ADMINISTRATION-REPORT l90"2-03 — XXIV - 



(English Channel) were also received for this third number. The fourth (May) 

 number is in the hands of the printers and appears in September. The calculation 

 that the results of the observations, and investigations based thereon (titrations, 

 gas analysis etc.), would be sent in to the Bureau at the end of the month after 

 the termination of the seasonal cruises, has been too optimistic; it is to be hoped, 

 however, that the work will be so proceeded with in all countries, that the results 

 of each seasonal cruise will be prepared and sent in to the Bureau before the 

 following cruise takes place. 



The Charts of Each number of the Bulletin contains two surface-charts shewing the iso- 



the uietm therms and isohalins of the region under survey for the month of the seasonal 

 cruise. One chart is on a smaller scale (1 : 18,000,000) and gives a view of the 

 entire region investigated internationally; the other is on a larger scale (1 : 6,000,000) 

 and shews the North Sea, the Skager Rak, Kattegat and a portion of the Baltic. 

 The isotherms and isohalins of both charts are constructed by Docent Martin 

 Knudsen from the results which are obtained by the various countries, from obser- 

 vations made at special stations and points between the stations during the seasonal 

 cruises, and especially with the assistance from various countries of observations 

 made on board mail steamers, lightships etc. during the months of the seasonal 

 cruises. The International Council is greatly indebted to the managers of the 

 steamboat companies, and especially to the captains of the steamers and masters 

 of the lightships etc. for placing their valuable data at the disposal of the Bureau. 

 A list of the steamers, lightships etc. which have made observations for the Inter- 

 national Council, is appended to this report as Appendix D. 



Plankton-Tables The second and third numbers of the Bulletin contain lists of the plankton 



collected during the seasonal cruises. In the programme of the hydrographical 

 work as arranged at Christiania, one aim of the hydrographical exploration was 

 stated to be the distinction of the various water-layers according to their 

 plankton. Samples for qualitative work were to be taken along with the water- 

 samples and as often as possible from the surface ; collections from the deeper 

 layers were also to be made at the stations by means of apparatus adapted thereto. 

 It was considered important for the hydrographical work from the beginning, that 

 the results of the qualitative plankton catches made during the seasonal cruises 

 should be placed in the Bulletin along with the hydrographical observations and 

 determinations (water-analysis, etc.). In the hydrographical circulars No. 1 and 3, 

 the plankton was not referred to, but on the 26*'' January 1903, a special circular 

 (No. 4) was issued, with particular directions for "the collection of plankton for 



