University of the State of New York 



New York State Museum 



Frederick J. H. Merrill Director 



Bulletin 71 



ZOOLOGY 10 



FEEDING HABITS AND GROWTH 



OF 



VENUS MERCENARIA 



Introduction 



In a previous bulletin of the New York State Museum, 1 attention 

 was directed to the fact that both the hard clam, or little-neck, and 

 the common long-neck clam were rapidly diminishing in numbers, 

 not only in the waters of New York State, but also along the entire 

 Atlantic coast where these forms have previously been found. After 

 a careful examination of a large part of the coast of New England 

 and Long Island, it appeared that the apprehensions of many mar- 

 ket men and clammers concerning the growing scarcity of these 

 forms were well founded. It was not intended that the attitude of 

 an alarmist should be assumed. Clams still may be had at almost 

 any hotel or restaurant. Even if the natural beds alone are depended 

 on, as heretofore, a certain supply may be had for some time. But 

 it is certainly true that, unless something is done to check or 

 modify the indiscriminate and unintelligent methods of taking. these 

 forms now in vogue, the supply is finally to fail more or less 

 completely everywhere, as it has already failed in many localities. 

 That time is not remote. It is difficult for one not personally 

 familiar with the clam flats and beaches, and their histories, to 

 realize .the truth of such a statement. While at any time one may 

 obtain fresh or canned lobsters in the market, it is difficult to 

 interest him by the statement that he may not long be able to 



1 Clam and Scallop Industries of New York State. N. Y. State Mus. 

 Bui. 43. 



