Somerset
Somerset, the next town in order, joins Swansea on the east and extends several miles up the left bank of the Taunton River. Its flats on the south and west, particularly in the Lee River, produce some clams, though the industry is practically run out. The total clam area comprises about 75 acres. This is mostly mud, though gravel stretches along the shore aggregate perhaps 10 acres. The development of latent possibilities in this territory is largely curtailed by the disastrous effects of the Taunton River upon the clams. This water, contaminated by the manufacturing plants of Taunton, makes the clams grown in the northern part of the town of inferior taste and quality.
Six licenses, costing $1 apiece, were issued last year for “churning” clams. No permits other than these are required.
Summary of Industry.
| Number of men, | — |
| Capital invested, | — |
| Production, 1907:— | |
| Bushels, | 50 |
| Value, | $50 |
| Total area (acres):— | |
| Sand, | — |
| Mud, | 25 |
| Gravel, | 25 |
| Mussels and eel grass, | — |
| Total, | 50 |
| Productive area (acres):— | |
| Good clamming, | — |
| Scattering clams, | 10 |
| Barren area possibly productive (acres), | 20 |
| Waste barren area (acres), | 20 |
| Possible normal production, | $4,000 |