VI. 



The present method of pubHcation, viz. : printing of 

 reports on part of the material, in some cases on single 

 specimens, is to a certain extent unsatisfactory, but 

 under all the circumstances I think the most practicable. 

 Indices at the end of the volumes will somewhat 

 lessen the disadvantage of detached reports on part of 

 the material, which -has been, or will be, procured. 

 Much more work must be done before anything like a 

 complete account of any group can be expected, or the 

 extremely interesting problems connected with the dis- 

 tribution of marine fauna in South African waters can 

 be adequately dealt with. 



To the various authors who have examined and re- 

 ported on the material and are now engaged in the 

 work I have the honour to express the cordial thanks 

 of the Secretary for Agriculture, in whose department 

 the work has been initiated and carried out. 



J. D. F. GILCHRIST, 



Government Biologist. 



Cape Town, jisi December, igo2. 



