METHODS OF INSHORE FISHERIES 259 



The digging of clams and preparing them for market is 

 laborious work, often carried on during the severest days 

 of winter. The digger provides himself with a hoe and 

 several "rollers," the latter being long oblong baskets 

 usually made of laths placed far enough apart to allow 

 the water to pass in and out during the process of washing 

 the mud from the clams. A good clam digger can dig from 

 8 to 10 bushels at a tide; occasionally one is found who 

 can dig under the best of conditions from 12 to 15 bushels. 

 As the clams are dug they are picked up and placed in the 

 rollers. The digger regulates his place of digging by the 

 tide, usually following close to the water as it recedes and 

 keeping just in advance of the incoming tide. Clams are 

 found in greater numbers and larger size near the low 

 water mark. 



On the coast of Maine, where soft clams are more abun- 

 dant, the digging is carried on in the late fall and winter. 

 The fishermen are those who are engaged in the shore fish- 

 eries during the warmer months. Many others also engage 

 in this work in winter, especially the farmers whose lands 

 border on the shore. Small houses are constructed on the 

 banks of the shore just out of reach of the highest tides. 

 To this place the clams are removed after being dug, to 

 be placed in barrels, if shipped in the shell, or to be shucked 

 if shipped for bait. While the tide is up the fishermen at- 

 tend to the shucking of the clams and getting them ready 

 for market. Frequently the long winter evenings are em- 

 ployed in removing the clams from their shells. In that 

 event, the kitchen of the fisherman becomes the seat of 

 action, where more comfortable quarters and perhaps as- 

 sistance from the members of the family make the work 

 easier and less prosaic. 



