12 DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVAL SERVICE 



6 GEORGE V, A. 1916 



while in October the corresponding temperatures were — 



52-9° at the surface, 

 48-65° at 10 fathoms, and 

 48-49° at 20 fathoms. 



The salinity is not very favourable, but is about 80 per cent of that in Passama- 

 quoddy bay, or at Woods Hole, Mass., where lobsters naturally abound. 

 ♦ The suggestion is made that lobsters might be placed in some inclosed inlet where 

 the results could be checked for two to six or eight years, or they could be impounded 

 in a stone or wood inclosure and supplied with food, while under observation, and he 

 specifies six suitable locations. 



Xm. — VARIATIONS IN DENSITY AND TEMPERATURE IN BRITISH COLUMBIA WATERS. 

 (prof. CAMERON AND DR. MCLEAN FRASER). 



Dr. A. T. Cameron and Dr. Fraser summarize the results of an elaborate investi- 

 gation into the " Density and Temperature Variations in the Coastal Waters of 

 British Columbia." 



For four months the authors made continuous observations at the station, Depar- 

 ture bay, the results of which are lucidly set forth, accompanied by tables, a map and 

 two charts. The distribution of fishes, and marine fauna generally, depends chiefly 

 upon the temperature and salinity of the water, and they point out that the immense 

 outflow of fresh water from the Fraser river affects the straits of Georgia over a great 

 area. With a flood tide the river water is taken in a strong current, in calm weather. 

 to the north, and with the ebb-tide sweeps towards Gabriola pass, Vancouver island, 

 and southward, and, as surface-water, may pass almost unchanged into Departure bay 

 under favourable conditions. High winds and heavy seas with a strong north or south 

 current causes a mingling with the deeper salt water, and the fresh water does not 

 then reach Departure bay. Howe sound on the mainland is influenced by its own 

 fresh-water outflow from Squamish river, not the Fraser river, as is shown by the con- 

 ditions in Vancouver harbour, and the low values obtaining there. Similarly large 

 bodies of fresh water influence the salinity of Alberni canal, and Barkley sound, on 

 the west side of Vancouver island. These results, say the authors, indicate that in 

 every large inlet along the coast, similar conditions obtain, and much research would 

 be necessary before the relative value of the local streams and of the Fraser river, in 

 different localities, can be stated. An interesting point stated is that bull-kelp flourishes 

 where there is a higher salinity (as the growth, length and weight of the plants, as 

 well as the extent of the beds, increase with the salinity), and the same applies, though 

 in a less degree, to the sea-ivy. The curious ear shell, Haliotis (the Abalone) finds 

 most favourable a salinity and depth of water practically identical with those under 

 which the sea-ivy flourishes; that is not below a mean density of 1-019 to 1-020. The 

 authors add that it is desirable in order to find to what depths the sudden fluctuations 

 in Departure bay and vicinity extend, and what are the effects upon plant and animal 

 life (in order to compare these with the regular changes observed near the St. Andrews 

 Station on the Atlantic coast), that investigations should be made over a more extended 

 period than has hitherto been possible. 



XIV. PHYSICAL STUDIES IN SOME NEW BRUNSWICK BAYS (dR. MAVOR AND MESSRS. CRAIGIE 



AND DETWEILER). 



Dr. J. W. Mavor and Messrs. Craigie and Detweiler, in a short paper, summarize 

 their "Investigations of Certain Bays between St. Croix River and St. John, N.B.," 

 with regard to suggested oyster culture. 



