Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1920-08-13
CLAM INDUSTRY
ON MISSISSIPPI
IS PROFITABLE


Dixon, ILL.,. Aug. l2.---Apart from
the usual finds OF pearls. the clam- |
ming industry at gavorite points in
the Mississippi valley is prosper
ing this year. Pearls are the
clammers sideline. His main con-
Germ is digging shells from which
buttons are made.
The largest single shipment to
date this year from Dixon was three
carloads, some $50 tons OF shells,
which were dug from the bed of
the river within a radius of half
a mile. They went to a firm ut
La Cross, Wis. The buyer paid $40
"a ton, which is the highest price
vet received by the dtepers, ard
the three cars represented $4,000
worth of shells.
Many other clammers have been
holding their shells for~higher
prices. Since this shipment was
made shells have gone TO $50 a
ton.
Along the shores and many of its
tributary rivers may be found
numerous clammers' outfits which
vary somewhat in design although
all serve the same purpose. a typ
zeal outfit consists of a flat bot
toned boat on either side OF
which is Il rod sixteen feet Ions
Suspended from this are chains
with six four-prong hooks on each
chain, in all 600 hooks.
One bar at a time is lowered and
dragged along the river bed. thus
catching the partly open clam shell.
Muddy water affords the best re-
suits, as the clans there open their
shells for feeding and can be more
easily caught.
Spring and early summer are the
best seasons for the work. as the
spring freshets disturb the water.
making il muddy, Later in the
season as the water becomes cool
the CLAIMS bury themselves In the
mud. The industry Is protected by
the game and fish laws. the sea-
son opening legally June 2, and
closing December !. @
CLANS breed in August and arc
very prolific. The mother weaves
| a sort of web around herself and
young, and when caught one the
| claiming hooks as many as fifty OF
seyenty-five young are often found
ATTACHED to her, while many others
are lost in the catching. W. /.
| The workers outfit includes a
stove OF some sort, the clans be-
| ing boiled for an hour after they
have been brough to shore. This
| opens the shell and enables the
| fisherman to remove the clam. One
by one he goes through his catch
discarding the meat which can he
lied to swine or used for fish bait.
Each shell opened may bring a
large reward for many beautiful
and valuable pearls have been
found in this way. AS the clamnler
runs his thumb along the fleshy
muscle of the mollusk he may find
big pay for his days work.
This summer on Rock river near
here, an eight-hundred and fits
dollar pearl was found. also one
which brought one hundred ana
thirty dollars besides many of les
ser value. Almost every tint from
white to black is discovered, and
exquisite pink and lavender being
especially beautiful. =
Every clam digger has in his
cabin a tiny box lined with fluffy
cotton. This is his treasure trovs
and here are boarded the findings
tof the days catch. The experienced
,clammer knows the value of q
!. pearl, Knows about how much
flaw detracts, and knows the de
lgree of perfection of the jewel. -
that when the pearl buyer come'
through the country the Wise OH
lriver man is no novice TO dea
with