80 . THE MOLLUSK FISHERIES 



Summary op Industet. 



Area of quahaug territory (acres), 1,000 



Number of men (transient), 20 



Number of boats, - 



Value of boats, - 



Number of skifiEs, 10 



Value of skiffs, $100 



Value of implements, $140 



Production. 



"Little neeks": — 



Bushels, 1,200 



Value, $3,000 



Quahaugs: — 



Bushels, 1,000 



Value, $1,000 



Total: — 



Bushels, 2,200 



Value, $4,000 



Scallop {Pecten irradians). 



The common shallow-water scallop is unknown commercially on the 

 north shore, occurring only south of Boston. It is usually found in 

 abundance along the southern shore of Cape Cod, in Buzzards Bay, 

 and about the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. 



For the past three years investigations in regard to its growth, habits 

 and culture have been carried on by the Commissioners on Fisheries 

 and Game. These investigations are now practically completed. In 

 another report the whole life history of this bivalve will be given, show- 

 ing the application of this scientific study to the existing conditions of 

 the industry. 



The scallop fishery in Massachusetts is only a partial industry, as 

 it does not concern the whole coast line, but merely the Vineyard Sound 

 and Buzzards Bay shore. Compared with other States, the production 

 of Massachusetts is favorable, New York alone exceeding it in out- 

 put. The southern coast of Massachusetts is especially adapted for this 

 shellfish. Its bays, sheltered harbors and inlets afford excellent ground 

 for the scallop, which requires protection against the heavy seas. Thou- 

 sands of acres of eel-grass flats from 1 to 60 feet under water were 

 formerly covered by beds of scallops, and in parts are still thickly set. 

 While the extent of the scalloping area is large, only portions are ever 

 productive at any one time. A set may be in one part this year, and the 

 next year's spawn may catch in a different place. Thus, while all the 

 ground is suitable for scallops, only a small part is in productive 

 operation each year. 



