1882. ] SHELL-FISH COMMISSIONERS’ REPORT. 17 
away, or if any numbered vessel of the fleet should be 
caught working upon a bed unlawfully it would readily be 
recognized and informed against. Oyster growers suffer 
great losses from plunderers, for the temptation to rake 
the beds is great, while the chance of detection is slight. 
Any law that will conduce to effective protection ought to 
be favored by the State. 
In conclusion, the commissioners deem it a proper cause 
for congratulation that this great industry is so prosper- 
ous; and that henceforth it is to enjoy the especial care 
of the State. The law of 1881 is the virtual proclamation 
of a new policy—designed in the best interests of all the 
people who are engaged in the business. By its liberal 
provisions all old titles are confirmed and future titles are 
to be made certain by approved legal forms; while all who 
wish to embark in the business of oyster culture can secure 
grounds at the merely nominal price of one dollar and ten 
cents per acre, grounds too that will not fail to yield to 
well-directed effort and industry an abundant pecuniary 
return. It only remains for the State to supplement this 
act with such laws as have been recommended, and such 
others as may from time to time hereafter be found neces- 
sary—always striving to foster rather than fetter the 
growth of the business, and leaving the largest liberty to 
the growers in their methods of cultivating their oyster- 
beds and gathering their crops. 
Of clams and mussels there is but little to be said. The 
soft clam, Mya arenaria, abounds in most of the rivers, 
harbors, and bays along the coast. They are prolific and 
seemingly inexhaustible. The round clam or quohaug, Venus 
mercenaria, is also found along the shore, but their beds 
are not found in so many places, nor in such abundance. 
The mussel, Mytilus edulis, is also found, but not to any con- 
siderable extent. It is believed that the beds of the clams 
and mussels are all within the areas of town jurisdiction. 
So far as inquiries have been made, none are known to 
exist south of the commissioners’ shore line. 
The following is the financial statement for the seven 
months ending with Nov. 30, 1881: 
