Swansea
Swansea, the most western town of this district, is by far the most favorably located, and has the greatest possibilities of clam production. Situated on the northern shore of Mt. Hope Bay, and containing the majority of the flats in the Cole and Lee rivers, it possesses a greater available territory free from the contaminating influences of the Taunton River than any other town in this region.
Altogether, 200 acres comprise the possibly available clam area of this town. The best of this area is located in Cole’s River, and includes Long Beach flat, the best flat of the district. Situated on the east shore of the river just below the railroad bridge, this flat stretches south in a broad triangle comprising some 20 acres of smooth, semihard mud. Over the main flat is sprinkled a very thick set of ½ inch to 1 inch clams, interspersed with some of larger growth. While this is the best flat, other flats extend along both shores far up the river until the clams become too “fresh” to be very good. Flats also occur in the Lee River, and there is a large and rather indeterminate amount of under-water territory. The total area suitable for culture is not far from 150 acres; of this, about 20 acres are gravel and the rest practically all mud.
No permits are necessary to dig clams on tidal flats, but permits are required to “churn” clams under water. Twenty of these permits were issued last year. Usually in digging under water two men work together, one shovelling the mud into the wire baskets and the other sifting out the clams. About 75 per cent. of the clams produced come from these under-water areas, as the tide flats are for the most part nearly exhausted.
The season lasts all the year round, though most of the clams are dug in the summer time. Of late years it has become increasingly hard for a man to earn a living by clamming, as only 1 to 1½ bushels now comprise an average day’s work under the most favorable circumstances. Many of the clammers are leaving the business and seeking a livelihood in other employments.
The history of the industry is one of marked decline. The most conservative clammer estimates that at the present rate the passing of five years will witness the complete annihilation of the industry.
Summary of Industry.
| Number of men, | 25 |
| Capital invested, | $250 |
| Production, 1907:— | |
| Bushels, | 5,000 |
| Value, | $5,000 |
| Total area (acres):— | |
| Sand, | 100 |
| Mud, | 100 |
| Gravel, | — |
| Mussels and eel grass, | — |
| Total, | 200 |
| Productive area (acres):— | |
| Good clamming, | 20 |
| Scattering clams, | 30 |
| Barren area possibly productive (acres), | 100 |
| Waste barren area (acres), | 50 |
| Possible normal production, | $24,000 |