OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



233 



The clam industry of Edgartown has fallen off considerably since 

 1879. However, the clammers say that it has improved during the last 

 fifteen years. The following comparison is made between the pro- 

 duction of 1879 and 1907 : 



COMPARISON OF 1907 WITH 1879. 



The general shellfish regulations which govern the other shellfisheries 

 of the town apply to the clam fishery; but the industry has never been 

 considered important enough to need special legislation, and but slight 

 attention has been given to it. 



SUMMARY OP INDUSTRY. 



Number of men, 7 



Capital invested, . . . . . . . . . $50 



Production, 1907 : 



Bushels, 1,200 



Value, $1,000 



Total area (acres) : 



Sand, . 



Mud, . 



Gravel, 



Mussels and eel 



Total, 



Productive area (acres) : 



Good clamming, . . . . 



Scattering clams, 



Barren area possibly productive (acres), . 

 Waste barren area (acres), 

 Possible normal production, . . 



150 



50 



200 



20 



100 



50 



30 



$33,000 



In the opinion of many, doubtless, this report may appear unduly 

 lengthy, and to include many seemingly trivial facts and unnecessary 

 repetitions. To the trained observer, however, it seems of the greatest 

 importance in dealing with such a practical and important problem 

 to place on record all facts and opinions which may become of value, 

 and to emphasize by frequent repetitions certain fundamental facts. 



Respectfully submitted, 



D. L. BELDING. 



