FISHING

Another industry important to the residents in OnNell Cove was mussel mud digging. The first mussel mud digging in the OnNell Bay area was done in 1870. Mussel mud consists of shells of oysters and mussels, mixed with mud and has an 85% lime content.

Mussel Mud—digger used in late 1800's early 1900's

This digging usually took place in February and regulations stated that there could be no digging within 200 yards of live oyster beds. A hole was cut out in the ice with a cross cut saw, about 30'x15'. Once the ice was removed, a large wooden structure was built and positioned over the hole. Then a fork or scoop was attached to a long beam, which would lift the mud out of the bed. This process was operated by a system of chains, pulleys, and cables which were activated by a horse- powered capstan. Several men were needed to properly execute this event. Once the mud was lifted out of the water, it was then dumped into a wooden boxed sleigh and hauled to a field, where it would be unloaded and later spread over the field. Several farmers would build this mud-digger and allow other

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