t922. Ernest W. L. Holt. 99 



the systematic marking of Salmon under the superintendence 

 of the Department, a hne of enquiry which, in his hands, 

 has yielded valuable information as to the hfe-history of 

 the fish. The experimental breeding and fattening of 

 oysters also engaged a good deal of his time, with somewhat 

 disappointing results. These experiments were starced at 

 Burren, Co. Clare, and continued at Ardfry, Co. Galway, 

 for a number of years. 



During the last few years the pressure of administrative 

 duties, coupled with failing health, did not, as he used to 

 regret, allow him much time for personal research, but his 

 Wonderful memory for detail enabled him to keep in touch 

 with any investigations which were in progress under his 

 direction, and to forward them with suggestions and plans. 

 One of the last of his activities was the organization of the 

 Limnological Laboratory on the Shannon at Portumna, 

 near Lough Derg, for the study of lacustrine biology and 

 its influence on fish life. In addition to his other attain- 

 ments he was a competent archaeologist, and for some years 

 acted as editor of the Journal of the Galway Archaeological 

 and Historical Society, to w^hich he contributed several 

 papers. He found his recreation, in the short intervals 

 which he spared from his official w^ork, in life out of doors, 

 chiefly in shooting and fishing, and he was also an enthusi- 

 astic gardener. 



Holt's wide general know^ledge of marine zoology was 

 remarkable. He was familiar with all the common forms 

 in almost every group of invertebrates and had made a 

 special study of the Schizopoda, while his knowledge of 

 British Fishes in all their aspects was probably unsurpassed. 

 Endow^ed with a critical mind and a nature intolerant of 

 anything tinged with insincerit}^ or self-seeking. Holt con- 

 cealed beneath an impassive manner and a mordant wit a 

 capacity for real friendship, and for attracting the affection- 

 ate regard of others, and never spared himself trouble or 

 thought on behalf of those who were glad to reckon them- 

 selves amongst his friends. 



G. P. Farran. 



