LINKEAN SOCIETY OF LONDON. 87 



natural history of such fish, mollusca, and crustaceans as are of 

 special economic importance. Tables for study and other re- 

 sources are to be provided for British and other naturalists. 



It is estimated that £10,000 at least will be required, of which 

 £8000 has been subscribed, and it is to be hoped that the rest 

 will soon be forthcoming. Several of the London Companies 

 have subscribed ; the Fishmongers leading with a handsome 

 donation, and it is hoped that others also will contribute. The 

 first Laboratoi-y will be on the shore of Plymouth Sound, which 

 is, no doubt, one of the best possible localities for such a purpose, 

 and I may add that the Town Council have oftered a suitable site 

 free of cost, and a contribution of £1000. 



" With regard to the building, the Council of the Marine 

 Biological Association contemplate erecting a solid brick struc- 

 ture of about 100 X 40 feet ground area, and of two storeys. 

 The exterior will be simple and unpretentious. The building 

 will be placed close to the sea-shore so that the sea-water can 

 be readily pumped into the Laboratory-tank, and in order that 

 there may be easy communication with fishing-boats. It will 

 also be desirable to have a floating barge anchored near the 

 Laboratory, for special exjjeriments on the breeding of fish, &c., 

 and, in close proximity, it will be necessary to erect tanks on the 

 foreshore, open to the tidal water, but arranged so as to prevent 

 the escape of the animals confined in them for study." 



Important results have been obtained in other countries, espe- 

 cially in Italy and tlie United States. 



With Prof Huxley as President, Mr. Crisp as Treasurer, Prof. 

 Moseley as Chairman of Council, and Prof. Lankester as Hon. 

 Sec, we may be sure that the Association will be conducted with 

 energy, ability, and success. 



At the recent meeting of the Geogi'aphical Society Lord 

 Aberdare referred to JMr. Keltie's able report on the present 

 state of instruction in Geography which is given at most of our 

 great public schools, and commented on the manner in which 

 this important subject is unfortunately neglected. 



This is no doubt true, but it must also be said that, with the 

 exception probably of arithmetic, geography, though so much 

 neglected, is yet the branch of science to which most attention is 

 paid. Geography is neglected no doubt, but other branches of 

 science are almost ignored. Out of 40 hours of study per week, 

 on an average less than 3 or 4 are given to all branches of science. 

 Such at least w-as the melancholy state of affairs disclosed in the 

 Parliamentary return published about five years ago. A similar 

 return, which was ordered last year, will shortly be issued *, but 

 I fear it will sliovv little improvement, and that the neglect of 

 science in our educational system remains still what it was de- 

 scribed by the Duke of Devonshire's Commission, " little better 



* This report has since been issued, and fully bears out my worst fore- 

 bodings. 



