X OBJECTS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 



naturalists may study the history of marine animals and plants in 

 general, and where, in particulai', researches on food-fishes and 

 molluscs may be carried out with the best appliances. 



The Laboratory and its fittings were completed in June, 1888, at 

 a cost of some £12,000. Since that time investigations, practical 

 and scientific, have been constantly pursued at Plymouth. Practical 

 investigations upon matters connected with sea-fishing are carried 

 on under the direction of the Council ; in addition, naturalists from 

 England and from abroad have come to the Laboratory, to carry on 

 their own independent researches, at the expense of a small rent 

 for the use of a working table in the Laboratory and other appliances, 

 and have made valuable additions to zoological and botanical science. 

 The number of naturalists wJio can he employed hy the Association in 

 special investigations on fishery questions, and definitely retained for 

 the purpose of carrying on those researches throughout the year, must 

 depend on the funds subscribed by private individuals and public bodies 

 for the purpose. The first charges on the revenue of the Association 

 are the working of the sea-water circulation in the tanks, stocking 

 the tanks with fish and feeding the latter, the payment of servants 

 and fishermen, the hire and maintenance of fishing-boats, and the 

 salary of the Resident Director, The gentleman holding this post 

 receives £200 a year and a residence. A naturalist has also been 

 appointed at a salary of £250 a year, whose duties are confined to 

 the study of food-fishes, and provision has been made for an assistant 

 to the Director. These aee the only salaried officers of the 

 Association : its affairs are conducted entirely by voluntary service. 



The Association has at present received some £15,000, of which 

 £5000 was granted by the Treasury. The annual revenue which 

 can be at present counted on is about £950, of which £500 a year 

 for five years is granted by the Treasury, whilst £180 is in the un- 

 certain form of Annual Subscriptions. 



The admirable Marine Biological Laboratory at Naples, founded 

 and directed by Dr. Dohrn, has cost about £20,000, including- steam- 

 launches, &c., whilst it has an annual budget of £4000. 



The Marine Biological Association urgently needs additional funds for 

 the purchase and maintenance of a sea-going steam-vessel, by means of 

 which fishery investigations can be extended to other parts of the 

 coast than the immediate neighbourhood of Plymouth ; for the 

 maintenance and completion of the library ; and in order to increase 

 the permanent staff engaged at Plymouth. The purpose of the 

 Association is to aid at the same time both science and industry. 

 It is national in character and constitution, and its affairs are con- 

 ducted by a representative Council, by an Honorary Secretary and 

 an Honorary Treasurer, without any charge upon its funds, so that 



