PROGRESS IN BIOLOGICAL INQUIRIES, 1926 5OT 
several of these animals have been recaptured the indications are 
that a fair percentage survives to reach maturity. In 1926 the sur- 
plus young, not needed for experimental purposes, were turned over 
to the State fisheries commissioner, and 1,881 individuals were liber- 
ated by him in suitable places in the sounds of North Carolina. 
The total number of young terrapins secured in the fall of 1926 
was 4,370, which is an increase of 1,402 over the hatch of 1925. All 
of these young, except 735, are the offspring of the bureau’s experi- 
mental stock. The terrapins belonging to the State, in part, were 
received too late for the last breeding : season, and the rest had not 
been in confinement long enough to have become acclimated. A much 
larger number of young, therefore, is expected in 1927. The dia- 
mond-back terrapin work is under the supervision of Dr. Samuel F. 
Hildebrand and in immediate charge of Charles Hatsel. 
FISHERIES BIOLOGICAL LABORATORIES 
Thirty investigators and others took advantage of the opportuni- 
ties offered at the United States Fisheries Biological Laboratory at 
Woods Hole during the summer season of 1926. 
J. O. Snyder, head of the zoology department of Stanford 
University, acted as director. The station was used to an unusuai 
degree by permanent and temporary employees of the bureau, and 
research facilities were afforded to investigators from other Govern- 
ment departments, also, and to research workers from widely sepa- 
rated universities and colleges. Doctor Snyder expressed himself 
as in full Pa ie with the change in policy with regard to privi- 
leges of this laboratory, inaugurated last year, w hereby, in case of 
overcrowding, investigators are selected on the basis of the scientific 
program contemplated, accommodations being afforded only to those 
who are working on problems of special interest to the bureau and 
who have shown capacity for energetic and productive research. 
He expressed astonishment at the richness of the opportunities the 
station offers for the study of marine animals, suggesting that the 
failure to receive more numerous applications for these facilities 
must be due to misunderstanding or lack of information on the part 
of the younger investigators of the countr y. 
The ‘laboratories, library, and apparatus were in good condition, 
and apparently the needs of the various investigators were well 
taken care of. Boats and collecting apparatus were available at 
all times. The aquarium was in fine condition, and live material was 
supplied promptly upon request of investigators. The particularly 
efficient and willing service of Robert A. Goffin, the station collector, 
and Capt. Robert Veeder, of the steamer Phalarope, deserve mention. 
Raymond G. Hoffses, superintendent of the station, and Miss Jessie 
E. Drayton, who acted as secretary, assumed charge of the many 
details, which contributed to the general efficiency of the laboratory. 
Miss Regina M. Ford was active in the library. She brought to- 
gether the peridodicals and scattered books, catalogued the separates 
that had accumulated, and arranged the duplicates on newly in- 
stalled shelves. Alvin S. Eichorn placed the storeroom in order 
and made the customary inventory of material and apparatus. 
In 1926, as during the previous year, the laboratory was again the 
headquarters of the oyster investigations conducted by Dr. P. S. 
