shown that in some parts of our district, generally a con- 

 siderable distance off shore, the fauna at the bottom is 

 exceedingly abundant. Dredgings from depths of about 

 20 fins., at 25 miles N. W. of the Bar Light-ship, bring up 

 such masses of Ophiuroids (chiefly Opliiocoma nigra, and 

 Opliiothrix pentaphyllum) , that the dredge net has more 

 than once been choked to the mouth ; and this has hap- 

 pened on several successive hauls, showing that this 

 astonishing abundance of life extends over a considerable 

 area. This must be an important feeding ground for 

 Haddocks and Dabs, as we know that Ophiuroids form a 

 large part of the food of these fishes. Then in other parts 

 of the area off-shore, and in some places between the 

 banks the dredge brings up abundance of Lamellibranch 

 Molluscs — such as Scrobicularia alba, Tellina baltliica, 

 Mactra subtruncata, and especially Mactra stultorum; 

 and these we know from our investigations in the labora- 

 tory are a very important constituent of the food of Plaice, 

 and to a less degree of the Haddock. Then again at a 

 spot 25 miles N. W. of the Liverpool Bar, depth 21 fins., 

 the dredge has brought up great numbers of the Annelid 

 Onupliis conchilega, and this and other Annelids are a 

 favourite food of Soles, Plaice, &c. Amongst Zoophytes, 

 Polyzoa, and Algae in shallow water we frequently find 

 enormous quantities of Amphipoda and other smaller 

 Crustacea which we know to be the food of young Cod, 

 Whiting, and other valuable fishes. 



Another invertebrate which although not itself market- 

 able is indirectly of great economic importance is the gre- 

 garious annelid Sabellaria alveolata which builds up the 

 loose sand grains into firm masses of adhering tubes 

 known locally by the fishermen as " ross " and "knarrs." 

 These masses form hummocks, reefs or banks which 

 extend for hundreds of yards or it may be even for miles 



