31 
one shewed a remarkable malformation, which was 
evidently the result of an accident. The fourth haul was 
about two miles long; the net was, however, torn, and 
only 2 plaice (15 inches and 8 inches long) and 1 lemon 
sole (S inches long) were taken. 
Physical observations. 
Wind, W. light breeze; 
Weather, fine; 
Sea, smooth; 
Barometer, 30°85 ; 
Air temperature, 10°°5 C.; 
Sea temperature at surface, 10°85 C. ; 
3 a bottom, 11°25 C.; 
Specific gravity at.surface, 1:0258 ; 
Transparency, 20 feet in hauls 1-3, and 12 feet in 
haul 4. 
No tow-nettings were taken during these hauls, and, 
in consequence of the catching and tearing of the net, 
very few invertebrates were taken. A dog-fish purse, 
with a well-advanced embryo, was picked up during the 
last haul. 
The size of the plaice taken in these hauls is very 
noticeable, when it is remembered that they were made 
in territorial waters and in comparatively shallow 
water—-the 251n. plaice was caught in 7 fathoms. It is 
apparent that large plaice are relatively abundant at the 
North end of the Isle of Man, and, as clean trawling 
ground is to be found there, there should be no diffieulty in 
supplying the Port Erin Hatchery from its own area in 
a very convenient manner. 
The malformed plaice (Plate I.) caught in the third 
haul presents a very interesting peculiarity, in that a 
noteh of about 2 mehes long has been taken out of the 
