142 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM. 



the attention of tlie authorities of some of the seaboard counties having 

 been called to the matter, it is likely that before long the fishery will 

 be either prohibited for a term of years or in some way regulated by 

 law. From the little island of Anacapa in the Santa Barbara chan- 

 nel two persons obtained over 2 tons of shells and meats, being their 

 second catch within a few months. Fortunately there are numerous 

 places along the coast that are inaccessible, so there is but little danger 

 of any of the species becoming absolutely extinct. 



