vill University of California Publications. | ZooLoGy 
Not only are new species described, but all that have thus far 
been found in the area are characterized, and in most eases illus- 
trated by figures, so that these papers will constitute a series of 
hand-books, as far as they go, for the identification of the species 
treated. It is also intended that the bibhographical lists accom- 
panying the papers shall serve as useful guides to the literature 
of the several groups for those who may take them up for the 
study of special problems connected with them. 
4.—Order of Advance on the Numerous Lines of Investigations. 
While there is no reason for attempting a rigorously laid 
out order of attack on the numerous problems, at natural sequence, 
within certain limits, will establish an order; and where practical 
administrative conditions conveniently adapt themselves to such 
sequence this order will be followed. For example. the species 
representing a given pelagic group having been got well in hand, 
a natural second step would be the determination of the seasonal 
distribution of the group, since the study of the collections for 
the taxonomy would surely bring together, incidentally, consid- 
erable data on this problem. Following close upon the treatment 
of seasonal distribution would come that of horizontal and ver- 
tical distribution, the chorology ; and inseparably linked with these 
would be the problems of food and reproduction ; and these again 
would lead to problems of migration, with their intimate depend- 
ence upon temperature and other environmental factors. And 
here, completeness of knowledge being ever the watchword, the 
demand would arise for applying experimental and statistical 
methods in the effort to get at the deeper significance of the facts 
observed, and generalizations reached from the observational 
investigations. The chain of questions hanging one to another 
is endless and, of course, completeness of knowledge in a literal 
sense, 1S an unattainable ideal. 
5.—Knowledge of the Physical Conditions of the Area. 
It does not need to be said, in the light of general biolog- 
ical conceptions reigning in this day, that an aim at comprehen- 
siveness of knowledge cannot for a moment neglect the physical] 
conditions under which organisms live. What has to be consid- 
