266 WAITE 
seaweed-like mass was a great cluster of Crayfish, numbering 
from thirty to fifty individuals. Many were caught by means 
of a baited hook; while in very shallow water, isolated individuals 
were captured by hand, a somewhat sensational sport. It was 
observed that every example taken was a male, the females were 
possibly hiding beneath stones, engaged in maternal duties, this 
being their habit as observed at the Marine Fish Hatchery at 
Portobello.”? I have: also the following note on Munida 
gregaria made about the same time: ‘‘On one occasion what was 
thought to be a large frond of red seaweed was floating near the 
surface, the water glass showed it to be a school of red 
crustaceans known as whale-feed. Three fishes suddenly rose 
among them and the little creatures scattered in all directions.’’ 
The reports on the Cephalopods and Nudibranchs, which were 
sent to England for examination have not reached me up to the 
time of going to press. 
It is unfortunate that it was not found possible to have fuller 
observations made or collections preserved during the operations 
conducted on the extended cruise, and we may hope that in 
future the advisability of having at least one trained zoologist 
on board may not be lost sight of. I am simply stating a fact 
when I mention that no mere collection, however conscientiously 
made, can be got together by untrained men; the small 
differences which sometimes characterise allied species, or the 
outward similarity of forms which possess no close relationship 
to each other, are not appreciated. Further, it is not possible 
even for the trained man to recognise every species of a group 
with which he may be familiar, without careful comparison, made 
with the necessary tools and books to hand, and impossible on a 
commercial trawler. That this applies to the primest edible 
species as well as to those of lesser account will be evident from 
my remarks on the flatfishes to which I may again be permitted 
to refer, 
While recognising the extremely useful work which the 
Government has so far done in adding to the knowledge of our 
marine resources, the operations to date should be looked upon 
as preliminary. They should not only be continued in the future 
but should be certainly extended to embrace further avenues of 
research. There are many problems which await solution before 
we can claim to have any adequate knowledge of our fish 
resources, but these can only be solved by patient and continued 
effort. We already know something of the various kinds of 
fishes which inhabit the waters within easy reach of existing 
markets, but of those which may frequent less accessible localities 
we are in almost total ignorance, and of the possibilities in this 
direction we cannot speak. Taking into account, however, only 
