FOOD-MATTERS IN THE SEA 329 



special committee of experts to draw up a reasoned report 

 on the need of a national expedition for the further explora- 

 tion of the oceans, the objects to be attained, and the probable 

 cost. The memorandum which resulted from the work of 

 this committee is printed here (by permission of the British 

 Association) as an appendix, in the hope that it may be of 

 interest and possibly of use in the future ; but in the mean- 

 time the project remains in abeyance. After consultation 

 with high authorities, the Council of the Association, in 

 March, 1921, reluctantly decided that, although not aban- 

 doned, the matter must be postponed in deference to the 

 pressing need for economy in national expenditure. 

 In the report of the Council for 1920-21 it is stated : — 

 " The scheme, however, is retained under consideration, 

 and the Council hopes that the expedition is only postponed 

 for a season, and that the interval may be usefully employed 

 in perfecting plans and making other essential preparations. 

 " Meanwhile the memorandum has been communicated to 

 the Cabinet Secretariat of H.M. Government, the Admiralty, 

 and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research." 



It must suffice to add that all the sciences concerned — 

 Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Zoology, Botany, Physiology, 

 and Geography — have problems for the oceanographer 

 awaiting solution, a number of the investigations proposed 

 are of the highest direct practical importance, and there are 

 many reasons why it is lu^gent that the scheme should be 

 revived and preparations organized with as little delay as 

 possible. In view of our maritime position, of the relations 

 of our Empire to the oceans, of the pre-eminence of our Navy, 

 of our great mercantile marine, and of our sea-fisheries, 

 Great Britain should undoubtedly lead the world in oceano- 

 graphical research. 



