Yarmouth
The clam industry at Yarmouth, never extensive, has steadily declined, until now it barely supplies the demands of home consumption. Barnstable bar on the northern coast twenty years ago produced clams in considerable quantities, but the soil was never well adapted for this shellfish. Scattering clams are now found there, but the grounds are very much exposed, and cannot properly rank as clam-producing area. Sea clams abound there at certain seasons, and furnish a transient business; also razor clams, which are used extensively for bait.
The best clam territory is in Mill Creek, on the south shore of the town. Scattered patches of clams also occur along the shore of Bass River, but the whole area really available does not exceed 50 acres, and this is not at all well improved. There are no regular clammers, but intermittent digging produces about 600 bushels of clams annually, which are used either for home consumption or for bait.
No effort has been made on the part of the town authorities to better conditions, although the advisability of giving clam grants, at least on the northern or bay side, has been discussed. No permits are required, and local legislation does not in any way concern itself with the clam industry.
Summary of Industry.
| Number of men, | 5 |
| Capital invested, | $40 |
| Value of shore property, | — |
| Production, 1907:— | |
| Bushels, | 600 |
| Value, | $500 |
| Total area (acres):— | |
| Sand, | 25 |
| Mud, | 15 |
| Gravel, | 10 |
| Mussels and eel grass, | — |
| Total, | 50 |
| Productive area (acres):— | |
| Good clamming, | 5 |
| Scattering clams, | 10 |
| Barren area possibly productive (acres), | 25 |
| Waste barren area (acres), | 10 |
| Possible normal production, | $6,000 |