NO. I (1920) ADMINISTRATION REPORT, 1918-19 21 



in the London Journal Man. Another memoir upon the relation- 

 sh,p of Madagascar and East African outrigger fishing craft with 

 chose of Indonesia has also been completed and will probably be 

 published in one of the French scientific journals. Much material 

 for other work of a similar nature has been collected ; the value 

 of research of this character is important because of the light it 

 sheds upon the relationships of coast populations in the east. 



The anatomy of the chank (Turbinella pinun) has been worked 

 out in detail by the Zoological Assistant and should shortly be in 

 a condition for publication. The life-history of a curious shore- 

 frequenting beetle, Blcdius maindroni, has been investigated by the 

 Fish-farm Sub-Assistant, who is also collecting extensive details 

 concerning the life-history and growth of the chief backwater 

 fishes of important food value. 



38-A. Edible Seaweed. — A certain amount of edible seaweed is 

 found on the Ramnad coast and islands, of the kind sold in 

 Colombo under the name of ' Kalpentyn moss.' This is used 

 largely by Muhammadans in making a .gelatinous sweetmeat and 

 should be equally adapted for refinement into agar-agar, which is 

 in considerable demand in Europe, especially for bacteriological 

 purposes. To test the market value of the Ramnad product in the 

 European market this department collected 500 lb. and arranged 

 with a firm in Tuticorin to export it to London. The firm have 

 promised to report the result. The cost of collection was paid for 

 in full by the exporters. 



39. The Department } s Fleet. — The opportunity afforded by the 

 strengthening of the staff by the appointment of a Marine Assist- 

 ant whose duties will be entirely executive as apart from research, 

 has enabled me to have the whole of our little fleet properly over- 

 hauled. The motor engine of the Lady Nicholson, being found to 

 develop less speed than is requisite, has been sold for the very 

 satisfactory price of Rs. 15,000, less 5 percent commission. It 

 will now become necessary to decide whether it is desirable to 

 instal a more powerful engine ; estimates are being sought from 

 several well-known makers. Opportunity was taken at the time 

 of removing the engine to overhaul the vessel and effect the 

 necessary repairs. The hull is now in perfect condition. 



The motor launches Pearl and Sutherland are now under repairs 

 and minor alteration. The Leverett performed useful towing 

 service during the Rameswaram chank fishery and has proved 



