158 THE MOLLUSK FISHERIES 



As has been said, the oyster industry in this district, while it has by 

 no means attained its maximum development, has indeed reached very 

 considerable proportions. The entire amount of area granted aggre- 

 gates 810 acres. Of this total, some 510 acres are suitable for oyster 

 culture, the remainder being soft mud, shifting sand, or otherwise unfit 

 for utilization. The entire output for 1907 exceeded 38,000 bushels, 

 valued at $26,250. Thirty-six men depend partially upon the business 

 for a livelihood. 



Capital invested, $96,540 



Power boats, 9 



Value of power boats, $19,500 



Dories and skiffs, 17 



Value of dories and skiffs, ........ $340 



Implements: — 



Dredges, 12 



Tongs, 18 



Value of implements, ......... $2,000 



Value of shore property, ......... $6,200 



Value of oysters on grant, $68,500 



Nantucket. 



The oyster industry of Nantucket is of recent origin, and the oysters 

 are as yet raised only for home consumption. 



Two grants have been leased by the selectmen, but only one of these 

 is now planted. These grants are situated in the east and west bends 

 of Polpys harbor. The cultivated grant in the west bend comprises 

 some 20 acres, only 3 of which are of hard bottom and suitable for 

 oyster culture, the remaining 17 having a soft mud bottom. 



The " seed " planted on the grant is obtained at New Haven. In the 

 last few years the oysters on this grant have thrown a large quantity 

 of spawn, which has caught on piles and stones at various places around 

 Nantucket harbor. 



The only enemy to the Nantucket oyster is the oyster drill. 



The production of marketable oysters for 1906—07 was 200 bushels, 

 valued at $400. These were sold for home trade on the island. 



One man is engaged in the oyster business for a period of three 

 months each year. 



The oysters are taken both by dredging and with tongs. 



Capital invested, $1,358 



Power boats, 1 



Value of power boats, '. $500 



Dories, 1 



Value of dories, $18 



Implements : — 



Dredges, 2 



Tongs, 1 



