BIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF WOODS HOLE AND VICINITY. ar 
(2) From an analysis of these large sheets the distribution of each species was 
ascertained. The list of stations for each of these species was recorded serially upon 
large blank cards 5 by 8 inches in size. Here were entered, along with each station 
number, the abundance, where stated, or any item of interest which had been noted in 
the original records.“ These cards, under each major group, were arranged alphabetic- 
ally and kept for reference. The distribution of each species by stations could thus 
be determined on a moment’s notice. 
(3) A sheet 8 by 11 inches in size was devised, having the headings indicated 
herewith. This was intended either for use in abstracting data from various pub- 
lished records, or for the entry of information furnished directly by observers. A 
single sheet was devoted to each species so listed, and the printed headings are self- 
explanatory. These sheets were padded in blocks of 50 each. 
RECORD BLANK FOR NOTES Upon Locar SPECIES. 
OD Se iy. Gres iit Stn Gs ok tye eked aly we ered edd rates OS ini i ale elics 
Distribution, geographical (state any locality where species is known to occur)......................- 
Distribution, seasonal (with exact dates, in case of rarer species)........................ Be eee 
Smee EA TIALASICE Ae See ee AGES Tle es secs eC Nak SH eae ee tee 
(4) A rather elaborate system of cards was devised for recording in permanent form 
the summarized data derived from all of the sources detailed previously. Separate cards 
4 by 6 inches in size were printed, with headings corresponding to each of the subdivisions 
of the sheet just described (3). The name card was of heavier material and provided 
with a projecting index margin, or “‘tab’’ intended to bear the specific name. Thus a 
complete record for a single species would consist of 11 cards, although, as a matter of 
fact, this number would seldom be used, owing to the lack of certain data. In addition, 
a heavy red index card was provided for each family, and a blue one for each class. A 
large mass of data was transcribed upon these cards in typewriting, but it must be 
confessed that the system was found to have serious faults in practice. In the first place, 
it was, as should have been foreseen, too cumbersome. In the second place, data were 
entered on different cards which should not have been separated. For instance, “ rela- 
tive abundance”’ should not commonly be separated from “geographical distribution,” 
since it often happens that a species may be abundant in one locality and very rare at 
others. The phrase “scarce to: abundant’? does not describe such a situation with 
sufficient precision. In a similar manner “‘habitat’’ and ‘‘season,’’ or date, should be 
included with each individual entry of the occurrence of a species. The total number of 
cards per species should evidently be greatly reduced. Nevertheless, the system, even 
as described, served a useful purpose during the preparation of this report; and it is 
@ The burdensome task of transcribing these records was carried out with great care and precision by Mr. C. V. Morrill. 
