COMMITTEE B — JULY 1905 ( 70 ) 
consequently endeavour to present as complete a summary as possible of all the 
evidence accumulated concerning the growth-rate on different feeding grounds, the 
seasonal changes in the distribution of the different sizes and ages of plaice, and 
the lines of their migrations. For this purpose they would require the evidence of 
otolith-investigations in different regions. As the work of collating large quantities 
of material took considerable time, he hoped the members of the Committee would 
keep him supplied as regularly as possible with their observations on this subject, 
as well as with the usual data concerning the marking and trawling investi- 
gations. 
Prof. HEıncke considered that they could not prepare an account of the 
Natural History of the Plaice if the important subject of the distribution of the 
eggs and larvae of this species was excluded. 
Dr. Prtersen expressed his agreement with the views of the Convener. 
Dr. Repexe said that he agreed with the Convener’s views as to the pri- 
mary importance of knowledge concerning the relative value of the different feeding 
grounds, but thought Prof. Hemexe was right in urging that the subject of the eggs 
and larvae should be included in their report. 
Mr. ArcHer at this stage asked permission to make a statement arising out 
of his instructions from the British Government, as it appeared to bear upon the 
discussion in progress. He stated that he was instructed to make it clear at then 
present meeting that, whilst the British Government had agreed to participate in 
the International Investigations for a further period of two years, it was not their 
intention to continue the large expenditure involved after the expiry of the five 
years originally indicated; and that from the point of view of the British Govern- 
ment it was undesirable that tasks should be undertaken or interests created the 
conclusion of which could not be reasonably looked for by July 1907. 
Prof. Branpt asked permission to say a few words in support of Prof. 
Heincke’s proposal, and advocated the employment of Hensen’s method of estima- 
ting the number of spawning plaice from the number of floating eggs as an im- 
portant means of approaching the problem of over-fishing. 
Mr. Garstane replied that this proposal was not intended to restrict the 
work in progress or contemplated in any of the countries, but merely to guarantee 
