England has excited the earnest attention of all interested in the
preservation of one of the most valuable crustaceans of our country.
In the State of Maine, particularly, where the industry is of the
first importance, the steady decline from year to year has caused the
gravest fears, and incessant efforts have been made by the United
States Fish Commission, in conjunction with the State Fish Commission
of Maine, to overcome this decline. This paper presents the results of
an investigation by the writer in 1899. All statistics, when not
otherwise stated, are for the calendar year 1898.

I am indebted to so many dealers, fishermen, and others for
information given and courtesies extended that it is impossible to
mention them by name; and I now extend to all my most sincere thanks
for their many kindnesses.


[Illustration: The first steam smack to carry lobsters in a well]



NATURAL HISTORY OF THE LOBSTER.

Although the lobster has been of great value to the New England States
and the British Provinces as a food commodity, but little was known of
its life-history and habits until within the last few years. To this
ignorance has been due quite largely peculiar (and in some instances
useless) laws enacted by some States. The gradual enlightenment of the
public on this subject has borne good fruit, however, and most of the
present State laws are founded on substantial facts instead of
theories. Prof. Francis H. Herrick has been one of the most prominent