But, incredible as it may seem, Mngland has no vessel 
at all, large or small, devoted to the purpose of such 
investigations. How long will this absurd condition of 
affairs be allowed to continue in this rich country, with 
its boasted advanced position, enlightened views and keen 
eye to practical applications’ Not only other civilised 
countries but even some of our own colonies are far in 
advance of us in the public utilisation of Marine Biolo- 
gical investigations. 
Norway is a poor country, but, in some directions at 
least, an enlightened one. Here is the latest item of 
news in regard to her fisheries investigations : —‘ The 
Norwegian Government has built and fitted out a steain 
vessel for the express purpose of marine scientific 
research, and has placed her, as well as a trained staff of 
assistants, in charge of Dr. Johan Hyjort as leader of the 
Norwegian Fishery and Marine Investigations. The 
vessel herself, the ‘‘ Michael Sars,” has been constructed 
in Norway on the lines of an English steam trawler—that 
type of boat being regarded as the most seaworthy and 
suitable for such an expedition—but considerably larger, 
being 132 feet in length, 25 feet beam, and fitted with 
triple-expansion engines of 300 horse-power. The fishing 
gear includes znter alia, trawls, nets, and lines of all kinds, 
with massive steel hawsers and powerful steam winches 
to work the heavy apparatus; while the numerous 
scientific instruments are of the very best and latest 
description. The expedition left Christiania in the 
middle of July on what may be termed its trial trip along 
the Norwegian coast (accompanied for part of the time 
by Dr. Nansen, who was desirous of testing various 
instruments in which he had made improvements), 
and has just sailed from Tromsé on a lengthy cruise to 
the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Dr. Hjort has 
