PKEFACE. IX 



of Nature," going on in the depths of the ocean — that 

 is to say, what is the exact meaning of the ravages on 

 sea fish by the " finuer " whales, the grampuses, por- 

 poises, the carnivorous fishes, and the great army of 

 sea-birds. 



We also want to know the times and places of the 

 spawning of sea fish. Where do the soles lay their 

 eggs ? When and how do the plaice, turbot, brill, 

 halibut, &c., spawn? Do cods' eggs sink or swim? 

 What is the form and dimensions of the young solo 

 just hatched from the egg ? We know, moreover, as 

 yet, but very little of the food of these fishes, of what 

 it consists, how, when, and where grown, obtained, &c. 



The subject of ocean temperature as affecting the 

 great migratory armies of herrings, co.l, &c., is little 

 if at all known, but is yet of the utmost commercial 

 importance. 



Again, how are we to devise a mesh of net that shall 

 let go the small soles and under- sized fry of other fish, 

 keeping the marketable fish only, allowing the others to 

 escape and grow. 



Thus it will be seen that we have a huGfe field of 

 inquiry before us, the results of which will not assume 

 the form of a scientific plaything, but of a key which 

 we hope may unlock the mysteries of the vast ocean. 

 The results obtained will also — I trust — bring out facts 

 which will run counter to certain modern ideas of 

 Creation, prompted, I fear, by pride of intellect, which 

 cannot humble itself enough to accept on faith itself 

 the fact that " The sea is His, and He made it, and 

 His hand prepared the dry land." 



Seeing the necessity of obtaining knowledge on these 

 points, with the combined assistance of my colleague, 



