THIRTEENTH ANNUAL MEETING. 205 
that a marked decrease in the sizeof lobsters is proof of an 
equally great, if not a greater diminution in the supply. 
It is not possible within the scope of this short paper to 
strengthen our conclusions with a long array of facts, but the 
brief statement of some of our evidence must here suffice. 
One of the best illustrations of the great decrease in the 
abundance of lobsters is furnished by the once famous fishing- 
grounds of Cape Cod. The lobster fishery was first started in 
this region about the year 1800, by Connecticut lobstermen, who 
carried nearly their entire catch to New York city. As early as 
1812, the citizens of Provincetown began to entertain fears that 
unless some restrictions were placed upon the fishery, the ex- 
termination of the species would be speedily effected. Protec- 
tive laws were at once passed by the legislature of Massachu- 
setts, and from that time to the present they have been con- 
tinued in one form or another, but all without avail unless it 
may have been to somewhat prolong the fishery which might 
otherwise have been much earlier destroyed. The fishermen of 
Provincetown did not themselves engage in lobstering until 
about 1845, but between then and 1850 the fishery was greatly 
expanded and a large trade started with New York city. In 
fact about this time the latter market received nearly its entire 
supplies from the vicinity of Provincetown. A great many men 
engaged in the fishery, using the old style of hoop-net pots, and 
catching from 100 to 200 lobsters each every night. These were 
prosperous times, and yielded the inhabitants of the town a pro- 
fitable income. The carrying smacks obtained large fares and 
were kept busy. No marked diminution in the supply was 
noticed until about 1865, since which date there has been a rapid 
decrease in abundance from year to year, obliging the lobster- 
men to resort to other occupations fora living. In 1880 there 
were only eight men engaged in lobstering, and although they 
used the most improved appliances, their annual gross earnings 
were only about $60 each. 
On the cost of Maine, although the fishery is of much more 
recent date, it has already exhibited many unfortunate changes, 
and in numerous places there has been a marked decrease in 
the average size of individuals caught. The shore fisheries have 
