no true tide flats in Wareham, but the total area of the 

 mud-gravel and rocky bottom between high and low water mark where 

 scattering clams are found is nearly 100 acres. There are no regular 

 fishermen, but some half dozen quahaugers dig clams from time to 

 time, chiefly during the summer, to supply the home market. 



The industry, such as it is, appears to be about stationary at present, 

 though in production it has declined notably during the last twenty 

 years. The town officials have attempted no measures to revive the 

 failing fishery, and no town laws affect it in any way. 



SUMMARY OF INDUSTRY. 



Number of men, .......... 6 



Capital invested, $100 



Production, 1907 : 



Bushels, 800 



Value, $800 



Total area (acres) : 



Sand, 15 



Mud, 10 



Gravel, 75 



Mussels and eel grass, ........ 



Total, 100 



Productive area (acres) : 



Good clamming, 



Scattering clams, . 50 



Barren area possibly productive (acres), ...... 



Waste barren area (acres), 50 



Possible normal production, ........ $10,000 



Marion. 



The wealthy summer residents at Marion create a demand for clams 

 at a very substantial price. In spite of the increased price, there is 

 little inducement to engage in this industry as a livelihood, and only 

 1 man digs steadily through the summer months, though intermittent 

 digging is done by others to supply the local market. 



The best clamming is on the east coast of Great Neck and in Wing's 

 Cove. These grounds are difficult of access, and consequently have not 

 been so much overworked as the nearer shores of Ram's Island, Allan's 

 Point and Blankinship Cove. The total area does not exceed 10 acres, 

 and this for the most part is very poor territory ; while the clams coming 

 from these rock and gravel beaches are not of very good quality, the 

 shells being usually gnarled and crooked. 



