32 THE VOYAGE OF H.M.S. CHALLENGER. 



IV. Zoological Observations. 



As the Scientific Director of the Expedition is an accomplished zoologist, and has already had much 

 experience in marine exploration, it will suffice to offer a few suggestions under this head. 



The quadrant-like zone of the Pacific, which separates the northern and eastern boundaries of the Poly- 

 nesian Archipelago (using "Polynesia" in its broadest sense as inclusive of "Micronesia") from the coasts of 

 N. Asia and America, is as little explored from the point of view of the physical geographer as from that of the 

 biologist. It would be a matter of great importance to examine the depth, and the nature of the deep-sea fauna, 

 of this zone by taking a line of soundings and dredgings in its northern half (say between Japan and Vancouver) 

 and in its eastern half (say between Vancouver and Valparaiso). If practicable, it would further be very 

 desirable to explore the littoral fauna of "Waihou or Easter Island, and Sala-y-Gomez, with the view of comparing 

 it critically with that of the west coast of South America. 



If H.MS. Challenger passes through Torres Straits, it will be very desirable to examine the littoral fauna 

 of the Papuan shore of the straits in order to compare it with that of the Australian shore. The late Professor 

 Jukes, in his Voyage of the Fly many years ago, directed attention to this point and to its theoretical 

 bearings. 



The Hydrographic examination of " Wallace's line " in the Malay Archipelago, and of the littoral faunas on 

 the opposite sides of that line, is of great importance, considering the significance of that line as a boundary 

 between two Distributional provinces. And additional interest has been given to the exploration of this region 

 by Captain Chimmo's recently obtained sounding of 2800 fathoms in the Celebes Sea, the mud brought up 

 being almost devoid of calcareous organisms, but containing abundant spicula of sponges and Radiolaria. 



The light from any self-luminous objects met with should be examined with a prism as to its composition. 

 The colours of animals captured should also be examined with a prism, or by aid of the microscopic 

 spectroscope. 



V. Concluding Observations. 



Attention should be paid to the Geology of districts which have not hitherto been examined, and collections 

 of minerals, rocks and fossils should be made. Detailed suggestions as to the duties of the geologist accompanying 

 the Expedition are unnecessary ; but it seems desirable that, at all shores visited, evidence of recent elevation 

 or subsidence of land should be sought for, and the exact nature of these evidences carefully recorded. 



Every opportunity should be taken of obtaining photographs of native races to one scale ; and of making 

 such observations as are practicable with regard to their physical characteristics, language, habits, implements, 

 and antiquities. It would be advisable that specimens of hair of unmixed races should in all cases be obtained. 



Each station should have a special number associated with it in the regular journal of the day's proceedings, 

 and that number should be noted prominently on everything connected with that station ; so that in case of 

 labels being lost or becoming indistinct, or other references failing, the conditions of the dredging or other 

 observations may at once be forthcoming on reference to the number in the journal. All specimens procured 

 should be carefully preserved in spirit or otherwise, and packed in cases with the contents noted ; to be dealt 

 with in the way which seems most likely to conduce to the rapid and accurate development of the scientific 

 results of the Expedition. 



A diary, noticing the general proceedings and results of each day, should be kept by the Scientific Director, 

 with the assistance of his Secretary ; and each of the members of the Scientific Staff should be provided with a 

 note-book in which to enter from day to day his observations and proceedings; and he should submit this diary 

 at certain intervals to the Scientific Director, who should then abstract the results, and incorporate them, along 

 with such additional data as may be supplied by the officers of the ship, in general scientific reports to be sent 

 home to the Hydrographer at every available opportunity. 



The Scientific Staff should be provided with an adequate set of books of reference, especially those bearing 

 on perishable objects. 



