OF MASSACHUSETTS. 201 



Scituate. 



There is no clam industry at Scituate. The selectmen of the town 

 have forbidden all exportation of clams for market, and consequently 

 the few clams dug are utilized for home consumption. 



The possibilities of a future clam industry at this town, while not 

 alluring, give indications of some promise. Occasional clams are found 

 on the shores of Scituate harbor, as well as its tributary creeks. The 

 main undeveloped resource lies, however, along the broad fiats of thfe 

 North River. These flats undoubtedly constitute a considerable asset 

 in the communal wealth, and the action of the selectmen in maintain- 

 ing a close season will tend to the restocking and consequent utilization 

 of this territory. ■ 



Summary op Industry. 



Number of men, .......... 



Capital invested, .......... - 



Production, 1907 : ^ 



Bushels, 200 



Value, $200 



Total area (acres) : — 



Sand, 50 



Mud, 45 



Gravel, ........... 5 • 



Mussels and eel grass, ........ - 



Total, 100 



Productive area (acres) : — 



Good clamming, .......... - 



Scattering elams, 20 



Barren area possibly productive (acres), ...... 40 



Waste barren area (acres), 40 



Possible normal production, $8,000 



Marshfield. 

 Affairs at Marshfield are in practically the same state of inactivity 

 as at Scituate. The town has considerable natural advantages, since 

 the North River, which formerly made a wide sweep to the south be- 

 fore emptying into the ocean, has opened a new channel within the 

 last ten years, forming many acres of excellent clam ground. A close 

 season is maintained, although there has been considerable discontent 

 on the part of certain individuals relative to this policy of the select- 

 men. A considerable quantity of clams, probably not exceeding 200 

 bushels per annum, are dug for home consumption. There are no ship- 

 ments for market. 



