170 NINTH REPORT OF THE 



The preparation of statistical returns being a new thing, it was impossible 

 to get reports from every planter and dealer. However, with the assistance of 

 the common carriers, freely given, and with the cooperation of a majority of the 

 planters and market men, we are enabled to show the great development of 

 the shellfish business under State control, covering the cultivation, marketing 

 and export trade. 



On or about October 1, 1903, the following letter, with question blank enclosed, 

 was sent out to shellfish cultivators, to wit: 



Office Superintendent of Shellfisheries, 



No. 1 Madison Avenue. 



New York, October 1, 1903. 



Dear Sir. — For the purpose of obtaining reliable statistics of the extensive 

 and growing shellfish industry of the State of New York' (pursuant to the require- 

 ments of Chapter 433, Laws of 1903) you are requested to kindly answer the 

 questions upon the enclosed blank and send the same by return mail to this 

 office. 



The information obtained in this manner from individual planters, firms and 

 corporations will be held as being of a strictly confidential nature. This is a 

 matter of necessity and importance and is required by law (as above cited). 

 Please give it your immediate attention, and oblige, 



Yours respectfully, 



B Frank Wood, 



Superintendent of Shellfisheries. 



This letter brought returns from about one half of the acreage held under 

 State leases and franchises, as shown by the following summary compiled from 

 the statistics furnished: 



SUMMARY. 



Acres held under lease 6,274.0 



Acres held under franchise ...... ... 7,694.2 



Total acres cultivated 9,274.7 



(Location of tracts — Jamaica Bay, Princes Bay, Long 

 Island Sound and tributary bays and harbors, Great 

 South Bay, Raritan Bay.) 



Number of steam vessels employed 71 



Tonnage of steam vessels . 1,223.08 



Value of steam vessels $299,850 00 



Value of outfit . • 121,585 00 



