CONFERENCE OF GOVERNORS. 41 



Proceedings of Second Session. 



November 24, 1908, lo a.m. 



The Preservation and propagation of 

 THE Lobster. 



By Francis H. Herrick, Special Investigator, United States Bureau 



OF Fisheries. 



The problem of preserving or restoring a natural food supply 

 of a nation is suiScientlj' difficult in itself, though supported by 

 all the knowledge which natural science can supply. If the sup- 

 porting arm of science is necessary, the co-operation of the people 

 is equally indispensable. "\Miere, as in the present case, the in- 

 terests of at least five sovereign States are materially involved, hov? 

 much more difficult do such questions become; and without co- 

 operation how impossible of solution. My first word is therefore 

 one of congratulation to Governor Guild and to all who are re- 

 sponsible for this conference of States. It is the consummation of 

 the desires of every thoughtful citizen and worker in the field and 

 laboratory for the past twenty years. Whether entire agreement can 

 now be reached upon every question, or not, all must agree that the 

 right step has been taken, and we may look to the future for 

 reports of progress that is real, if not for immediate success. 



The lobster is easily the king of the crustacean class, and, though 

 neither fish, flesh, fowl nor good red herring, he is excellent eating, 

 and that his tribe may increase is a wish generally felt and often 

 expressed.'- Unfortunately, for many years past we have watched 



1 Whi'e the public seems to demand the lobster in ever-increasing quantities, some 

 diversity of opinion naturally occurs. Thus one person recently wrote that he must have 

 at least one lobster a week, no matter what the price ; while another expressed the fervent 

 wish that this animal might be exterminated, — wiped completely off the map, — since it 

 had given hira so many hours of sorrow and repentance. Such expressions as the last, 

 however, have their brighter side when we reflect upon the diminishing supplies now 

 reaching the markets in many places. 



