VoL. 2] Ritter.—Introduction. xvii 
I verily believe the value of the experimental and statistical 
methods now so largely used in biology is not fully appreciated 
even by some of the most skilful and constant experimenters 
themselves, nor will it be until these methods are better codrdi- 
nated with observation in Nature. The problems of animal 
migration, to be specific, we now know depend largely, at least 
so far as the simpler aquatic forms are concerned, on purely 
physiological reactions to temperature, light, sex relations, food, 
ete.; and we are already in possession of important clues to the 
way these questions must be studied; but we must learn, through 
eareful and extended observation of the animals in nature, just 
what it is we have to interpret. Need for a kind of marine bio- 
logical research not specially felt a few years ago is now becom- 
ing urgent. 
The laboratory of the Liverpool Marine Biology Committee 
on the Isle of Man, under the directorship of Professor W. A. 
Herdman, and the proposals of the International Commission 
for the Investigation of the Sea, are distinctly in the direction of 
what the future must have for carrying on such researches. 
The portions of Nature unsubjugated by science are vast— 
it almost seems as though they grow vaster the longer we work 
at them; and one of the great questions science has ever before 
her is that of making such effort as she is able to put forth count 
for the most. One way of doing this is by giving good heed, not 
alone to the talents and tastes of workers, and money endow- 
ments, but as well to the opportunities held out by Nature herself. 
The conditions placed by Nature before us mark unmistak- 
ably the road we ought to take. 
