60 CONFERENCE OF GOVERNORS. 



or pot which shall work automatically, so far as possible, in favor 

 of the double gauge, the entrance riags being of such a diameter 

 as to exclude all lobsters above the gauge, and the slats of the 

 trap of such a distance apart as to permit the under-sized animals 

 to escape. Such dimensions should be determined by careful ex- 

 periments, based upon those already made by Dr. Field. 



Many objections can be raised, but this plan is defensible on 

 scientific grounds, ■while the older methods are not. The best 

 thing which can be said of it is, that it would eventually give us 

 more eggs, and in an ever-increasing quantity, — the greatest need 

 of this fishery, both now and in the future. Under present condi- 

 tions, the supply of eggs is yearly diminishing, and at a tremendous 

 rate. 



The most striking objection to the proposed changes .would be 

 that if class 3, that of the big producers, has been nearly exter- 

 minated, and we proceed to wipe out class 2, the smaller adults, 

 there will soon be no more lobsters ; but this is not valid. No doubt 

 if this change were made, the supply of smaller lobsters would be 

 temporarily increased where the lO^-ineh gauge law stiU pre- 

 vails, as was the case in this State in 1907 when the 9-inch law 

 went into effect; and this might be followed by a temporary 

 stringency. No one can speak with positive assurance upon this 

 subject, but the important point to bear in mind is, that under 

 such an arrangement we would have a perpetually protected class 

 constantly growing, and at work all the time. 



Again, it may be asked. Will enough lobsters survive to enter 

 the exempt class? We believe that there would, and that the 

 answer to this question is to be found in the records of catches 

 for every locality where lobsters are now trapped. Even in places 

 where the average size is small, larger lobsters occasionally appear, 

 and in sizes showing more than one year's growth. Why were 

 not all such animals weeded out the previous year? Instead of 

 waiting to be caught up in the end, these " escapes " would all 

 enter the protected growing class, to enjoy a green old age of 

 fifty years and possibly more; but we have no positive knowledge 

 of the life span in this interesting race. 



The trouble of a double gauge, such expense as would be needed 

 in adjusting traps to admit and hold lobsters of the legal size, 

 would have to be met, and it would be well worth while. In our 

 opinion, the markets would not be seriously disturbed. Protect 

 the big egg producers, and nature will preserve the race. 



