2 DIRECTOR S REPORT. 



being made to interest fishermen in the subject^ and to set them to 

 make observations of surface temperature on the fishing grounds. 



Besides practical work, Mr. Dickson hopes to deal with material 

 already in existence. Through the courtesy of the Meteorological 

 Council, access has been obtained to the extensive records of sea 

 temperatures in the Meteorological Ofiice. The Council were kind 

 enough to instruct their Secretary, Mr. R. H. Scott, F.R.S., to 

 render all possible assistance in the work, and a large number of 

 documents have already reached Plymouth for criticism and discus- 

 sion. It is hoped that the changes of temperature from month to 

 month round the whole of the British coasts will be accurately 

 determined ; and former investigations of the kind lead to the hope 

 that considerable light may be thrown on the movements of various 

 species of fish. 



Another important step taken within the last quarter was the 

 appointment of Mr. Hughes, a chemist from Professor Meldola's 

 laboratory, to carry on experiments as to the production of artificial 

 baits. Mr. Hughes arrived on the 24th of February, and has since 

 been busily engaged in making extracts of all the animals most 

 commonly used as bait. The methods of making and applying 

 these extracts, together with the results of trials, will of coui'se 

 form the subject of subsequent papers. For the pi*esent it is 

 enough to state merely the general lines upon which the work is' 

 proceeding. 



Dr. Grenfellj superintendent of the Mission to Deep Sea Fisher- 

 men, who has previously furnished collections of pelagic animals 

 taken by means of the surface net, has kindly consented to add the 

 taking of temperatures to his other observations. With this 

 object in view, the thermometers already in his possession have 

 been carefully examined, and he has been furnished with an addi- 

 tional instrument. Specially prepared books have also been pro- 

 vided so that he may the more easily tabulate his results. 



The tank room of the Laboratory, from being open to the public 

 only one day in the week, is now open every day (Sunday excepted), 

 a small charge being made for admission. The system is in every 

 way proving a success ; the attendance, especially on holidays, 

 remaining all but up to the former standard. Members are of course 

 still admitted at any time free of charge. 



The storm of the 9th of March, so disastrous to shipping and 

 property generally, caused considerable damage to the boats of the 

 Association. One, the hook and line boat, was fortunately beached 

 for repair and escaped injury. The steam-launch was sunk at her 

 moorings and had her funnel, two water tanks, and all inside 

 fittings carried away. The pulling or sailing boat and dingey were 



