No. 1 (192 i) ADMIKISTRATION KEPOKT, 1919-20 Ig 



disposal of the Marine 33iologist for use in connexion with the 

 collection of plankton and scientific investigations. 



Orders were given to break up the Turlinella as it could not be 

 repaired except at a prohibitive cost and a satisfactory price could 

 not be obtained for it if sold. Proposals were submitted to the 

 Government for the purchase of another sea-going launch at an 

 estimated cost of Hs. 20,000 to carry on fishing experiments 

 (notably seine-netting, long-lining and drift-netting), to tow canoes 

 in connexion with the chank fisheries and to patrol during pearl- 

 fisheries. 



Marine Biological Work. 



49. General. — Mr. Whitehouse, who joined the appointment of 

 Marine Biologist in September 1919, carried on work in Tuticoriri 

 where accommodation for his office and laboratorv has been rented, 

 but it has not been possible to organize a well-fitted laboratory ther^ 

 hitherto. ^\ 



50. The work falls into two divisions : — 



(1) the investigation of biological questions relating to 

 fisheries ; and 



(2) the supply of zoological specimens to educational institu- 

 tions and museums. 



51. Investigation ofUological questions. — Specimens of fishes were 

 identified and kept as a beginning of a type-collection. The diflicult 

 question of ascertaining the species of mullet found at Tuticorin was 

 taken up and much work has been accomplished, but no announce- 

 ment can be made at present. Very few species of mullets can be 

 determined at sight ; numerous measurements and close examina- 

 tions are necessary in order to determine accurately the exact species 

 of a given specimen ; the literature is scanty and indefinite. Several 

 authorities have undertaken ta assist in the determination of species 

 including Dr. M. E. Callinge of St. Andrews, Scotland, Dr. M. T. 

 EUiot of Birmingham and Dr. Chaudhari and Dr. Baini Prashad of 

 Calcutta. Occasionally materials were received lor identification 

 from other sources. 



52. Supply of zoological sj)ecimen8. — This work is extending 

 rapidly. Specimens have been supplied not only to colleges in all 

 parts of India but also to the University of Aberdeen. Many 

 appreciative remirks have been received regarding the specimens 

 supplied. The woik was however hampered owing to the difficulty 

 in obtaining glassware and other requisites, but it is hoped to make 

 arrangements before long for the regular supply of containers and 

 formalin, etc. This work is self-supporting as the specimens are 



