Custer chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, Black Hills, D.T. [S.D.]) 1880-1890, 1889-06-29
Clam Fishing With Bare Toes.

New York Tribune: Judged by the
quantities Of Little Neck clans that are
sold in New York restaurants and fish
markets and are shipped to western cities,
that little part Of Long Island must have
the most prolific shell fish beds in the
wide world in proportion to its size. The
truth, is, however, that more 'Littls
Neck clans come from Sandy Hook
bay and Shrewsbury river than from the
whole Of Long Island. In fact, the
Sandy Hook clam "chuggers'' extenuate
their deception OF a cOntidiBg public by
arguing that while the Little Neck" has
the name, after all, Shire wsbury has the
hayor, and the people who are deceived
into buying SANDY Heokers for Little
Neck5 really get a better biyalve for their
money.
Thege Clam ~chuggers," as the fsRer
men are called, form little colonies by
themselves, st least during the surumes
months, and the men, wsrcen and chill.
Greu join in The industry. Most Of the
Clalaa are taken az low tide with hand
RACES and dredgcs. hu: the industry ia
p|GTa4cU 20 laboIously, and the Temuucr2-
lln is SO low, that ltlie Vcs,ige Of sport
remains Gb0ut il. The farmers are the
people who make merry over Ii, how
ever, Amos. any iuc day q picnic
party OF farmers, with their wives and
ruBa and daughters, msy be seen wind.
ing down 10 the beach IN their wago4s
iUr q days sport. The n0rses ere tied TO
the wagon boxes, pientifully provided
WITH hay and oats, and the men aud
women divide into separate parties ana
seek shelter 30 dress For the fun. TIE
men SEQ appearssin old shirts and trous-
crs; the women in Old gowns. al ave
~befe.tooted. The euly implements pro-
yldgd are two or three tubs, no tOngg.
pitCbfOrkg or rakcs. Laughing and
shouting they run down 10 the beach
where The tide has gone out, and are
seen wading around in the water,
dragging The tubs 2ftVr them.
The clans are waiting for them, nestled
IN the mud, and the waders feel for them
" Ia their bare toes. Many a squeal
goes up from the Cme and girls who
are not used TO The sport, before they can
Withstand the ticklish feeling of grasp
ing a cold clam she'll between he toea
aRd lifting him to the surface; but the
practiced mes quickly detect the clans
frem gravel, empty shells or sea weed,
and bring them up with a quick jerk and
a kick within reach Of the hand, when
they aie tossed into the tubs. ii the
water is deep, and it is often UP to the
chin Of the wsders, it takes some expert
ness 10 bring the clam up without having
to go right under water for him, head
and all, but the older hands do it readily
ana the girls push the tubs about within
reach Of the best fishermen and make up
for their lack Of skill by unlimited laugh
ter, splashing and fun. This is called
treading for clans.
When the tide gets too high all hands
seek the shore. Dry clothes are tie next
thing on the program, and then an old
wagon wheel tire is brought out from
somewhere and put or the ground. In
side this the clans are packed, hinges
up, and a light fire Of brushwood and
seaweed is made on top Of them. Mean
time the girls have brought out the
luncheon baskets with pickles, sauces,
and good hard cider. In fifteen minutes
the hot Goals are swept of the clam
shells, which are now all open and gasp
| ing for air, their steaming, luscious con
tents are quickly put on plates, and tn,
whole party enjoys q C lam feast in III
perfection.