From 1935 to 1938 the Laboratory was without a formal 

 Director, and administrative responsibility for the work of the 

 Laboratory was assumed by Galtsoff. Experimental oyster 

 investigations at this time dealt with the physiology of spawning, 

 accumulation and storage of heavy metals in the oyster, season- 

 al fluctuations in the concentration of glycogen and heavy metals, 

 oxygen consumption of oysters, and sex change. The latter study 

 was continued for five consecutive years before its completion. In 

 1935-36, in connection with a special appropriation for oyster 

 pest control, a survey was made of the distribution of starfish and 

 drills in Buzzards Bay and Narragansett Bay. Under the supervi- 

 sion of Galtsoff, the survey was carried on by K. S. Rice and 

 temporary assistants C. F. Reppun, G. Mishtowt, B. Boving, and 

 C. D. Weber, who also assisted in the experimental study of 

 metabolism and storage of metals in oyster tissues. Rice and 

 Weber remained in the residence for the entire year in order to 

 extend their observations throughout all seasons. Independent 

 investigators were: H. M. Smith, F. G. Hall, F. H. McCutchin, 

 J. W. Wilson, and E. Linton. In the summer of 1938 the follow- 

 ing investigations indirectly related to fishery problems were con- 

 ducted: R. Maluf--osmoregulative mechanism in crayfish; R. B. 

 Root and H. Brown- -effect of carbon dioxide on the respiratory 

 function of blood of marine fishes; and J. M. Odiorne- -behavior 

 of melanophores of Fundulus, 



The 1938 Hurricane 



On September 21, 1938, the Station suffered a severe blow 

 from a tropical hurricane and the storm wave which accompanied it. 

 In the report to the Commissioner the damages caused by the hurri- 

 cane are described by Galtsoff, acting Director, as follows: "Fisher- 

 ies grounds littered with debris, boats, cars and silt present prob- 

 ably the most convincing picture of the ferocity of the tidal waves 

 and wind that struck Woods Hole. The most serious destruction was 

 done to the pier, three-quarters of which was carried away and de- 

 posited on the grounds nearby. Not only the wooden upper struc- 

 tures and planks were demolished, but the heavy stones forming the 

 wall were lifted, and tossed away. . . . Water filled the basements 

 of the Laboratory and residence buildings and undermined the founda- 

 tion, smashed the windows and considerably damaged materials and 

 equipment stored there. Tile roofs of both buildings were ripped 

 leaving several large holes, some of them about 10 feet square. . . . 

 Fortunately the Laboratory boats and scientific equipment were not 

 damaged". A rough estimate indicated that about $100, 000 would be 

 required to rehabilitate the Station. Such funds were not available, 

 and in view of the uncertain future of the Station no efforts were m.ade 

 to request the necessary Congressional appropriation for rehabilita- 

 tion. A sum of about $5, 000 for the immediate and most urgent 



86 



