MAEINE BIOLOGICAL STATION AT PORT ERIN. 11 



and where dredges and other implements can l)e stored. 

 The Committee pmposely did not arrange for any larger 

 fixed aquaria or tanks in the laboratory as they desired to 

 have the experience of a smnmer's work before deciding 

 whether any such were necessary, and if so where they 

 should be placed. It is now generally agreed that the 

 station is so near to the sea, and pure water is so easily 

 obtained when required, that it does not seem worth while 

 to introduce pipes and a pump ; while all the space in the 

 laboratory is so useful that we can ill afford to occupy anv 

 of it with fixed tanks. There is, however, a small plot of 

 ground alongside, on the western side of the steps leading 

 to the beach, and just opposite the front door of the 

 station, which might be used for the erection of a small 

 aquarium and tank house. There is also, on the beach 

 close to, a large rock pool placed in such a position between 

 two reefs and the shore above that by the erection of three 

 comparatively small concrete walls of no great height, 

 and lying in a sheltered position, a pool having a length 

 of about 40 feet and a breadth of from 12 to 18 feet and 

 about 6 feet deep in the centre could readily be formed 

 (see PI. v.). Such a pool as this, into which the sea could 

 be admitted or not as required at each tide through a 

 sluice in one of the walls, would be of great service for 

 keeping larger animals in, and might be made use of for 

 spawning fish if the Lancashire Sea-Fisheries Committee 

 decide to establip.h a small fish-hatchery alongside our 

 biological station. 



The Inauguration of the Station. 



Towards the end of May when the building was nearly 



completed, it was decided by the Committee that it was 



due as well to their supporters in Liverpool as to the 



inhabitants of the Isle of Man, amongst whom they were 



