82 REPOET OF THE COUNCIL. 



of adequate space and of an appropriate food. As regards the 

 question of space, it is most desirable that, for the purposes of 

 rearing both lobsters and fish, the Association should form an en- 

 closed pond within reach of Plymouth ; but the peculiar features 

 of the coast render it extremely difficult to find a site which can 

 be made available except at considerable cost. 



Dr. Grenfell, the Medical Superintendent of the Mission to Deep 

 Sea Fishermen, has consented to extend the observations which he 

 has already taken in the North Sea so as to include points bearing 

 on the proposed closure of certain extra-territorial waters to beam- 

 trawlers, which was discussed at the International Conference of 

 1890 j he has been furnished with thermometric and other apparatus, 

 and with printed forms for the systematic record of the numbers 

 and sizes of fish taken on the various grounds. 



The same reasons which make it difficult to find a suitable site 

 for a rearing pond for young fry in the neighbourhood of Plymouth 

 have hitherto prevented the establishment of a pond for growing im- 

 mature soles, &c., to a marketable size. The Director has lately paid 

 attention to the matter, but no place combining the numerous re- 

 quirements for success has been as yet found within an accessible 

 distance of Plymouth. 



So many anchovies were brought to the Laboratory in the course 

 of last winter, in consequence of a price having been offered for them 

 by the Association, that the Council has authorised the construction 

 of an anchovy drift-net on the most approved model at a cost of 

 about £60. The fish ordinarily caught appear to be exceptional 

 specimens, large enough to be taken in a pilchard net, and it is 

 expected that, by the use of the special net, the occurrence of 

 anchovies in sufficient numbers to justify a regular fishery will be 

 demonstrated. 



Among other extensions of the work of the Association during 

 1891, it may be mentioned that a series of systematic physical 

 observations will in future be carried out by Mr. Dickson, which 

 may be brought to bear on various questions connected with 

 fisheries. 



The usual hatching and breeding experiments have been con- 

 tinued. 



The receipts of the past year including the annual grants from 

 H. M. Treasury (£500), and from the Worshipful Company of 

 Fishmongers (£400) amount to £1925 bs. ; the annual subscriptions 

 and composition fees produced £273 9s., the interest on invest- 

 ments £35, the rent of tables £85, the sale of specimens £148 17s. lid., 

 the charge for admission to the aquarium (since February 11th, 

 1891) £30. 



