FOREST, FISH AND GAME COMMISSION. 177 



Clams. 



The delicious and appetizing clams produced in this State (among which are 

 the popular Little Necks and Rockaways) are far-famed. As the natural supplies 

 have continued to diminish, planters have, in many instances, given careful atten- 

 tion to cultivating this succulent bivalve. Notably, in Jamaica Bay they have 

 been successfully grown in considerable quantities. No difficulty has been experi- 

 enced in disposing of the stock right at the beds at good prices. Clams, although 

 a staple article of trade, are especially sought at times when the oyster is out of 

 the market. Our native stock finds ready sale, often bringing from ten dollars to 

 twelve dollars per barrel. 



Ti)e Aen^aden Cafcl). 



The Menhaden fishermen have enjoyed two years of plenty following upon 

 several years of scarcity. The vicissitudes of this business are common to all 

 coast fisheries and tend to prove the theory that ocean fish have their periods 

 of being scarce and plentiful entirely irrespective of any agency of man. This 

 fluctuation of supply is well understood by fishermen. The Menhaden business 

 has, during the year, yielded results as follows: 



Number of steamers 30 



Catch of fish (about), barrels 1,500,000 



Oil made (about), barrels 70,000 



Scrap (about), tons 40,000 



Value (about) . $1,500,000 



Vood Fisheries. 



Food-fish of all kinds have been fairly abundant upon our coast. Bluefish, 



however, did not come North in as great abundance as during last season, but 



were plentiful in Southern waters. The net fishermen in the vicinity of Montauk 



Point and along our outer coast line have been favored with large catches which 



have brought satisfactory prices in the market, making for this season prosperous 



times for those engaged in this hazardous and often unprofitable occupation. 



Respectfully submitted. 



B. Frank Wood, 



Superintendent of Shell fisheries. 



New York, N. Y., December 30, 1903. 



